February 16, 2008 - Singing the Praises of Geography Songs
A couple of months ago, we were in a fast food restaurant in an
I tried to strike up a conversation with him about his sons. Then I asked him where he was from. His answer-- “
To reassure him, I added, “Yes, I know. It’s on the Horn of Africa, south of the
There was a pause. Then, I just couldn’t resist asking the next question, “Are you from Addis Ababa?” The poor man almost fainted. “Yes, I am, in fact.”
“Yeah,” I said, “I thought so since it’s the most heavily populated city in that area.”
His surprise turned into a big grin. He’d finally encountered someone who knew at least a tiny bit about his corner of the world.
Bless his heart, he had no idea that all this knowledge was thanks to Geography Songs. I already knew that Ethiopia was in Africa, but everything I told that man was learned from the "Horn of Africa" song on the CD.
Learning through songs really works! For more about learning via audio means visit my new Audio Homeschool lens.
Comments
February 16, 2008 - How fun!
Posted by ClagettsFLStyle
What a great experience!
The other day, my princesses and I were reading in our Biology book about anatomy. While reading all three of us started singing a song that we learned from the Magic School Bus show about the body.
It was so funny. Sitting there reading a High school science book singing a preschool type song - but it helps them remember!
Thanks for sharing !
February 17, 2008 - We love Geography Songs too!
Posted by HarmonyArtMom
My children will randomly break out in a geography song and the rest will join in....it cracks me up.
My favorite is the song for Scandinavia....I love to say Reykjavik. :)
Great life tool! Loved your story!
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
February 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I absolutely LOVE those CD's. The same goes for the grammar songs CD. I plan on getting them all at some point.
What a great way to bless that man. I'm only a few states away from home, but when I find out that someone knows where I'm from and can relate to me....it's a thrill.
Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com
February 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jenn4him
If there was only a way to get that story to the creators of that program! What a testimony!
Jenn
February 17, 2008 - That's cool!
Posted by genevieve1642
I might try those Geography songs. They sound great! Have a blessed day!
February 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
My daughter loves geography! I'm definitely going to buy this CD! Thank you so much!
February 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
oops.. the previous comment was by me, Makita @
4twinklingstars.blogspot.com
:D
February 18, 2008 - greetings
Posted by Faith
Hi Jimmie!
I'm new to homeschooling and to blogging, but not new to foreign travel. I lived in Japan two years and loved it. Although I've been to China, I have not fulfilled my dream of living there. I enjoy your blog! And what a great opportunity for your daughter!!
Since I visited Ethiopia, I can now often pick out an Ethiopian face. It certainly does bring you closer to someone when you know about the place they are from. My husband is from Ukraine and he does have an accent. He get quite frustrated with all the people asking him where he's from - and then having to explain where it is.
Hats off to you and the work you do in China. We have missionary friends who live there.
In Him,
Faith
http://reluctanthomeschooler.blogspot.com
February 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Robin @ http://www.martinzoo.homeschooljournal.net
What a wonderful moment you gave that man. It sounds as if he was in a down time. And you truly uplifted him by showing him that his part of the world was worth learning about to somebody. It is a shame that more people don't find Geography interesting.
My two older children went all the way through public school without learning Geography. My daughter tells me all the time that my youngest homeschooled son knows more about the world than she and her friends do.
Hats off to you! And I love to read your blog even though I don't comment often.
February 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jennifer
That's such a great story!
When I was around 7 my family had a CD of "Scripture Rock" and there are still Bible verses I can quote only by singing the songs.
I'm definitely going to be using some of those links!
March 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Jimmie,
You rock! That's awesome. I'll definitely look into your recommendations. My kids love music and I'm sure they'll love audio memory songs.
Lois http://dinghome.net
