A tapestry is not woven by a single strand, but from many: each distinct and necessary and each contributing to the whole in its own special way. So it is with the study of one’s country.
Geography is more than the mere study of maps and borders. It is the story of a land shaped by rivers and mountains, of people who have lived, toiled, and built upon it, and of the cultures that have taken root and flourished there. It is the songs that shaped the hearts of the young, the folk tales and legends passed down through the generations, the history of love, heartbreak, grit, and adventure that has unfolded across the fields, mountains and plains of this land.
In Tapestry of Our Land, I invite you to gather these threads and weave them together to tell the story of America’s geography, that we may come to know America not merely as a collection of places and landmarks, but as a living and connected story, evoking wonder in the hearts of our children and building out the landscape and topography of the their imaginations.
Tapestry of Our Land works beautifully as a family-style study, keeping everyone, regardless of age or level, working together on the same state at the same time. Each state has a curated list of books varying from picture books to chapter books, of local history, customs, native peoples, and local folklore, to make geography come alive. The lists are organized according the Charlotte Mason’s Forms (Form 1 & Form 2) for years (grades) 1-6.
In this model, the family studies each state at a gentle, leisurely pace of approximately one state every two weeks, with a 2 week period at the end of each unit reserved for review, catching up or more in-depth study, completing all fifty states over the course of three years. At the end of the loop, the family can begin again, moving through the same states a second time, or even a third time if desired. This slow and steady progression and revisitation in subsequent loops, allows knowledge and familiarity to grow naturally and meaningfully over time, while preserving the simplicity and unity of family-style learning.
Included are:
- Teachers Resource Book with sample timetables, complete book lists, links to youtube playlists and more
- Teacher's Guide for each unit containing the lesson plans
- Two levels of Student Notebooks for each unit
- State Flag Posters
- State Flag Falshcards
