Cantering the Country

Saddle up your horses and strap on your thinking caps! Learning geography is an adventure! And it's not just about memorizing facts. This book ties together all disciplines of learning in one fascinating package. This unit study course teaches a wide range of academic and spiritual disciplines using the geography of the U.S.A. as a starting point. Learn about each state-its geographic features, its history, and its interesting characters-and tie in language arts, Bible, science and civics at the same time. With this course, you won't have to put aside one subject to make time for another. They're all connected! This comprehensive unit study, which can be used for all children grades 1-6, takes three years to complete and includes all subjects except math and spelling."

—Homeschooling From the Heart

"In order to give you a choice about what you study there are many activities listed, but you do not have to complete them all. Selecting a handful of activities for each state will provide you with more then enough information. To further round out each lesson you can learn the state song, the state pledge, do arts & crafts, prepare a local culinary treat, or choose from one of the other many activities. While Cantering the Country is not a complete curriculum in and of itself the activities, both suggested and included, go beyond that of a simple supplemental resource to quickly make geography the favorite subject of your students. I highly recommend this curriculum for any homeschooling family."

—Hearts At Home

"While this curriculum is designed to be used as a stand-alone unit study, it is so flexible that I use it as a supplement to our history program. We study history chronologically, and as we come to each state entering the Union, we pull out Cantering the Country and use it to study the state. This curriculum is not an 'open the book and read the lesson' type of program. It is a menu of choices to choose from. I like choices! I like being able to choose what specific topics from each state I want my children to study."

—Aimee at Successful Homeschooling

"If you want a US states Unit study that is easy; yet affordable, this one's for you. I like how the books they suggest cover all aspects of a unit study for each state (Science, Geography, Literature, History, etc.). I especially love that this can be use with multiple students of all ages. You can choose books depending on your child's age. The CD allows for printable activities at the end of each state. Worth checking out!"

—Jenny J, Customer Review at Rainbow Resource

"This unit study is a fun curriculum you can use with multiple grades at one time. This would make fun family time together, whether used as a supplement or as a complete study. You can choose from the many fun activities included. This study might require some extra work on the mom's part to prepare, but you will cover a broad range of subjects at one time. The notebooks you create will build lasting memories for your child."

—Annamarie Rozelle at Eclectic Homeschool Online

"After Galloping the Globe with the kids for the last year and a half, we started Cantering the Country a couple of weeks ago. I have ***SO LOVED*** both of these curricula, and had so much fun teaching the kids and learning so much new stuff myself."

—Are They All Yours? Blog

"[I recommend] Cantering the Country! All of your kids can have a blast together, you included! We love it! Mine are 7 and 9 and it is a fun way to educate!"

—Garnet Morey

• Cantering the Country sample

How do I make a relief map?

A relief map is made by blowing up a map of the state or region you are studying. Trace the outline onto a piece of cardboard and cover with wax paper. The student takes the dough and fills the inside of the map. Then they add mountains, rivers, etc. and label them with toothpicks. It is really fun and it helps the student understand geographical landforms by actually creating them for the map.

What mapping activities do you recommend with Cantering the Country?

Cantering the Country lists several ways you can use the maps available. The younger child can simply color the map, an elementary child can find the capital and major landforms, such as rivers. lakes, mountain ranges, etc. The older student can locate all major cities, landforms, and plot where some of the famous individuals studied, lived, or worked. A really fun project is to make a relief map, either from salt dough or cookie dough (both recipes are in Cantering the Country).

Do I have to use Cantering the Country as a unit study, or can I use it to supplement other curriculum?

Cantering the Country is set up to be used as a unit study OR as a reference for other studies. If you are teaching US History it is a great supplement to learn more about the fifty states. It can also be used when taking a trip to another state. You have available maps, tourists information and literature from (or about) each state.

How many years can this unit study be used?

You can teach from Cantering the Country for 1-3 years depending upon how many of the assignment choices you use. When you study a place that your students have special interests in, feel free to spend more time and go into more depth.

Do I need to purchase a separate book for each student?

No, the book is a teacher guide and student resource. No student book is needed because each student will make their own notebook throughout the course.

Can I make copies of the flags, maps, and activities for my students?

Yes, the reproducibles are on a CD-ROM to make it more convenient to copy. You may make copies for each member of your family.

What other resources do I need?

The authors recommended a few core foundational books to have handy. They are not absolutely necessary to make use of Cantering the Country since many book choices are available at your local library, but it does make planning easier. The following books are mentioned throughout the curriculum.

• Atlas of the United States by David Rubel
• Considering God's Creation by Sue Mortimer & Betty Smith
• Uncle Josh's Outline Map Book or CD-ROM by Josh and Hannah Wiggers
• Geography from A to Z by Jack Knowlton
• Special Wonders of Our Feathered Friends by Buddy & Kay Davis
• Earth Science for Every Kid by Janice Van Cleave
• In God We Trust by Timothy Crater and Ranelda Hunsicker

Are the other books easy to find at the library or are they more obscure titles needing time and research?

Most books were found at the authors' local library. You may need to check your library for availability or select from similar topics that your library has on their shelves. The intent of the authors was to make it fairly simple to find the resources to use the curriculum.

If I buy Cantering the Country with the additional resources can I get a discount?

We offer discounts when you buy a bundle of resources that compliment Cantering the Country. See "Specials and Closeouts" section of our Website.

How can I learn more from people using this curriculum?

Join our Yahoo users group.

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