Homeschool geography club

For several years our family has participated in a local home school geography club. Each month throughout the year every family chooses a country to study about, and then present to the rest of the group. We have gotten so much out of this as not only do we learn about the country we choose, but we also learn from the other countries that the other families have been studying about.

Last year we chose Denmark! I had recently discovered a cousin online that still lives in the country that my paternal great grandmother came from. I have had so much fun getting to know my cousin and she was so helpful in helping us learn about the country of Denmark. She sent us lots of goody packages of a book about the country, a cookbook, flags, and the most amazing licorice I have ever tasted! I also must add that they have the cutest greeting cards I have ever seen.  They are like little cut-outs in pop up book fashion! Below is an example of a card similar to what we have received.

I gave both children certain things to work on that they would present at our club meeting. This has been a great way to work on public speaking! Surprisingly A~man, who is normally very talkative, tends to get nervous like his mama when it comes to talking in front of a group. Z~girl on the other hand is pretty confident speaking. It is so good for both of them though! 

Here they are talking about how one of our favorite toys, Lego, which originated in Denmark.

We also often play games with our friends (that originate from the country) and make food to share. When we presented on Denmark I made some Danish meatballs and also a type of mashed potatoes.

Brændende Kærlighed

This fulfilling traditional Danish meal was a very popular amongst poor Danish farmers for the simple reason that it is cheap, quick to make and very satisfying. We recommend you try it.

Serves 4

• 1 pound potatoes
• 2 onions
• 2 teaspoons chives or parsley
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoons Danish butter
• ½ pound Danish Bacon
  
  

• Peal or scrub potatoes, and boil them for 20-25 minutes in unsalted water or until tender enough to mash
• Cut bacon in small cubes
• Fry bacon on frying pan, and place on platter with paper towel when done
• Chop onions, and fry them in the bacon grease
• Mash the potatoes and mix with butter and salt
• Serve the mashed potatoes with a mix of onions and bacon on top
• Sprinkle the dish with chives or parsley before serving

Tip: To make this Danish dish even better, serve with pickled beets on the side.

With today's technology there are so many different ways to learn about other countries without traveling. (although I would LOVE to go to Denmark one day!) Without technology I would most likely have never met my cousin from over seas. On the web you can learn through geography games , web searches, and we have found lots of useful information and videos at country specific travel sites.

There are so many different opportunities when you become involved in a home school group such as the geography club we belong to. Learning how to home school  goes way beyond sitting down at a table or desk. Becoming actively involved in the research about the country has really helped my kids retain it better.