Year 3 DS gifted and talented - geography

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I received a letter from the headmaster explaining that DS1 is gifted and talented in the subject of geography. It suggests that we develop thus skill at home possibly via local clubs. I have no idea what they would be for an 8 yo?
He has a couple of relevant books and globes. He is encouraged at home, but I can't think of any local clubs or other specific ways to encourage this? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated?

I've no idea of the answer because its such a wide subject.

I made a list of all the main types of geography for DS1 recently and there were about 20, everything from human geography through to the formation of mountains. What sort of geography has your DS done at school for this ability to show up?

As to suggestions to enhance his learning: Cubs, maybe?? Or there is an ipad game called stack the countries that he might enjoy. It teaches children how to recognise various countries by their outline and then to place each country on a blank continent map.

I personally find the thought of G&T in geography in primary school quite odd (and I say that as a geologist), in reality it quite possibly just means he is more interested.

Is he particularly interested in physical geography? if so you can go down the route of fossils and planet formation etc as well as it is all linked. Or if human geography you can also look at the links with ancient history and so on. and how that has impacted the landscape but also how the landscape impacts where humans live and how.

Do you have any natural history societies or museums etc near you? If you tell me where you are I will see if I know of anywhere nearby. We have a natural science group for children near us which meet monthly I think, mine are too young for it at the moment.

Just focus on the bits he is interested in IMO, I don't see the point of pushing him to learn extra stuff if he isn't bothered about it so find out what his main areas of interest are and go from there.

I am not a geologist/geographist, but I too find it odd to be gifted in geography at primary level.

My son, Y8, is very interested in geography. He spends his spare time on natural disasters and weather phenomena, when not working on his minecraft server. Ds2 who is 8 is fascinated by rocks and fossils, and the chemistry of crystals and stones. He has a book called Elements which is basically the periodic table made really really exciting. Maybe that is your way to go?

Thank you for the responses. I do imagine it is more of an interest than real g&t. He has Aspergers so can remember lots about things he is interested in.

Var123 he goes to beavers and is starting cubs on Thursday. He enjoys learning about countries, capital cities and cultures, so I'll definitely get 'stack a country' on the mini ipad I'm getting him for Christmas. I'm honestly not sure what geography he has done in school. I'll ask his teachers as getting information out of him about lessons can be like trying to get blood out of a stone!

nonicknames he enjoys learning about fossils as he is interested in dinosaurs. We have just spent half term at the Eden Project and he did enjoy it but wasn't too interested in the plants. We live in Liverpool and he loves going to the museum. I'm not sure if there is a natural history society locally. But could travel to any around the north west if he liked going? I would be really grateful if you could let me know of anything locally if you know if anything?
I don't want to put him off and wouldn't push anything he isn't interested in.

quints he is interests in tornadoes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions like your eldest! I will order the elements book to see if he is interested in that. It sounds different than any of the books he already has.

Thanks again x

Apparently DD (6) is G&T in history (again a bit odd) although technically she isn't yet as she is in yr2 & G&T history starts in KS2

Does he have any magazines on subscription?

I know what you mean about it being a bit odd, but I think school basically asking parents up encourage interests is quite nice!

His dad said that he was bought national geographic subscription by one of his aunts as a birthday present.

I hope she got him the proper national geographic, not the kids one, which is pretty much just pictures of animals and not much more.

Have you come across the young geologists club?

I got my DC NGKids when they were about 6 or 7 and I thought it was quite good! Mind you, after a year all the stories get recycled.

I don't doubt your DS is very able OP and has an interest in some aspects of geography, but I am just wondering if an element of this is the headteacher merely meeting his/ her G&T policy requirements?

ok so he likes physical geography (I always did too which is why I ended up doing geology rather than geography at degree level. My main interest was volcanic hazards)

I don't know of anything in particular up there but it would be worth your while contacting the World Museum in Liverpool and ask if they have any suggestions. Museum staff are normally very interested in their subject area and will be happy to help encourage children to learn more. these are the geology staff there www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/collections/geology/staff.aspx

Just realised you are in Liverpool (I'm obviously not G&T). There was an event last week... so might be more soon.

Liverpool Geological Society
Tuesday 28 October: Members' Evening of short (5/10 minutes) presentations on a wide variety of geological topics/subjects. 7.30pm in Lecture Theatre 137 of the Liverpool John Moores, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool, L3 3AF. Rockwatchers (aged 6 - 16) can come along to with their parents – For more information contact: Joe Crossley on [email protected]

Membership of rockwatchers is £10 a year

Thank you for the responses, I will definitely email Liverpool geological society and call the museum