"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3

Monday, July 15, 2013

Mealtime Geography

Good morning, friends,

I've been trying to think of a away to expose my children to more geography. We have plenty of maps, but no wall space. So I decided to use the dining room table instead. 

Here's how I did it....

I went to the fabric department at Walmart and bought a piece of  heavy duty, clear  plastic to fit our table. It was really cheap - only $2.77 per yard. So the entire piece cost about $8.00.

Then I chose the maps I wanted to use and arranged them on the table. And covered them with the plastic. (You can secure the corners of the plastic with tape to prevent it from moving around.)

Our dining room table went from this...
To this...
Not very Martha Stewart-ish, is it? 
But we love it!!  :)

Here are some of the maps I used...


I also included a cut-away of the Old Testament Tabernacle...
And some works from Renoir...
And the parts of a flower...
I alternate the maps after a week, and add new ones. But the possibilities are endless. You don't have to use only maps;  you could use math charts, science posters, timelines, etc. Anything printed on paper will work!

And the most important part is that your children will love it!
You will find your children pouring over the table,  having fun and learning - all at the same time! And mealtime conversation will be very interesting. :)

Some of my children's comments have been, "Mom, we just saw a fly walk all the way across the Sahara Desert!"

And, "Oh, I just love Renoir's Le Grenouillere!"
 
By the way, for all you AO moms, this is great way to study artists. Next year, I'm going to print the pictures for each term's artist study and put them on the table. 
 
Have a blessed day!
 
"Show me your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths." ~ Psalm 25:4


sharing this week at The Modest Mom


10 comments:

  1. That's my kind of table!

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  2. I love it! especially the parts of the flower :)
    Blessings, Deanna
    @ http://ohomeohearts.blogspot.com
    and
    @ http://theheartshumger.blogspot.com

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  3. Replies
    1. So glad you stopped by, dear friend. Continuing to pray your little one's healing.

      Much love to you!

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  4. I already have clear plastic, great idea. I will use it too!

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  5. I LOVE it Lisa! I have a local friend that did this too and I thought it was great! Is that your normal "schoolroom" table too or just a casual learning environment while eating? We just have a 4' round table, but I just measured and if I cut off the boarders of my maps, they would just fit. I currently have them up in my office/classroom, but I'm about to do so redecorating and make it an office/craftroom and everything's going to have to come down (sigh). Have a great weekend my friend!

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    Replies
    1. Jane, we have school in the school room, living room, dining room, etc. In other words, just about anywhere! So this is just for as you say, "casual learning" while eating. But my children love to stop by the table and glance at this or that. We are loving it. Hope you enjoy your mealtime geography, too. Have a lovely week-end! :)

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