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Of the four categories that the seventh grade standards are divided into, I teach geography first. The reason for this is based on my belief that a student is much more likely to understand and retain concepts (governmental, economic, and historical) about a place if they have a mental image of where this place is relative to themselves and other places. It can't be understated that mental "bulletin boards" are invaluable tools for retention. A student is much more likely to be interested in, listen to, and comprehend facts about "Nigeria" if they can readily picture Nigeria in their mind on their own mental map. In addition, other geographic concepts, like climate and terrain descriptions, enhance this mental image and further facilitate understanding. Interactions between places can be better understood if the student knows how far apart they are and what type of terrain or water lies between them. To teach location and place first makes sense to me and, based on my research, it fosters interest and understanding, thus inviting further study.

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