Instructor: Kari Jones
Email: kari@class-source.com
Course Description: Trekking the USA is an interactive geography adventure designed for students in grades 1–3. Rather than memorizing facts, students become Junior Explorers who “travel” across the United States learning about states, capitals, national parks, and major landforms through stories, mapwork, hands-on projects, movement activities, and creative journaling.Each week, students visit a new destination, discovering unique landscapes, animals, landmarks, and cultural highlights while building foundational map skills. Lessons emphasize curiosity, creativity, and connection, helping young learners develop an early love for geography while strengthening listening, drawing, writing, and observation skills.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the end of the course, students will be able to:
-Identify multiple U.S. states and locate them on a map.
-Recognize selected state capitals through repetition, songs, and games.
-Describe major U.S. landforms (mountains, rivers, deserts, plains, coasts, canyons, forests).
-Become familiar with several U.S. national parks and why they are important.
-Use basic map skills such as finding regions and tracking travel routes.
-Record learning through drawings and simple written or dictated sentences in a travel journal.
-Participate in collaborative projects and presentations.
-Develop curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of God’s creation across the United States.
Grade Level: K-2
Class Time: Thursday 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Course Duration: Full Year
Required Material(s): USA Travel Journal or Notebook (blank or lined/drawing combo) Student U.S. Map (laminated or paper for coloring and labeling) Crayons or colored pencils Pencil and eraser Glue stick Child-safe scissors Folder or binder to store completed work
Classroom Expectations:
1. Participation & Engagement:
o Be active learners – Ask questions, share ideas, and contribute to discussions.
o Try before asking for help – Attempt problems independently before seeking assistance.
o Stay focused – Listen attentively and minimize distractions.
2. Champion Mindset & Problem-Solving
o Embrace challenges – Struggle is part of learning; don’t give up too quickly.
o Learn from mistakes – Mistakes are opportunities to improve and grow.
o Show reasoning – Explain thinking verbally or in writing, not just give answers.
3. Work Habits & Responsibility
o Complete assignments on time – Stay on track with homework and classwork.
o Show all work neatly – Organize steps clearly to develop good problem-solving habits.
o Use resources wisely – Reference notes, textbooks, and peers appropriately.
4. Teamwork & Respect
o Work well with others – Respect classmates’ ideas and contribute to group work.
o Be kind and supportive – Encourage peers rather than put them down.
o Listen when others speak – Practice active listening and wait your turn.
5. Reaching Excellence Together
o Follow instructions the first time – Saves time and keeps the lesson moving.
o Ask for help appropriately – Raise hands or follow classroom protocols.
o Be honest – No copying or cheating—geography is about learning and gaining understanding, not just getting the right answers.
Grading Scale: This course emphasizes participation, effort, and exploration rather than tests or memorization. Students are evaluated on engagement, completion of activities, and age-appropriate understanding demonstrated through discussion, projects, and travel journals.Grades reflect participation and progress, not perfection. A (Excellent): Consistent participation and completed most activitiesB (Good): Regular participation and completed many activitiesC (Satisfactory): Attended class and attempted activities
Additional Information: -Students are encouraged to attend regularly to get the full benefit of hands-on activities.-If a class is missed, families may complete journal pages at home when possible.-No penalties for occasional absences, but consistent attendance supports success.-Activities and writing expectations are adjusted by age and ability. Younger students may draw and dictate, while older students write independently. All children are encouraged at their own level.-Trekking the USA is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning through exploration and creativity. Our goal is for children to experience geography as an adventure while building foundational academic skills in a joyful environment.
