ABSTRACT
There is no debate that reading, writing, and mathematics are essential elements for effective citizenship today. However, history, geography, and civics are just as essential in education for an informed citizenry. This chapter points out that geographic knowledge and perspective, in particular, are vital features of informed citizenship—and, importantly, that geography education must start in the early years
It is clear that young children can learn geographical and historical concepts at an early age, yet there is a persistent belief that young learners do not have the capacity to do so (Hinde & Perry, 2007). Young children may not yet have the linguistic skills to articulate their knowledge to others, but they have a fund of knowledge of the world around them that can and should be developed. Indeed, rich and engaging geography concepts can be taught in early childhood and elementary classrooms, and it is there that the foundations for geographic literacy and informed citizenship are laid. Despite the hindrances that geography education faces in early childhood education, the need for children to learn fundamental aspects of geography is as important today as it has ever been.
