WHERE IS THE TEACHING OF GEOGRAPHY GOING FOR CHILDREN? AND THE CHALLENGES OF PRACTICAL AND ACTIVE GEO-LITERACY IN THE FIRST YEARS OF SCHOOL

Abstract

Despite being integrated into the early years of primary education, geography and geoscience education for children faces challenges and needs that are often overlooked. These challenges include issues such as teacher training and the educational structure that influence spatial and geographical learning in schools, as well as issues related to the nature and purpose of geoeducation in this millennium. The teaching of geography to children is still little discussed or underestimated, leading to uncertainty about its future. This review of the literature and the educational context aims to address and clarify these problems, as well as advocating geo-literacy focused on spatial practices and pedagogical interactions, in line with the current environmental and social context, which requires education aimed at sustainable development and the promotion of ethical and value changes in our relationship with nature and the social world.