National Geographic National Geographic has a great selection of resources for teachers.

Above are some activities that they suggest using in the first weeks of classes. I particularly like the "Classroom Map" and "Classroom Treasure Hunt" ideas. These would compliment grade one outcomes in the Alberta Education (2005, 2006, 2007) Program of Study, specifically, General Outcome 1.1 My World: Home, School, and Community (pp. 19). Geographical thinking is also facilitated by these activities, which is an objective outlined in the Alberta Education (2005, 2006, 2007) Program of Studies across grade levels (pp. 9). These activities would also be good introductions into a (potentially) new school environment, and could also serve as a fun way to build a supportive and cohesive classroom community. Activities like these are great examples of how students could be challenged to develop geographic thinking skills even at a young age.

References: Alberta Education (2005, 2006, 2007) Programs of Study: Social Studies Kindergarten to Grade 6. Retrieved on March 10, 2014, from: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/socialstudies/programs.aspx National Geographic (2014). National Geographic, Education. Retrieved March 10, 2014, from: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/?ar_a=1 National Geographic (year unspecified). Back to School - Ideas for the Classroom [Teacher Resources]. Retrieved March 10, 2014 from: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/idea/back-school/?ar_a=1