Dr. Godwin delivers the resource teachers need to activate memorable learning experiences with our students. The text is crafted to fuse geography and art in a masterful way to help students connect personal experiences to historical standards. The use of geography is essential to understanding history and this text helps students make those connections. The suggested lesson plans are rich with ideas to create memorable learning experiences through the use of project-based learning tasks. The incorporation of formative assessment writing prompts will help students develop skills essential in the workforce. I recommend this text for any teacher trying to help students make connections to the past.
— Arren Swift, PhD., Social Studies Educator for sixteen years
It is fascinating that during a time of peak technology, students are disconnected from the world around them now more than ever. Dr. Amber Godwin highlights this gap and the criticality of rebuilding these connections for the sake of humanity. Dr. Godwin's unique interplay between experiences in the K-12 classroom and graduate spaces creates a comprehensive analysis of the compounding effects from this disconnect and nurtures meaningful recommendations. In our increasingly diverse learning spaces, it is imperative to take a step back to the roots of learning. As educators, Connecting World Geography to World History Through Storytelling, Eco-feminism, and Mindfulness acts as a reminder of how we can nurture these deep connections, and for learners, the text fosters a rich foundation for a depth of learning that is vital to every social studies classroom.
— Janelle Abela, PhD., Social Studies educator for ten years
In the follow-up to her first book on integrating art and mindfulness into social science, Dr. Godwin tackles a critical challenge in education: vertically aligned curriculum. Connecting World Geography to World History Through Storytelling, Eco-feminism, and Mindfulness opens the geographic world to teachers and helps them to create a more rich learning experience for students. Dr. Godwin’s framework transcends theory and emphasizes action. She equips educators with practical tools to weave history, geography, mythology, and culture into an effective curriculum. Imagine history and myths coming alive as students explore the geographic forces that shaped them. Dr. Godwin emphasizes the importance of incorporating stories and folklore from around the world, ensuring these cultural touchstones spark curiosity and ignite a passion for learning. The book prioritizes collaboration, high-level student cognition, and encouraging students to actively engage with the material. Lessons are designed to help students develop a complex understanding of the intricate link between geography and cultural development. This focus on individualized learning ensures students goes beyond memorization and fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures. Dr. Godwin’s book is more than just a curriculum guide; it’s an inspiring framework for cultural analysis. She equips teachers with the tools to create classrooms that spark curiosity about the world and its rich tapestry of cultures. The book left me wanting to delve even deeper into the stories and analyses which is a testament to its engaging and thought-provoking nature. It’s a pleasure to read and a valuable resource for any educator seeking to revitalize cultural exploration in their classroom.
— Mike Jones, M.Ed, AP World History Teacher for fouteen years