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Learning the geographical features of the continent is fun and engaging with hands-on activities. In this post, I am going to share how we were discovering the physical features of Australia with a salt-dough map.

When we study continents and countries we like to present the world view from an eagle’s eye – start from a broad perspective look at a larger picture and then zoom in and focus on details that fascinate the students.
Instead of giving all the information and filling in children’s minds with a bunch of facts, we create an environment in which they use their hands, curiosity, and available resources to ask questions, collaborate, find answers, make connections and draw conclusions on their own accord.
This week we decided to make a salt-dough map of Australia to learn about the physical features of the country. Our circumstances allowed for children of various ages to join in the fun. In the process children practiced their grace and courtesy, they gave each other suggestions, instructed each other, and shared facts. My role was to provide necessary equipment and resources, give clear directions, make it safe, step back and observe.
Often when we initiate a group project we involve as many resources as possible and extend it for as long as necessary. Children find and reserve library books on the topic, look up educational videos to watch, we reenact events.
HERE IS WHAT WE USED To create a salt-dough map of Australia :
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of table salt
- 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
- approximately 1/3 cup of tap water was added to the dough until we reached the desired consistency when the dough wasn’t sticking to the hands
- rolling pin, measuring cup
- paints
- toothpicks
- paper for making labels
- physical map of Australia
- outline of Australia
- butter knife
- tray or board

Here is what we did
- Mixed all the ingredients to make salt dough
- Rolled the dough
- Covered the dough with a map of Australia and cut around it. Please note we do have Tasmania here, we just painted the Bass Strait instead of making a separate island on the map
- Used leftover dough to make mountain ranges
- Using Australia’s physical map as a reference children painted rivers, lakes, planes, and other geographical features
- Children made labels on pieces of paper and glue them around toothpicks
- Inserted the label pins to mark various features of the country

Our map turned out a bit small but it suited perfectly for what I was hoping to accomplish based on the learning outcomes. Next time I will make sure we don’t make the map so thin and use more dough. Younger children got disengaged when it came to drawing labels. We will be looking into it in the next couple of days, we will watch videos about different states, use figurines to locate animals on the map, and learn about all the different land and water forms of Australia.
My oldest student started writing and making landmarks and features of the land which she is going to continue to do in the next couple of weeks until we have the map covered in as many labels as possible.

So as you can see, it is still an ongoing project we are going to build upon and follow up on until we are ready to move to the next country of interest.
Here are some of the learning resources about Australia you might like to check for your classroom and that we used during our study of Australia
Australia / Oceania Preschool Hands-on Activities
Australia/Oceania Montessori-inspired printable set filled with hands-on skill reinforcement activities for preschool and kindergarten students – fine motor, cutting, push pinning, tracing. Please note whist this resource contains flags, map printables, and images of traditional outfits of the whole continent of Oceania, the animals, and photographic cards mainly present the country of Australia.
Here is what’s included:
Map of Oceania for coloring
Animals of Australia pin poking and tracing exercise (15 animals)
Animals of Australia coloring and tracing exercise (15 animals)
Animals of Australia cutting strips (one page)
3 Groups of Mammals – monotremes, marsupials, and placentals poster, 3 x label cards, 13 x animal cards
Color matching clip cards with flags of the Oceania countries (16 cards)
Matching clip cards with traditional outfits of Oceania (16 labeled cards)
Matching quantity to numerals clip cards with native plants of Oceania themed clipart (8 labeled cards)
Shape matching clip cards with landmarks of Oceania (8 labeled cards)
Lacing cards Australia themed clipart images (4 cards)
Introduction to Australia (4 picture posters and label cards featuring photographs)
37 pages
NB This printable is also included in the money-saving bundle – Australia Oceania Continent Bundle. If you have purchased the bundle in the past, you don’t need to purchase this printable as well.
Purchase this resource here or
find it on Teachers Pay Teachers
Australia & Oceania Children's Books and Learning Resources
Australia Oceania Continent Bundle - Montessori - Montessori Nature Printables
This unit study of Australia Oceania contains hands-on resources to teach students about unique aspects of the continent while developing their concentration, logical thinking, comprehension skills, reading and so much more.
All resources are designed to adapt to each individual student and fit your classroom needs. Students will learn about different cultural, and geographical aspects of the continent, and the diversity of wildlife.
This list of resources is a great addition to your continent boxes and art/cultural display area. Preschool Australia Oceania – themed activities are designed to develop fine motor and other important skills of young learners.
Indigenous Australia Matching Colouring Tracing
Australia / Oceania Preschool Hands-on Activities - Montessori Nature Printables
Australia/Oceania Montessori-inspired printable set filled with hands-on skill reinforcement activities for preschool and kindergarten students – fine motor, cutting, push pinning, tracing. Please note whist this resource contains flags, map printables, and images of traditional outfits of the whole continent of Oceania, the animals, and photographic cards mainly present the country of Australia.
Animals of Australia Safari Toob 3 - Part Cards - Editable
45 Animals of Australia and Oceania - Nomenclature and Information Cards - Montessori Nature Printables
45 Animals of Australia and Oceania – 3 Part Montessori Nomenclature Cards and Information Cards
Australia / Oceania Resource Pack - Montessori Nature Printables
This pack is a labor of love! I worked very hard on collecting information about Australia and Oceania which I believe children find fascinating. It will help them gain deeper knowledge about this amazing region of the world.
This unit study of Australia/Oceania contains hands-on resources to teach students about unique aspects of the continent while developing their concentration, logical thinking, comprehension skills, reading and so much more.
All resources are designed to adapt to each individual student and fit your classroom needs. Students will learn about different cultural, and geographical aspects of the continent, and the diversity of wildlife.
This list of resources is a great addition to your continent boxes and art/cultural display area.
Insects of Australia 3-Part Cards - Montessori Nature Printables
Clear images of insects attract children’s attention and help them to get familiar with insects they regularly encounter in their backyard and in nature.
Birds Preschool Pack - Montessori Nature Printables
These engaging learning activities for Pre-K and Preschool students were designed to help broaden children’s vocabulary, improve fine motor skills, and the ability to discriminate according to different characteristics, like color and size. The pack would be a helpful addition to the Spring and Summer activities and when studying vertebrates and birds.
Butterflies of the Continents Sorting and Matching Cards Printable
Butterflies of the Continents – sorting and matching cards.
Please note, that this product is also a part of the Butterfly Pack. If you have purchased the money-saving pack, you don’t need to purchase this printable as well!
Flowers Of The Continents - Montessori Nature Printables
3-Part Cards: Flowers of the continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia/Oceania

Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under
Learning becomes fun with this book about the animals that are unique to Australia. In Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under, amazing artwork will inspire children in classrooms and at home to appreciate environment, ecology, and the world around us!
The perfect Australia children's book, Marianne Berkes makes animal habitats for kids exciting with Over in Australia, which doubles as a fun, interactive, counting book for kids!

Good Night Australia (Good Night Our World)
Good Night Australia explores Sydney Harbour, Great Ocean Road, the Australia Zoo, Mindil Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, Adelaide Oval, Uluru, Kings Park, Salamanca Market, wildlife, and more. Crikey, mates! Little Aussies get a spectacular tour of the wildlife and attractions "Down Under" in this educational and engaging board book. Children will be lulled to sleep as they travel from the beautiful coasts to the famous outback.

Australia and Oceania : The Smallest Continent, Unique Animal Life - Geography for Kids | Children's Explore the World Books
Who wants to go Australia and Oceania? I know I do! In this geography book for kids, you won’t just learn about the landmarks in both regions of the Earth. Instead, you will also learn about the unique animal life that live in Australia and Oceania. This is one interesting read that you would be happy to add in your book collection. Secure a copy today!

Australia: Travel for kids: The fun way to discover Australia (Travel Guide For Kids)
Going on a family vacation to Australia or just want to learn more about this amazing country?
Make sure you get the most out of the trip with Australia – Travel For Kids.Dinobibi and Hayden will join you in every step of the journey. You will have so much fun discovering Australia – its history, geography, flags and symbols, wildlife, culture and more!Whether preparing for a vacation, or simply wanting to learn about Australia, this book gives you all you need to know, fun places to visit, tasty food to try, and fun, interactive pop quizzes throughout.Come join Dinobibi and Hayden on an adventure and DISCOVER Australia.

Living in . . . Australia: Ready-to-Read Level 2
Discover what it’s like to grow up in Australia in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read, part of a series all about kids just like you in countries around the world!
Hello! My name is Ruby, and I’m a kid just like you living in Australia. Australia is a country filled with awesome beaches, unique animals, and exciting cities! Have you ever wondered what Australia is like? Come along with me to find out!

Australia and Oceania (A True Book: The Seven Continents)
Together, Australia and the many small islands of Oceania make up Earth's smallest continent.
A True Book: The Seven Continents series dives into the many components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, wildlife and future outlook. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.Readers will hop from island to island as they examine the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Australia and Oceania. Along the way, they will also explore the continent's history with rich text and stunning visuals, and meet the people who call it home.

Australia For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books
This educational book is our mini-guide to the “Land Down Under.” It has facts on its people, the place, and the culture too. This way, you will have a virtual tour of the country without even leaving home. It’s a relaxing book that will inspire the little ones to not be afraid to explore the world. Grab a copy now!

Koala Lou
In this beautifully illustrated and fun-filled picture book, a young koala competes for her mother's heart when a new sibling is on the way--only to discover that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that there is no second place when it comes to love. Perfect for growing families or as a baby shower gift.

Diary of a Wombat
Wombats are cuddly-looking, slow-moving Australian animals. Their favorite activities are eating, sleeping, and digging holes. Here, in the words of one unusually articulate wombat, is the tongue-in-cheek account of a busy week; eating, sleeping, digging holes . . . and training its new neighbors, a family of humans, to produce treats on demand. This entertaining book, with its brief, humorous text and hilarious illustrations, will endear the wombat to young children, who may recognize in the determined furry creature some qualities that they share.

Why I Love Australia
In this magnificent celebration of country, Bronwyn Bancroft uses both images and words to explore the beauty of the Australian continent and to express the depth of her feelings about it. It is a unique showcase of reverence for landscape—from the coast and the outback to the cities and plains, and from barren deserts to lush rainforests, Australia is undoubtedly a place of unrivalled beauty that is captured perfectly in this book.

Patterns of Australia
Patterns of Australia represents a series of Australian landscapes and habitats in “patterns,” as seen through the eyes of acclaimed indigenous artist Bronwyn Bancroft. Each landscape contains animals, birds, plants, and flowers particular to that landscape hidden within it, accompanied by text evoking the place and listing the things to find. The book is designed to give children—and adults—an opportunity to see the Australian environment in a new way, as they discover that there is so much more to see around us if we only look!

Ready to Dream
Ally is so excited to be in Australia and can't wait to draw all the new animals that she'll see. But when she meets Pauline, an Aboriginal woman who's also an artist, Ally learns that art isn't always made with paints and paper. In this inspiring story beautifully illustrated by an Aboriginal artist, friendships can be borne out of the most unlikely places, and imagination can take you anywhere.

Shapes of Australia
From boulders to bee hives, from mountains to coral, Bronwyn Bancroft explores the shapes that form the Australian landscape. In Shapes of Australia, she introduces readers to ways of thinking about how shapes are represented in nature.

Dreamings: The Art of Aboriginal Australia
In collaboration with a major exhibition of Aboriginal art, this book provides a complete study of the role of the Aboriginal artist and his work in a traditional context, and the adaption and evolution of that work in response to outside contact and interest.

Colours of Australia
Deep love of Australia inspires Bronwyn Bancroft's poetry and the richly layered hues of Colours of Australia. Each line speaks a different voice, each image stirs a different mood, and all combine to evoke the miracle of color with which we are surrounded.

The Art in Country: A Treasury for Children
In this magnificent celebration of country, Bronwyn Bancroft uses colors, shapes, patterns, and words to explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian continent and to express the depth of her feelings for it. The Art in Country: A Treasury for Children is a perfect introduction to the many wonders that Australia has to offer. Collecting together Colours of Australia, Shapes of Australia, Why I Love Australia, and Patterns of Australia. this is a treasury to be cherished by all who love this land.

Wild Republic Australia Toy Figures, Kangaroo, Crocodile, Koala, Platypus, Wombat, Emu, Dingo, Tasmanian Devil, Snakes, Gifts for Kids, 11Piece Set, Multi (15076)
Consists of eleven animal toy figures, Australia Kangaroo, crocodile, Koala, Platypus, wombat, emu, dingo, Tasmanian Devil, and three types of snakes

A Is for Australian Animals
There are so many amazing animals to be found in Australia — and many of them are found nowhere else in the world.
Discover thirty-eight of the weird and wonderful creatures of Down Under — from the iconic kangaroo to the puzzling echidna; from the tiny crusader bug to the enormous saltwater crocodile; from the adorable quokka to the terrifying Tasmanian devil. Did you know that lyrebirds can mimic almost any sound? Or that an oblong turtle has the longest neck of any turtle in the world? Vibrant paintings and fascinating facts introduce readers to a wide array of incredible animals in this vivid celebration of the fauna that makes Australia unique.

Aussie Animals Alphabet
The A-Z of Australian Animals! Learn your ABC's alongside some of your favourite Aussie animals like the platypus, wombat and koala as well as some Australian animals you may have never heard about! From the Antechinus to the Zebra Finch, there is a whole alphabet of animals to discover in this beautifully illustrated alphabet book drawn by Jess Elford.

Australia: Explore The World Children's Book With Facts And Pictures
If you're looking for interesting facts about Australia for kids, look no further. The country is surrounded by oceans and features many unique landscapes and animals. Its tallest mountain is over 3400 meters and its fences measure over five thousand miles. Once you've read it, you'll be ready to tell your friends about this fascinating place.The population of Australia is only 25 million. The country has a huge sheep population.

Australia (Pogo: All Around the World)
In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of Australia. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country, including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents, a map, quick facts, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.

My First Book of Tagalog Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Filipino Language and Culture (My First Words)
"U is for umaga, the end of the night--when Mama kisses me good morning, and dark becomes light."
My First Book of Tagalog introduces preschool children to the Tagalog language--also known as Filipino--the national language of the Philippines, which has been influenced by both Spanish and English.

Australia (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)
An introcuction to Australia, focusing on its geographical features, people and native animals
Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader (Ages 3-6) an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, and wildlife.

One Day On Our Blue Planet: In the Outback
From breakfast to dinner, dusk to dawn, children will love spending the day with this bouncy joey to learn all about life in the outback.
Perfect for quarantine reading with your children! From Ella Bailey's acclaimed series of children's books comes another tale of how one young animal friend spends his day. He's only a little kangaroo in the middle of the vast Australian outback, but that doesn't stop him being curious and learning all about life in his corner of our blue planet. For every copy of this book sold, a donation will be made to WIRES, the New South Wales Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education service!

New Zealand (All Around the World)
In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of New Zealand. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country, including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents, a map, quick facts, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.

Love From Australia
The places I've been and the creatures I've met—what an adventure! One I'll never forget! From crocs in Darwin to kangaroos in Canberra, Love From Australia explores this extraordinary country and introduces us to its most loveable (and frightening!) creatures.
Australia Oceania Continent Bundle - Montessori
This unit study of Australia Oceania contains hands-on resources to teach students about unique aspects of the continent while developing their concentration, logical thinking, comprehension skills, reading and so much more.
Australia / Oceania Preschool Hands-on Activities - Montessori Inspired
Australia/Oceania Montessori-inspired printable set filled with hands-on skill reinforcement activities for preschool and kindergarten students - fine motor, cutting, push pinning, tracing. Please note whist this resource contains flags, map printables, and images of traditional outfits of the whole continent of Oceania, the animals, and photographic cards mainly represent the country of Australia.
45 Animals of Australia and Oceania - Nomenclature and Information Cards
45 Animals of Australia and Oceania – 3 Part Montessori Nomenclature Cards and Information Cards
Common mammals, birds and arthropods found across Australia and Oceania – 3 Part Montessori Nomenclature Cards
Australia / Oceania Montessori Resource Pack
This unit study of Australia/Oceania contains hands-on resources to teach students about unique aspects of the continent while developing their concentration, logical thinking, comprehension skills, reading and so much more.
20 ANIMALS OF AUSTRALIA / OCEANIA 3 - PART MONTESSORI CARDS + INFORMATION CARDS
20 Animals of Australia / Oceania - 3 Part Montessori Nomenclature Cards and Information Cards
Animals included: dingo, echidna, red kangaroo, crocodile, rainbow lorikeet, frilled neck lizard, cassowary, koala, kiwi, eastern brown snake, possum, bluebottle jellyfish, fairy penguin, Tasmanian devil, kookaburra, wombat, tasselled wobbegong, platypus, blue tongue lizard.
Hands-on Geography Activities You Might Enjoy
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