India Unit Study | Geography Curriculum & Hands-On Activities for Kids

Discover the culture, geography, and traditions of India with our hands-on, secular India Unit Study. Designed for Grades 1 to 6, our literature-rich geography curriculum includes engaging activities in mapwork, science, writing, and hands-on cultural experiences, such as traditional games, art projects, and cooking. Perfect for homeschoolers, co-ops, classrooms, or Montessori continent studies.

✅ What You're Purchasing:

Global Explorers unit studies are literature-based frameworks built around curated books, mapwork, journaling, and cultural activities. Books and some media resources are referenced but not included. Each study provides structured lesson plans and ready-to-use printables, guiding families as they gather materials and explore together.

✅ Learning Highlights:

• Read and discuss several books, including Ajay and the Mumbai Sun, Thirst, and The Boy Who Grew a Forest
• Learn about Bengal tigers and conservation through science notebooking
• Build geography and research skills with mapwork and notebooking activities
• Create recycled art inspired by Nek Chand and make Diwali lanterns
• Explore Indian classical music with Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers, cook chicken curry and gulab jamuns, and learn how to play traditional Indian games like Kooaa and Gilli Danda

✅ What’s Included:

• India Mapwork & Notebooking: Students label major cities, landforms, and cultural landmarks while customizing their own maps. Notebooking pages invite students to document facts, sketch discoveries, and color the national flag.
• Literature Study: Read middle-grade novels Ajay and the Mumbai Sun and Thirst, plus picture books like The Boy Who Grew a Forest and The Secret Kingdom.
• Circle Round Folktales + Writing Revolution Activities: Build writing skills with sentence-based exercises using Judith C. Hochman's The Writing Revolution method.
• Science Notebooking: Learn about Bengal tigers, their habitats, and the importance of wildlife conservation in India.
• Math Practice: Build real-world math skills by solving elapsed time problems connected to places throughout India.
• Creative Arts: Create your own recycled art inspired by Nek Chand and craft paper lanterns as you learn about Diwali.
• Musical Explorers: Discover the rhythms and instruments of Indian classical music with Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers program.
• Cultural Cooking Projects: Make chicken curry and gulab jamuns, two popular dishes from Indian cuisine.
• Global Games: Play traditional Indian games like Kooaa and Gilli Danda, with printable instructions included.

✅ Bonus Materials:

• Printable Global Explorers Cookbook Page for India
• Discover India: Bingo Challenge activity sheet
• India Unit Overview Sheet
• Access to our optional digital planning tool in Notion
• Plus, more than a dozen extra printable resources, such as book passports, food chain pyramid templates, and more!

Format: Printable PDF + Optional Digital Access

Best For: Homeschoolers, co-ops, enrichment, Montessori continent studies, and classroom geography units

Why Choose Global Explorers?

At the Global Explorers Club, we believe geography should feel like an adventure. Our flexible, secular unit studies are designed to spark curiosity, celebrate cultural diversity, and connect children to the world around them. Whether you use every activity or choose a few, our unit studies can be easily adapted for different learners and teaching styles.