Maps are the tools of the geographer. A world map and a map of the United States can be hung on the wall of your children's room or elsewhere in the home where they can be used easily and frequently. Maps are available in most book stores.
A globe is a useful reference item. Large, illuminated globes may cost hundreds of dollars, but a small, inexpensive inflatable globe that may be bought from many toy and novelty stores for under $10 will be just as effective as a large solid one for helping a shild see the proper shape and relationship of Earth's features.
An atlas is the most comprehensive and useful geography reference work. Atlas maps allow children to locate countries, and physical features. Atlases also contain data on population, climates, economies, and many other factors that are important for understanding a country's place in the world.
Encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, and geographic databases are now available on CD-ROM and other electronic formats. If your children have access to a computer, you may want to consider using this form of access to geographic reference works.
Help your children learn to use maps, atlases, and globes. Work with your children to find places on the globe or look up information in the altases or almanac. Be a good role model by consulting the atlas yourself (even if you already know where a place is, look it up so your child will see that the atlas is used by adults as well as children). Encourage your children to keep references nearby to use as the study.