The biggest pieces of land on Earth are called continents. Most people learn that there are seven.
Key idea
The seven continents are Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.
Why it works
A continent is a huge area of land that holds many countries (Antarctica has none). Some places count the continents a little differently, for example by joining North and South America into one. In the United States, most schools count seven.
Worked example: Country or continent?
Is Africa a country?
- Africa is one of the seven continents.
- It holds many countries: 54 that are members of the United Nations.
Answer: No. Africa is a continent with more than 50 countries.
Common mistake
Children often call Africa or Asia a country. A continent is much bigger: it holds many countries. Remember: there are only seven continents.
For the grown-up. Sing or chant the seven continents together. Many children learn them fastest with a tune.