Doing a U.S. state study is popular topic for late elementary kids. The history curriculum that we’ve used for years uses a natural approach to learning geography and state facts through the history spines, read aloud books, and readers. While I love this natural approach, I also wanted something a little more organized. My oldest loves researching facts and making lists. Once she finds a fact that sparks her interest, she dives deep into learning more about it. I wanted to find a way to combine the gathering of facts about our 50 states while encouraging her to dive deeper into what she finds especially interesting.
A State Study for Multiple Ages
With my kids’ help, I created U.S. state study notebooking pages that both of them are really enjoying. My youngest started this towards the end of 2nd grade. She is learning to use non-fiction books as research sources. She’s learning how to use the Table of Contents and Index as she gathers facts about the 50 states.
My oldest started this towards the end of 5th grade. Usually a U.S. state study comes around 4th grade. Some states even require it for homeschoolers. Even though she’s a bit on the older side, she’s able to take the facts that she’s gathering and dive deeper into many topics. Sometimes a state bird or state tree catches her attention. Sometimes it’s a state motto that causes her to pause and wonder at it’s meaning.
These deep dives really work well with how we learn history in our homeschool. History is so much more than memorizing dates and important people to pass a test. We love learning the stories behind the people and places. This is what brings history to life for my kids AND myself. I’m enjoying learning about history so much more than when I was a kid! Homeschooling has ignited a love of learning about history for all of us.
An Adventure Through the 50 States
I called these notebooking pages An Adventure Through the 50 States because this isn’t just about gathering facts. I want this U.S. state study to also encourage kids to learn about the stories. Take an adventure through each state to learn about an inventor, important leader, or pivotal event that sets each state apart from the others. Perhaps it’ll be a state’s bird, tree, animal, or flower that will spark your kid’s interest. Encourage your kids to take the time to research and write about something unique from each state. Perhaps it’s a story from your own family’s history!
An Adventure Through the 50 States includes…
- regional maps to label
- 2 notebooking pages for each state
- 3 pages for each U.S. region for matching states with their capital cities, outlines, and flags
- regional quizzes for naming each state and it’s capital city
- 3 stickers for each state – state seal, state flag in color, and state flag in black and white
- a U.S. map to label
- U.S. Flag coloring pages
- blank notebooking pages to encourage your kids to read more about a fun fact for each state
PLUS
- a complete Teacher’s Key
- a Table of Contents with links
I’m looking forward to seeing all of the facts and stories that catch my kids’ attention as they go on this adventure through the 50 states!
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