50 states notebook

[USDGAL]

I saw this on a recent thread and thought "what a great idea", now I am just wondering what all the possibilties are. I am sure my boys will like this much more than just memorizing and map work. So, what has worked for all of you? What do you think we should include aside from the normal bird, flower, etc? please all your ideas would be great. Also, if you have any picture on your web pages please share. Funny, I am really looking forward to this. :lol:

[AudreyTN]

There is a Dover Coloring Book (http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/United+States+Coloring+Book/000519/1237118746-1522604) that has all 50 states. We used it with Adventures in My Father's World (an older version.)

Hold that Thought (http://www.holdthatthought.com/geography.php?PHPSESSID=ca5da8cde2b401452727f174ac 06ef38) has an awesome CD with lots of state stuff. If I had known about this one I would have done it instead of the Dover Coloring Book.

I guess it depends on *how* in depth you want your study to be.

[southmetromom]

...and so I stopped to look at the "similar threads" that popped up underneath your question -- there is lots of info. there. Thanks for posting this -- very timely for me!

Sandy

[Julie in MN]

MFW does this in both Adventures and over the course of Exploration to 1850 & 1850 to Modern. Both use the State Sheets created by MFW to build a notebook as states join the union. It's a good resource even if you don't use MFW, as the front side of each sheet includes the usual state info, and the back side is filled with interesting facts, and the package also has bird/flower cards.

But you can also do this for free. In the past when we traveled, I would sometimes print out things about states from these sorts of sites:
http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitssubjgeog/a/susfl.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/

Julie

[Samiam]

We studied the States this year. I had my son fill out a chart that I made, and I tried to include facts that I knew he would be interested in. We didn't really do birds or flowers, cuz honestly, don't think that is something you really need to know except for your own state.
For each state, he had to Fill In The Facts:
1. Capital City
2. Population
3. Year joined the Union
4. State Nickname
5. State Motto
6. Professional Sports Teams (this was especially for my son as he loves sports)

www.50states.com (http://www.50states.com) is a great website that had a ton of facts about each state. You could also go there and see what other facts you might want to include on your state study.

[unsinkable]

We studied the States this year. I had my son fill out a chart that I made, and I tried to include facts that I knew he would be interested in. We didn't really do birds or flowers, cuz honestly, don't think that is something you really need to know except for your own state.
For each state, he had to Fill In The Facts:
1. Capital City
2. Population
3. Year joined the Union
4. State Nickname
5. State Motto
6. Professional Sports Teams (this was especially for my son as he loves sports)

www.50states.com (http://www.50states.com) is a great website that had a ton of facts about each state. You could also go there and see what other facts you might want to include on your state study.

I think you have great points about making it relevant for your child.

We have started this with a binder with page protectors. We have a set of postcards with one from each state. And we have a scholastic book that has a minibooklet for each state.

Gosh, I just googled the book and it must be out of print b/c it starts a $31 on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-States-Mini-books-Sylvia-Charlesworth/dp/0439384648/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237125608&sr=8-7

Here are the postcards but they too, got expensive:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Greetings-from-America-50-State-Postcard-Set-Special-Ed_W0QQitemZ260100228507QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

I also have a map for each state & we labeled & highlighted imp. cities, landmarks, etc.

The thing that works for me is that we can add to each state as something occurs to us.

[nestof3]

I made up a form for my son to write certain information about each state.

I ordered brochures from each state, and he made up a mini scrapbook of pictures for each state. He had to include pictures to show things like their natural resources, entertainment spots, historical significance, etc.

I'll try to post a pix later.

[boymama]

I got a pack of cardboard states (each state is a separate piece) from Oriental trading. My boys had to pick a state each week and research from the state books I have and find fun facts and "good to know" stuff and draw it or write it on their state and then each Monday they would "teach" us their state and thenpick another one for the week. Then we tape them onto the wall. Once together it makes an impressive size United States!! They also had to do a color page per state with the flag, bird, insect, etc. Then we are doing flashcards to learn the capitals and playing games like Great States and States Bingo, etc. for fun!!!

[USDGAL]

Great ideas. Thanks everyone. Now I just need to puick and choose.

[brownie]

Where did you find how to send away to each state for brochures? That sounds like a fun project. Brownie

[USDGAL]

http://www.50states.com/tools/moreinfo.htm

[3lilreds in NC]

My Father's World has state sheets that we're using this year, even though we're not using Adventures. I like them, and my girls love them too. It's a ready made state notebook.

Also, School Express has free state pages here (http://www.schoolexpress.com/category_Thematic_us.htm). I'd like to print them out and use them too, but we've got enough to do already. :D If you got the states from Oriental Trading, these would be a great jumping-off place for research.

I've seen the Dover coloring book, too, and it looks like fun.

[LaurieinCA]

We used the "Trail Guide to U.S. Geography" to create a 50-states notebook by region. Great resource!

[Dobela]

I just got this link in the mail today. They have free ebooks about hte states. Going alphabetically,they are to North Dakota: http://www.schoolexpress.com/states01.php

If you are wanting to write for information from states, they all have tourism sites you can order free information from. Usually the state capital or governor's office has free educational material as well as the Historical Commission or society in each state. You can receive some really cool stuff!