This is a Christian Home School Lesson Series for first graders on the 50 United States.
I typically go over two states at a time since we teach our kids multiple subjects during the day and two states at a time seems to be enough. However if one is teaching one subject at a time I think going over four states at a time would be just right.
Our series’ lesson plan will be in alphabetical order and go over four states at a time.
Are there any other interesting facts you would add for any of the states mentioned? Feel free to leave a comment!
Tools:
- Besides the lesson plan below I also use the ‘‘United States” Discovery Workbook for the 1st Grade as an activity book. Other suitable works could be substituted.
- Map/globe/atlas.
Alabama
Activity
Trace the state (or if you have activity book “connect the dot” for the state).
Write out the name of the state four times.
Knowing now how to spell how the state looks like and the name of the state identify where is the state on an atlas or globe.
Fun Facts (source: https://www.50states.com/facts/alabama.htm)
Alabama became the 22nd state on December 14, 1819.
The word Alabama means tribal town in the Creek Indian language.
Alabama workers built the first rocket to put humans on the moon.
Huntsville is known as the rocket capital of the World.
The world’s first Electric Trolley System was introduced in Montgomery in 1886.
Religion in the State
90 percent (9 out of 10 people) of the people in Alabama say they are Christians.
Most of the Christians belong to churches called Baptists.
Alabama is part of the United States that people often call the Bible Belt since there are a lot of people who say they are Christians.
Alaska
Activity
Trace the state (or if you have activity book “connect the dot” for the state).
Write out the name of the state four times.
Knowing now how to spell how the state looks like and the name of the state identify where is the state on an atlas or globe.
Fun Facts (summarized from: https://www.50states.com/facts/alaska.htm)
Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
Alaska is the United State’s largest state and is over twice the size of Texas.
Oil is the state’s most valuable natural resource. The area includes what is thought to be the largest oil field in North America.
Most of America’s salmon, crab, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.
Most people in Alaska’s job is with work with companies that is involved with fishing and seafood.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/alaska/)
In 2014 62 percent (62 people out of a 100) of the people in Alaska say they are Christians.
In 2014 31 percent (31 people out of a 100) of the people in Alaska say they are not affiliated with any religion.
Arizona
Activity
Trace the state (or if you have activity book “connect the dot” for the state).
Write out the name of the state four times.
Knowing now how to spell how the state looks like and the name of the state identify where is the state on an atlas or globe.
Fun Facts (source: https://www.50states.com/facts/alabama.htm)
Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912.
Arizona is home of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Arizona leads the nation in copper production.
The Palo verde is the official state tree. Its name means green stick and it blooms a brilliant yellow-gold in April or May.
Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time on a year round basis. The one exception is the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast corner of the state, which observes the daylight savings time change.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/arizona/)
In 2014 67 percent (67 people out of a 100) of the people in the state say they are Christians.
In 2014 sadly 46 percent (46 people out of a 100) they seldom or never read Scripture.
Arkansas
Activity
Trace the state (or if you have activity book “connect the dot” for the state).
Write out the name of the state four times.
Knowing now how the state looks like and the name of the state identify where is the state on an atlas or globe.
Fun Facts (source: https://www.50states.com/facts/arkansas.htm)
Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
Origin of state’s name: French interpretation of a Sioux word acansa, meaning downstream place.
The state has 9,700 miles of streams and rivers.
The pine tree is the official state tree. It was designated in 1939.
Crater of Diamonds State Park allows dedicated prospectors to search for precious gems including diamonds, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/arkansas/)
In 2014 79 percent (79 people out of a 100) of the people in Arkansas say they are Christians.
In 2014 41 percent (41 people out of a 100) of the people in Arkansas say they go to church or religious service at least once a week.
Review for today’s lesson:
What were the states you learned?
What was something you learned about each state?
Spiritual Discussion:
Reminder that just because someone claims to be a Christian does not mean they are a Christian.
Go over Gospel and salvation with child/children.
Thanks for the interesting summaries on each state. I’ll just add a couple of things. Back in the 1960s, Alabama had a bad reputation because of pro-segregation governor, George Wallace. And Arkansas is the home of our brother, Wally.
Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to have you share more facts with other states as we do this weekly, given your background of reading, knowing history and general facts! We got a while to go before we get to your state too…
Uh-oh, I might be tempted to climb onto my soapbox during this series. New York is only a few pegs behind Alaska in regards to its “non-religious” citizens and we got all the other 49 states beat as far as tax rates and “progressive” legislation.
Nice summary
Thanks. I was thinking about you since this covered Arkansas. My daughters is like me, they had a hard time distinguishing Arkansas from Alabama. BUT the most memorable facts for them between the two states is that Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas. They keep on giggling with “Little Rock.” Have a blessed day brother!
Le Petite Rouche
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thank you for the reblog!
Yankee Whiskey Bravo
Reblogged this on moreinkpleaseblog.
Thanks for the reblog!
Reblogged this on BibleProphecyWatch.
Your welcome brother my day is fine thank you for asking how is your day?
My day is going well about to have lunch; did you have lunch yet if so what did you have?
That’s good I had hot dogs and chips for lunch it was good.
Very interesting, Jim! I suspect these home schooled children are going to know more about the states than I ever did!
Aww thanks; feel free in the next few weeks to comment on additional facts that I might have missed or not known! Thanks also for the reblog!
You’re welcome, Jim!
I hope I am living when my GreatGrand is older so I can teach her. TY:)
Just prayed that God would grant this desire of yours. Your comment puts it in perspective the privilege to teach young ones!
Thank you , pastor Jim. :))
Wow!! My daughter is in 1st grade and Ive been struggling with the 50 states to find a good way for her to learn. I feel so blessed to ba able to come across this. Thank you so much for taking the time to publish this
You’re welcome thank you for your comment and hopeful use of this; I’m thus far 16 states into this series for our blog and I plan to post it every Wednesday. If you also have additional facts for any of the states please feel free to comment as this is also helpful for me when I teach this again later to my youngest kid when I get to it in a few years from now, yeah?
Yes! You’re truely a blessing
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Wonderful lessons for my children!
I might use these lessons