I know its not Wednesday but I’m posting this early since tomorrow is May 1st and the post will be our Presuppositional Apologetics’ round up.
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.
Vermont
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 (summarized: https://www.50states.com/facts/vermont.htm)
Vermont became the 14th state on March 4, 1791.
With a population of fewer than nine thousand people, Montpelier, Vermont is the smallest state capital in the U.S.
Montpelier, Is the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S.
Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonalds.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream company gives their ice cream waste to the local Vermont farmers who use it to feed their hogs. The hogs seem to like all of the flavors except Mint Oreo.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/vermont/)
In 2014 54 percent (54 people out of a 100) of the people in Vermont say they are Christians.
Sadly the majority of Vermont, 69 percent (69 people out of a 100) of people say they seldom or never read their Scriptures.
Also the majority of people in Vermont, 55 percent (55 people out of a 100) of people say they the Holy Scripture is not the Word of God.
Virginia
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 (summarized: https://www.50states.com/facts/virginia.htm)
Virginia became the 10th state on June 25, 1788.
Eight United States Presidents were born in Virginia: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.
Yorktown is the site of the final victory of the American Revolution.
The first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia.
Over 1/2 the battles fought in the civil war were fought in Virginia. Over 2,200 of the 4,000 battles.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/virginia/)
In 2014 73 percent (73 people out of a 100) of the people in Virginia say they are Christians.
The majority of those who say they are Christians say they are Evangelicals: 30 percent (30 people out of a 100) of the people in Virginia.
The majority of people in Virginia, 44 percent (44 people out of a 100) of people say they attend religious service at least once a week.
Washington
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 (summarized: https://www.50states.com/facts/washington.htm)
Washington became the 42nd state on November 11, 1889.
The state of Washington is the only state to be named after a United States president.
Washington state produces more apples than any other state in the union.
Medina is the home of the United States wealthiest man, Microsoft’s Bill Gates.
Starbucks, the biggest coffee chain in the world was founded in Seattle.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/washington/)
In 2014 61 percent (61 people out of a 100) of the people in Washington say they are Christians.
The majority of those who say they are Christians say they are Evangelicals: 25 percent (25 people out of a 100) of the people in Washington.
32 percent (32 people out of a 100) of people in Washington say they are not affiliated with any religion.
West Virginia
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 (summarized: https://www.50states.com/facts/west-virginia.htm)
West Virginia became the 35th state on June 20, 1863.
West Virginia is considered the southern most northern state and the northern most southern state.
The world’s largest sycamore tree is located on the Back Fork of the Elk River in Webster Springs.
Nearly 75% of West Virginia is covered by forests.
Bailey Brown, the first Union solider killed in the Civil War, died on May 22, 1861, at Fetterman, Taylor County.
Religion in the State (summarize from http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/west-virginia/)
In 2014 78 percent (78 people out of a 100) of the people in West Virginia say they are Christians.
The majority of those who say they are Christians say they are Evangelicals: 39 percent (39 people out of a 100) of the people in West Virginia.
The majority of people in West Virginia, 46 percent (46 people out of a 100) of people say they attend religious service at least once a week.
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.
The Domain for Truth 
I did not know before that half the battles in the civil war were fought in Virginia nor did I know it was that large of an amount of battles.
I’m actually surprised at some of the percentages of people who claim to be Christians, particularly in Washington State. I don’t have any cool facts to add, but Virginia and Washington are both beautiful places to visit!
I agree striking at how high the numbers are; it makes a good point in these lessons to say not everyone who say they are Christians are truly born Again Christians and an opportunity to share the Gospel with these homeschool lessons. Are you from or familiar with Washington personally?
I’ve only visited Washington. I visited Seattle twice; once for a business trip and once for vacation. The buildings are bright and colorful (to counter the gloomy weather) and there are so many trees. Costco’s headquarters are there (in Bellevue) and T-Mobile used to be based there as well.
Slimjim I can’t comment on your comment directly below with your last response to Evalyn so I’ll reply to this comment instead. You went slow in the beginning but seems you can hold your own and the last comment made me laugh. Looks like the ice cream girl got licked.
1st grade? Why aren’t you teaching them about the cash crops, nicknames, biggest cities, capitals, etc.? Schools are majorly competitive and knowing about ben and jerry’s ice cream factory won’t get them into college!
You must be a high pressure mom if you have kids to think teaching first graders about ben and jerry’s ice cream is a bad thing and is going to set them back from getting into college at 18. Is getting your kids in a competitive college something that needs to pushed so hard in Kindergarden? Being overly strict may make the kid developed mental disorder and hateful toward you, being overly pleasing may turn them into a sugar cake which is terrible for their own future. I’m saying this as someone who grew up with a tiger mom.
Thank you for your comment. Concerning her comment of why I didn’t go over state capital that’s found in the book I linked which is supposed to be used in conjunction with this lesson found in this post. Concerning nicknames, biggest cities and cash crops there were at times I have pointed that out for various states. But the state education requirement for these areas of knowledge is in the fifth grade and not first grade. So for me to touch upon it at times is being ahead of first grade requirement. Also there’s nothing wrong with learning about Ben and Jerry and furthermore if we are going to talk about a state’s cash crop because of it’s economic contribution it doesn’t hurt to point out an important economic powerhouse company for the state. It’s call education.
Yeah she’s pushing higher grade levels requirement unto first graders. Not always bad to be ahead but that’s FOUR grade levels ahead.
It’s what you aren’t teaching kids that schools are that’s the problem. This gap will only grow into a gaping chasm over time.
Hey Evelyn. Since SlimJim is compliant with the requirements of his state’s board of education I think your comment is misguided and actually factually incorrect. Having skimmed your blog, is it possible that the real issue you have here is that it is also a Christian education being provided here? It’s fine if that is the issue, but come clean about it rather than making broad assertions about the future outcome of this education that have no basis in actual facts. Because the actual facts are that, if SlimJim keeps up with State requirements, his children will have an education on a level with those in public schools. Are you also writing them to point out the comings? If not, you betray your real agenda.
The shortcomings not the comings
Thanks for the support Wally. I think she does have an agenda. She didn’t read the beginning of each of these posts where I wrote “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.” Or she doesn’t care. I teach at an afterschool afternoon educational enrichment program with kids from good public schools and I’m always amazed at how the kids are unable to read, write and articulate to my expectation…then I realized I’m not being fair, they are their grade levels and my wife and I have been pushing ahead with my girls. I’m not saying this to brag but your comment made me gleam her page and she seems like a single feminine atheist who thinks this first grade lesson is academically poor when kids in third can’t even spell Mississippi yet and my lessons to the girls include spelling and writing it out aloud and they remember it. Ok I don’t want to talk too much now, and be excessive in talking about my kids
Oh you go ahead and talk about them all you want!
It’s a horrible agenda that I want the best education possible for your kids. I’ve only recently begun my deconversion. So try to show some of that grace that Jesus says to, m’kay?
Evalyn I just saw this comment and only want to add this. First, if you are in the midst of deciding to reject God, then rebuking me for not adhering to a teaching you don’t even believe in seems nonsensical. Second, pointing out the fallacies of your argument and asking you to back it up is most certainly not a lack of grace. That is the standard position of the militant atheist, that any Christian who disagrees is not following Jesus. If you have the faith background you claim, then you know that is untrue. Don’t let people spoon feed you a new set of beliefs to replace the one you are rejecting. You seem smart and articulate; make your own choices. Peace to you.
Millitant. Agenda. I just don’t want to fight. Conversation I don’t mind – but I promise I’m not out to get you or anything.
Well we are usually around, so hope to see you around:)
I really doubt your intent was really because you wanted the best education possible for my kids. Drop the virtue signaling and false piety. Look at your comments and note the presumptions and belittling of people’s parenting you made here towards myself, Wally and Eddie. You admitted you don’t even have any children and I doubt you are in the education field when you think first graders are suppose to learn 50 states’ cash crops, nicknames, biggest cities and capitals. Your original comment I’ve already answered in my previous comment and I’m not going to restate it again. Don’t mistaken my graciousness of not rebutting you earlier for weakness and other people exposing your fallacies as antithetical to grace. Be gone troll.
This is a wrong foot conversation if there ever was one.
I do worry about Christian Alternative education ever since I learned about the failure of Accelerated Christian Education. Also, the home school kids I knew, while intelligent, were not saavy and couldn’t integrate with the world they had spent so much time being apart from. Kids learn so much so quickly, I wouldn’t want to waste an ounce of potential on trivia that could be put to better use on useful information.
Nice opinions you have there. Perhaps some quantifiable data might bolster your case. The fact that some home school kids you knew were socially inept but that proves nothing. I can easily quantify that a significant number of public school kids are also socially struggling. Are you going to the teacher blogs to critique them? Evalyn its fairly clear that your issue is not with what is not being taught, but what is.
I really don’t have the emotional energy to get into a saber rattling contest right now. I admit defeat. You win. Praise God you defeated the enemy.
Really? Nobody is trying to beat anybody here lol. Asking a person to articulate their argument with data is called discussion. No sweat, though. Have a good night.
I don’t have any kids. Teach yours about ice cream. Enjoy. It’s midnight – what better time for a snack?
Wally,
I just got home from ministering and also lots of counseling text messages so I’m surprised at how this post got so much comments. I finally finished reading all the comments here and I didn’t felt you were beating down on anyone. Evalyn if you read this I have to rebuke you for slander against Wally. That’s wrong of you. Wally I thought it was extremely disappointing and ironic in a troubling way that after you said you’re not beating on anybody she goes ahead and verbally insult you sarcastically. And her hypocritical comments were minutes away from each other! I thought the following was also ironic: My mention of ice cream is less than 1 percent of my entire series of lessons outline on the 50 states and even a lower percentage when one consider my use of the workbook I use with my daughters before this outline (one that I mentioned and linked in everyone of these posts) and yet the person that’s mentioned ice cream the most is Evalyn. In attacking me for being trivial for mentioning about Ben and Jerry’s contribution towards Vermont’s economy in both the ice cream industry and pork industry… her gross generalization that I’m too busy talking about ice cream…(wait for it) is the most trivial thing of all. She’s mentioned about ice cream more than anyone else; again what a trivial woman! You were right on focusing on the topic on hand and called her out to her responsibility to prove her accusations. It was not an attack. So many people including yourself have raised legitimate issues and even pointed out her logical fallacies in her thinking; funny how her comments have so many holes the only thing that floats is ice cream.
Well, I do love an ice cream float. Root beer, but Coke will do if I have to.
And you know from your own experience that most critics rarely offer anything than broad unsupported assertions and claiming abuse is the go to when they are asked to back them up.
I saw that when you asked her for proof she made herself the victim and you the big meanie. When I asked her to show me documentation for her claim that public school first graders are required to learn all fifty states’ cash crops, nicknames, biggest cities and capitals she chose to ignore me. See a pattern here?
I do see that yessir. Of course that’s not the first time I have been a big meanie lol. Thanks Eddie for the backup
What am I not teaching my kids? How do you know what I am not teaching my kids?
Eddie remember she’s an atheist. Apparently the rule of “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence” doesn’t apply for her. Hence she’s assuming you are not teaching your kids because she hasn’t seen you taught things to them.
T. Ulevskis,
You got a point there.
Evalyn if you are going to say my private school kids are behind show me documentations for your claim that public school first graders are required to learn cash crops, nicknames, biggest cities and capitals.
I don’t know the names of big cities or Ben and Jerry and I got into college. 😛 Relax.
I was going to say the same thing to Evalyn
Now I know why I didn’t get into ivy leauge schools! My mistake was not memorizing cash crops, nicknames, biggest cities, and capitals! Mystery solved!
*Ivy Leauge
*ivy league 😂😂
I didn’t learn about cash crops and state capitals in kindergarten but somehow got around to an MBA.
What a shame Evalyn, what a shame. You want to play victim when Wally asked you to back up your assertion. You turn it around making him the bad guy and you are the victim. What a little hypocrite and little liar you are when you say you don’t have the emotional energy for saber rattling while being the only one who is saber rattling by caricaturing others about ice cream and mid snacks. No wonder you have a hard time with being unemployed,your problem isn’t God it is your little whiny hypocritical blame-others presumptuous mindset. Hint Hint don’t forget your comment to me about the gap between my kids and other kids.
You’ve won.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thank you for the reblog!
Yankee Whiskey Bravo 👊😎
It’s strange but I’ve never been to Vermont even though it borders NY. People wouldn’t think so but I believe NY is #2 behind Washington in apple production. In the county next to us all you see are apple trees for miles and miles.
Wow I didn’t know that about New York with apples. Maybe that’s why New York City is the Big Apple? How far away is the border of Vermont from you?
Good guess regarding the origin of the term, “the Big Apple,” but NYC generally disavows any and all connections to Upstate and especially Western New York. I looked up the origin of “the Big Apple” and found an interesting explanation. A writer first used the term in 1909 in reference to NYC, “…the big apple gets a disproportionate share of the national sap.” The Vermont border is about 250 miles from us.
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I think the number of real Evangelicals in West Virginia might be less than what the survey says
I love Washington! Born and raised!
America is so beautiful
Makes me want to travel after Covid settles down
I love Washington Apples and Starbucks! Gotta visit Washington State sometimes and I heard their seafood market in Seattle is pretty good
I know many homeschool kids that seem very knowledgeable where I work as a docent in a natural history museum. So for the person commenting I think might be ignorant to attack homeschooling
Love Virginia! Just moved here