Fifty States Under God

Traverse your way through the United States of America in order of statehood with these spiral-bound state studies. Developed for two different age groups, both books help students discover how the United States was formed over the years by introducing the states in the order in which they became states. In the book for older students, lesson plans at the front of the book provide teachers with an outline and a small timeline of important events surrounding the statehood of that state. This section also holds five review lessons and quizzes to be assigned periodically. The body of the book contains the state-specific pages; each state is allotted four pages to provide students with a complete overview. The first of these pages shares interesting facts about the state, along with space for students to write their own fact and draw a picture. The second page is the data page; this covers the state's nickname, motto, some symbols (bird, tree, and flower), historical sites, and a small map work section. Students decode the nickname and motto, read the passage on historical sites, cut and paste state symbols from the back of the book to the spaces provided, and complete the map work. The third page covers the state flag and seal (with an explanation of both), a list to fill in about industries and products important to the state (answers can be found in the appendix), and a "test" on the state's abbreviation, capital, and nickname. The last page offers an interesting reading passage on a notable event from that state. Appendices at the back provide the answers to the state data activities as well as the review lessons and quizzes.

In the newer book for young learners, much of the same format is followed; there are still four fun worksheets for each state, which cover state symbols, mapwork, special people, date of statehood, capital city, motto, and nickname. Suggested teaching schedules are still provided and this book is even more focused on building character, patriotism, Christian values, and a love for geography. Many younger students won't be able to read the text in the book, but will still benefit from having the information read to them. Activities include coloring, cutting, pasting, and learning about interesting people from each state. Full-color symbol pictures included at both levels. ~ Steph