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Wondering how to make U.S. geography come alive for your kids? A 50 States unit study might be exactly what you’re looking for!
We’ve been a part of a variety of different homeschool co-ops for years (with a few breaks here and there). Our current group has been meeting for four years now. It’s truly become something special; both for the kids and for us moms. Yep! We even have ‘moms night out’ events throughout the year!
So as this school year starts to wrap up, we’re gearing up for our annual planning meeting for next year. As you can imagine, with a co-op of nearly 20 families (and 80+ kids), it definitely takes all hands on deck to make everything run smoothly. Which means that we ask for input from everyone on what classes they (or their kids) would like to see as well as what classes each mom would be willing to teach.
While brainstorming ideas for classes I could volunteer to teach, one idea kept coming back to me: a U.S. States Study. It’s such a foundational topic, which might sound boring to some. But I think it can be incredibly fun, interactive, and memorable when done right.
50 States Unit Study: Learn U.S. Geography for Kids
I didn’t really have a clear plan in mind when I first thought of doing a US States class. So I started doing some digging! I found a variety of resources that I know will help me be successful in this endeavor.
Resources To Help Teach About The 50 US States
- Traveling The States: Traveling the States helps you travel to all 50 states in America in a unit study fashion which is appropriate for ALL ages!
- USA Map Learning Blanket: Make geography fun and cozy with the Birdy Boutique USA Map Learning Blanket, a double-sided, educational blanket that helps children visualize and memorize the 50 U.S. states, capitals, landmarks, animals, and birds.
- 50 Adventures in the 50 States: Learn about popular adventures people enjoy in their states.
- We Are the United States: Meet the People Who Live, Work, and Play Across the USA: Meet the people who live, work, and play across the USA!
- We Are the United States Activity Book: Pairs well with the coordinating book above.
- National Parks of the USA: Offers a closer look at the popular national parks through the US.
- America Celebrates: The Most Incredible and Influential People, Places & Events of the Last 250 Years: Featuring a variety of fun facts and fine details, this book is full of information.
- America is Wild!: A State-By-State Encyclopedia of American Wildlife: A state-by-state encyclopedia of American wildlife.
Why I Chose These Specific Resources
I wanted a variety of resources that would help me keep the kids engaged and excited. By combining the above resources, I know that can be achieved.
The Traveling The States PDF is great as it includes all fifty states and they can be done in any order. (Which makes pairing the rest of my resources easy.). As we ‘travel’ to each state, I plan to have the kids locate it on a map, read all about it, and then bring it to life through hands-on activities. Kids can color original artwork, explore the history of the state flag and design their own, stamp their “passport,” and watch a curated YouTube playlist if we choose. Along the way, we’ll learn about the state’s history, as well as its nature (like the state animal, bird, flower, and tree). To make it even more fun, there’s educational games to play!
Hands On Accessory To Help Transform This Unit Study Into A Tangible Experience
The Birdy Boutique USA Map Educational Blanket will be a wonderful addition to any U.S. Unit Study because it seamlessly blends learning with everyday comfort. Instead of relying solely on worksheets or flashcards, children can absorb geography naturally as they snuggle, play, or relax. This helps reinforce knowledge through repeated exposure.
With one side featuring a detailed map of all 50 states, capitals, and major physical features, and the other highlighting state birds and animals, it invites curiosity from multiple angles and supports visual learners as well. I absolutely love how well made and thought out this blanket is. Including the full name of the state, abbreviation, and capitals is really awesome. I also appreciate the compass so we can cover direction in our studies too.
With our co-op, I plan to use this blanket as an interactive floor tool, helping kids build familiarity with U.S. geography in a way that feels fun, engaging, and effortless rather than forced.
Coordinating Books Together To Create This Unit Study
The rest of the books will pair nicely because they feature amazing artwork, interesting facts, and so much more. They feature a glorious rainbow of different heritages, religions, hobbies, vocations, and cultures that populate this great country. I love how colorful they are and match up perfectly with what we’ll be learning in our Traveling The States workbook.
- The 50 Adventures in the 50 States features gripping outdoor activities, vividly illustrated (and described) facts, and adventure on every page! Get ready to walk on an active glacier in Alaska, climb the highest peak in the Northeast, and horseback ride through canyons with a Navajo guide in Arizona.
- We Are The United States charmingly illustrates infographic maps while celebrating all the different heritages, religions, hobbies, vocations, and cultures across the US. The coordinating workbook features a variety of fun puzzles, games, art, and activities to match!
- The National Parks Of The USA is the best way to explore and experience national parks, right from home. Divided into seven regional chapters, this book includes all 60+ national parks, from Acadia to Zion.
- America Celebrates was created in honor of America’s 250th birthday and brings readers on an exciting journey timeline of influential figures, notable landmarks, and special events dating back to 1776.
- America Is Wild! helps readers explore the wild heart of America, one state at a time. It’s a visually captivating wildlife encyclopedia featuring over 400 beautiful illustrations.
Looking Ahead-
I’m really excited about the possibility of teaching this class next year. A United States unit study feels like a subject where I can blend structure and creativity. I know it’s something the kids will enjoy while building real, lasting knowledge.
If you’re part of a homeschool group—or even just teaching at home—this could be such a fun way to explore the country together.
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