Really? My 3rd grader has to learn all 50 states?
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Anonymous
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That is wonderful!
Have they travelled much in the states? Maybe you can make it a game, mapping out the states they have visited and the states they want to see next. Get an old fashioned US driving map from Walmart and some markers and have at it. What a great way to use class time now that SOLs are over. You should thank the teacher. |
Anonymous
Maybe because she thinks most of the states are in flyover country and not worth learning? 
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Anonymous
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This is pretty standard for third grade. We had a stack of flashcards with the states and the capitals that we used to keep in the car. The map puzzle is a fantastic way to learn!
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Anonymous
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I still study the US States map so I can identify them when blank. Keeps my mind sharp.
I think it's good your school is keeping them learning. Better than making them watch movies all day. |
Anonymous
Ha! I do want them to learn this stuff. That's why I already had the 50 state jigsaw puzzle. I just feel blindsided by this stuff. They worked so hard to get through the SOL's, and now with swim team starting, it is hard to sit down and memorize all this stuff right now. |
Anonymous
I'm the OP, and I'm from flyover country. I am just sick of homework that's all. I will try to stay positive and stop complaining. |
Anonymous
This is awesome! I never heard of it but just bought Stack the States for my daughter and bought the country one for myself!!! My geography has always sucked. 
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Anonymous
| When I taught we did this in 5th grade. But not all at once - we did one region at a time, adding on each region. So first test was 10-15 Northeast states, then second test was 15-25 Northeast + Southeast states, and so on. At the end of the year each kid did a big project on one state and they presented their project at a "state fair" that all the other grades attended. Each kid had a booth with a poster board, booklet, game/activity, and snack from their state. It was adorable and the kids loved it! |
Anonymous
| I do think that having to learn all 50 at once is too much. |
Anonymous
| This standard of learning the 50 states doesn't seem to be taught in FCPS, at least not at our school. |
Anonymous
I also learned this song in 3rd grade about, ahem, 40 years ago. I also still know the lyrics. They never leave you ... But they do come in handy for trivia and Jeopardy occasionally. |
Anonymous
| I think I was in 6th grade before I had to know the capitals. But sang Fifty-Nifty starting around 3rd grade. (FCPS) |
Anonymous
I learned Fifty Nifty United States in 2nd grade, 43 years ago and can still sing it now. In fact, this is how I still remind myself of all 50 states and can state them in alphabetical order. And after I learned the song, I found it easier to learn the state capitals. Several months ago, I joined some friends for trivia night and was able to answer the capital of South Dakota quickly earning "my" team 10 points. Probably the first time in 43 years that I actually had a practical reason for knowing the capital of South Dakota! 
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Anonymous
I get where you are coming from OP. It is not learning the states, it is that we are all exhausted and ready for the year to be over. Did you see this OP. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jen-hatmaker/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever_b_3378480.html I think this is how many of us feel at the end of the year. I was up at 6:45 baking. Why? Why? Why> 11 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have this OP! |
Anonymous
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Just printed out the map with states and capitals and also as a list. Can't wait for my 2nd grader to get home.
He should definitely know the capitals. Thus far we have concentrated on European ones. |