With our US History Plan for next year we are doing a US States Pit Stop. Much like our Geography Pit Stop.  I had it figured out, but I really didn't like it. It was too "plain" I guess. I have played around with the State Sheets enough to really get a feel for what they are. And now they are Fabulous!

I also have created two versions of the State Sheets. This is for older kids and younger kids. The first is for the older--I would say grade 4+. The second version is for the younger kids--grades 1-3. This way you can do this for all of your kids together.

The first is actually 3-4 pages in length.  The first page covers State Symbols and the state map. Also abbreviations, nickname, capital etc. The second page covers "where in the US" the state is. It's a US Map that they color in and label. The back also covers the state flag. They will describe it (list what it symbolizes) and add in a print out/coloring of the state map.  The next page or two will have room to add information on Historical Events, Important People or Interesting Facts. Such as the Grand Canyon for Arizona. It has a space to add a picture as well. This you will add as needed. Each page has the space for 3 "Entries." The older your kids--the more detailed you should expect. For my grade 6--I will expect at least 3, prefer 4.

The second version is for the younger crowd. It is one paged and has room for State Map, Flag, Motto, 1 Symbol (Such as flower), a large map of the US (for locating the state) and covers things like abbreviation, Nickname, etc. 

It is ready to be uploaded, unfortunately I am having issues editing some of my pages. It seems that Weebly does not like firefox 4.  SOOO, Here is a link to the download.

http://www.mediafire.com/?df1sw1k6jb1hd8s

 I am using a couple of resources.

• http://www.50states.com/
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/  This is where I found the map and the flag that are on the pages below. I DID make the map and flag outline smaller for my boxes. 
• Google Searches (I just used an image search for the state flower--cactus blossom, etc.)
• The Star Spangled State Book by Knowledge Quest.  This I received free during their 10 year anniversary celebration. It is $18.95 on their site. It is listed on currclick for $15.95. I am not overly excited by this book but I do think it is a neat find. I like that they have a few interesting facts the kids can easily relate to for each state. Which is what we used on my State Sheets (page 3). It does not have a whole lot of information on State Symbols however. Hence the reason for the other resources.  There are also some great informational sheets through out the book. they are not all in one location however. You have to hunt them down!! :)
  
• Knowledge Quest DOES have a workbook that you could use that will go with their State Book. I DON'T LIKE IT. It is almost the exact same replica of the "Book" with a few words "erased" with an answer line in their place for fill in the blank. I find it is not much more than busy work. 
  

Here is some sneak peaks at the U.S. Pit Stop.  You will notice that I have used clip art. THIS IS NOT NECESSARY! You can easily have your kids draw pictures to fill in the boxes. Do what works for your family.

I am still going strong with the American History Lesson Plan. I have (I think) up to chapter 5 done completely. I will be uploading each chapter this evening. I have added in some things for the younger kids too; however they are not free, nor are they mine. I will post links to the main Resource.  I will try to post links to free items that might work instead of the ones that I have chosen.

The resource I am using is Homeschool In the Wood's Time Travelers Collection. I have 3 already and will be purchasing the other 3 as I can. This is a fabulous tool and really it's not that expensive as they are only $28.00 each and can easily be spread out as you can afford them.
I will be adding to our Geography Pit Stop for this study as well. While we study US History, we will be also studying the 50 States (and if I get fancy, all of our territories).  Maps and information guides will be created and posted in the Geography Pit Stop Section. (this may take a while to get to it)

I am contemplating a week long PROJECT.  This will take place when we hit the Great Depression. The project would entail a week long "Family Depression."  So no shoes, old clothes that would be washed only when needed and they would have to maintain only 2 outfits and a Church outfit.  Food would be what was eaten during the depression as well. NO ELECTRONICS would be allowed either.  This idea is still in it's infancy so I am sure it will get much larger before I get done with the planning.

Another project that I am working on prior to the Fall:  a mini-binder sized assignment sheets. This will be for my High Schooler.  It will be a 2 page spread that is broken down by subjects. Each 2 page spread will be 1 day. I THINK!! I'll have to play around with it. Again this will take a while to get to. I don't need it until August, but I would like to get her some practice in on it this summer while we work on some problem areas. So I hope it doesn't take too long! ;)

So lots that I am working on and lots more to come!!
~T8ermomma

I have made an addition to the geography Pit Stop project. This is a mapping project that creates a layered map==with page protectors. You can find further details under the Lesson Plans tab under Geography Pit Stop.

Just an update on this, we are a slight bit behind where I wanted to be at this point, due to some illness. The kids decided to pass a fever back and forth, it was very nice of everyone to share, but really--two weeks lost almost! YIKES! So we have 12 countries done instead of the 18 I wanted done by yesterday, but still it is going really well.

I will be adding in the map project on Monday. My plan is to do one Section (continent) at a time and get them all done before moving on. Some sections we will be able to do very quickly as there are only a few things to add on, some will take a full week. We'll play it by ear.

Hope every one is having a fabulous weekend! :)
~T8ermomma