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.