Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Pick Up States

Do you remember the classic game "Pick Up Sticks?"  I created a new game for my class last week based from the childhood game.  My fourth grade social studies curriculum is the regions of the United States.  I have been trying to find games to help them learn their states and capitals.

You need to collect Crystal Light canisters and Popsicle sticks.  Wal-Mart sells a giant box of sticks for cheap.  I had a few of my early finishers write a state on one side of the stick and the capital on the other using a fine permanent marker.  I then taped the label on the canister and covered with packing tape.

To play the game the child or children dump out the sticks and take turns naming the state or capital.  If they get it right they keep the stick.  They can only pull from the top.  The children take these home one night a week in the Homework Bag (see earlier post).  They also can play them during the day.


Here is the document...sorry about the first one.  I need to upgrade my PDF program.  There are still five on the sheet.  Click the picture below to print the document.
Link

Do you have any ideas for learning states and capitals? 
I would love to hear from you!
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24 comments:

  1. gd2bqnDecember 22, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    This sounds like a quick and easy review of the states. I always find it so overwhelming teaching social studies. Maybe if I just focus on the regions it'll be easier on me?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kayla GrantDecember 27, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Tyring to look at the PDF.. it says I don't have access. Is there any other way I can view it? I have to teach states/capitals and this looks like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. khallDecember 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Thanks for the comments. Kayla I sent you an email with the dicument attached. I hope it works!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Miss AlissaJanuary 1, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    Your pickup sticks game is a great idea!!!

    I make matching games for the kids to take home. We use the TCI program, so we do 5 regions.

    I am new to blogging, but just posted the Southeast game on my blog.
    http://funinfifth.blogspot.com/2011/12/states-and-capitals.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. khallJanuary 2, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Thanks for sharing your game Miss Alissa! Did you make the other regions? We teach the regions too...I have covered the northeast and the southeast. These would be great in their hw bags!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Kelly, I love this idea! My 4th graders are just getting ready to start States and Capitals. Sadly, I wasn't able to open the pdf.

    ReplyDelete
  7. khallJanuary 3, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    Thanks MissH27...I just sent you an email with an attachment for the PDF and Word. Let me know if you need any more help?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Susan StephensJanuary 4, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    I love your idea to help the kids learn their states and capitals. However, like others I wasn't able to open it either.

    ReplyDelete
  9. khallJanuary 4, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Sorry for the problems...my computer would open itso I thought it was okay. I tried my daughter's computer tonight and it blocked me. I think it had to do with the PDF program trial expiring. I purchased it over vacation and It is all set now!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jan AndrewsFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    Most people are familair with "Around the World." It is a math game to practice their math facts. We play "Around the World States and Capitals." Basically it is a fast paced game around the room. I say either the state or the capital and they have to say the opposite. If they say the wrong answer, the other person gets to take their time and give the answer. If they too answer it wrong it goes back and forth. Istart by just doing the first 10 states and keep adding 10 states a week. The work hard to study because whoever goes the farthest gets a gummy bear. It is a great "filler" game when you have 5 extra minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  11. khallFebruary 7, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Thanks for sharing Jan! My kids love that game and I never thought of doing states and capitals!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMay 28, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    The 50 States and Capitals Song by Tim Pacific of Musical Recall:
    http://www.songsforteaching.com/recall/50statescapitals.htm

    ReplyDelete
  13. SuzanneJune 10, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    Great idea! I teach 6th grade so I think I'll make a version of this for vocabulary words...words/definitions, words/synonyms etc. thank you for the idea.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The Activity MomAugust 3, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    I included a link to this post in my recent United States post: http://www.activity-mom.com/2012/08/states-activities-printable.html

    thanks,
    Nicole
    activity-mom.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousAugust 28, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    I have five sets of the same puzzle. ..so as an activity in morning meeting groups of 4 or 5 race to finish the puzzle.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mrs. Dokes Class BlogSeptember 3, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    I downloaded a "I have, Who has" card activity from Superteacherworksheets.com that has the states and capitals. The kids love it because it is like a game, they don't even realize that they are "learning" at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousNovember 15, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    I love this idea!! When I teach states and capitals I have the students do centers. There are some great apps on the iPad that I use and I have whiteboards with a blank map of the United States on them. I have them label the states and capitals with a marker. They absolutely LOVE it and are always asking to do it. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to download this PDF, is there anyway that you could send it to me??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. khallNovember 16, 2014 at 11:03 AM

      See if this works:
      https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3m3QFdAsl_6ODMzOTgyNDktYTk5Zi00NjIzLWE4N2MtZWUyY2I2NTE2ZWRl/view?usp=sharing

      Delete
    2. khallNovember 16, 2014 at 11:06 AM

      I also fixed the link…sorry!

      Delete
  18. Arty4everMarch 15, 2016 at 3:23 PM

    For another fun way to memorize the 50 States and Capitals, check out...
    www.rightbrainedlearner.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownAugust 26, 2016 at 12:56 PM

    Hi! This is such a great way to practice states and capitals! I plan on making this today, thank you for the idea!! :) I can't get the label to show up though. Is there anyway you could send it to me? It's so cute. I'd really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. khallAugust 26, 2016 at 6:03 PM

      I just fixed the link. Sorry it didn't work! Have a great year.

      Delete
  20. UnknownOctober 3, 2017 at 12:09 AM

    Hi, This is great. The link isn't working though. Can you send it to me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. khallOctober 5, 2017 at 6:57 PM

      Try the link again. I got a new computer and put files in a new location.

      Delete

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