Learn the 50 States in Alphabetical Order Study tips
50 States List Learning methods
Learning the 50 US states is a challenge most American kids have to face. It is a daunting but rewarding task so the obvious thing is to look for an easy way. There are many resources available:
Which one is best?
We all differ, so some of us learn best by seeing and doing, and others from reading and repeating. It is worth trying out a few different methods to find what works for you.
Learning States by rote
Simple repetition or learning by rote is the old fashioned, hair-shirt approach favored in the past by schoolteachers steeped in a belief that suffering was good for the soul. There is no doubt that it works, and probably has a longer-lasting effect than more trendy methods. However, will today’s spoilt-for-choice-kids take to that idea if there is an alternative?
States Word-association technique
Thestates word-association techniqueinvolves having a numerical list linked to an object using rhyme. For a long list like the 50 states it helps to subdivide into groups of ten further distinguished with the use of color as another memory aid. A good example is explained here.
A mnemonicis a word or phrase where its individual letters are the starting letters of the words to be remembered. For example: the colors of the rainbow can be remembered with “Roy G. Biv”. The list of 50 states and capitals is a more daunting challenge. A mnemonic for learning the 50 States of America can be found here.
To get a meaningful mnemonic for all the 50 states in alphabetical order is probably impossible. The occurrence of so many states with the same first letter is a problem. Plus five with “New” in the name.
States Census-Bureau Region Chunking
Dividing the American states into Census-Bureau regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West, and learning by chunking is probably less stressful. Progress can be seen as each region is mastered. An excellent example with mnemonics can be found here.
States Song Lyrics
Song lyrics are a good way to go as an addition to the other methods. The memory is supported by the melody and it is a lot of fun. It also helps to teach the correct pronunciation.
50 States Videos
There are a number of videos that combine visual and sound. In the Animainiacs video you see the outline map of the states and as the Wakko song progresses with each name you see the state filled in with color to identify it. There have been a number of videos on this theme and many are worth checking out. See animainiacs-wakkos-us-states
A list of individual state limericks with the state and capital can be found here. These provide humor and are well written to standard limerick format. This gives a nice sing-song quality to aid retention.
Learning States Games
Games on the states:
You are spoiled for choice in methods but whatever you choose a certain amount of hard work is involved. However, it is worthwhile because knowing the 50 states and capitals is beneficial to most people and not just Americans.
My vote for best way to learn the 50 states of America goes to the regional chunking method.
Printable Work Sheets for your students to study, learn and practice the 50 states.
USA States and capitals FAQ Helpful list of frequently asked questions.
Learn 50 states capitals blog More interesting stuff on learning about American geography including "States and Capitals" song and lyric videos.States alphabetical order Putting a list of states in order.
Presidents USA List of presidents in order.
Presidents Puzzle Crossword on presidents of US with dates of office clues.
States-capitals mobile phone format if you need to find states capitals by phone.
Outline map with postal abbreviations USA map abbreviations list
States Word Puzzle Click to download StateTrail your FREE copy of StateTrail.Speech Recognition spelling alphabet If you need to use the "alpha bravo charlie" phonetic alphabet to dictate, the full list is laid out for printing.
*** States and Capitals of the USA ***
We hope this List of 50 states and capitals in order has been of help to you. NOTE: The author will receive a commission on any product purchased through links on this page. Thank you.
Written by William Clark
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