{"id":26886,"date":"2015-06-08T09:00:11","date_gmt":"2015-06-08T13:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/homeschool\/?p=26886"},"modified":"2015-08-22T16:15:19","modified_gmt":"2015-08-22T20:15:19","slug":"us-geography-fun-great-books-and-a-state-shape-craft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/homeschool\/us-geography-fun-great-books-and-a-state-shape-craft\/","title":{"rendered":"US Geography Fun: Great Books and a State Shape Craft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Geography<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

By contributing writer Beth<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking of introducing US geography to your children, consider these great books as well as a craft and activity ideas to jump start the fun!<\/p>\n

Great US Geography Books<\/h2>\n

\"US<\/a><\/p>\n

The Scrambled States of America<\/b><\/a> by Laurie Keller<\/b><\/p>\n

This book is a silly introduction to our nation\u2019s 50 states. \u00a0The thing I love most about this book is that it introduces the name and shape of each state. \u00a0The book also features the physical location of each state as part of the story. \u00a0All my kids love this lighthearted introduction to US geography.\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"US<\/a><\/p>\n

Scrambled States of America Talent Show<\/b><\/a> by Laurie Keller<\/b><\/p>\n

This sequel introduces the idea of cities, counties, state abbreviations, and order of statehood. \u00a0It follows in the fun-loving personality of the original book. \u00a0My kids were excited to follow up with each of the states that they \u201cmet\u201d in The Scrambled States of America.<\/p>\n

\"US<\/a><\/p>\n

My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States<\/b><\/a> selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn<\/b><\/p>\n

This is a great US geography book for older children. \u00a0It\u2019s a delightful collection of poetry that highlights the diverse regions of our nation. \u00a0The book introduces the concept of geographic regions that tie our states together and give them a mutual heritage. \u00a0The best part of this book is the vibrant illustration by Stephen Alcorn. \u00a0What breathtaking and heart-warming imagery he shares with us!<\/p>\n

Magnetic State Shapes<\/h2>\n

I saw these little state shape cutouts and I thought it would be a fun craft idea to make magnets. \u00a0Other state cutouts were in the scrapbook area of my craft store, but the wood veneer seemed like a better choice instead of cutouts from card stock.<\/p>\n

Please note that this is not a puzzle. The states are not to scale and they do not fit together.<\/strong> It\u2019s a fun way to learn about state shapes<\/strong> and maybe play a little matching game with your Scrambled States of America state shape pages.<\/p>\n

\"DIY<\/a><\/p>\n

Supplies Needed<\/h3>\n