Looking for a trick to quickly memorize States and Capitals? Learn how you can teach even your youngest kids to easily memorize all 50 States and Capitals!
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Do you remember trying day after day to memorize all the States and Capitals only to miss a few on your test? When you learn facts to music, it is so much easier to remember every detail!
Luckily, the Animaniacs have this song to help you quickly and easily learn all the States and Capitals!
Catchy tune, some funny little spoken parts, what more do you need?
How Did We Do It?
Hang a Map in a Central Location
We bought a large map of the United States and hung it up on our kitchen wall. In our family, most of our time is spent in the kitchen eating, doing crafts, etc. so it seemed to be the best place. We made sure to get one that was laminated since even our youngest kids were eager to point to places on the map!
Make it a Game
We learned the song in sections, or verses. With each new chunk that we were learning, we would see who could find the different states the fastest. I kept the “words” of the song posted right next to the map so the kids could practice or review it throughout the day.
Review Often
You know how you can get annoying children’s songs stuck in your head? This song was no exception. It totally helped us learn the song quickly though, as we would find ourselves humming or singing the song throughout the day. I would also do a pop quiz as they were clearing their dishes from a meal, and see who felt confident enough passing off the song (both singing and pointing out the places on the map).
Benefits
Because English is such a weird language, I didn’t realize just how many States and Capitals needed to be said out loud in order for the kids to be able to say them correctly. (Think Baton Rouge…) It also gave the kids a sense of how we are merely a part of a bigger picture. Our state is so small when you look at it in relation to the nation! We had fun pointing out places we have been, where relatives live, and places we have read about in books. It’s all about broadening their perspective. And hey, bragging rights to be able to sing a song and be praised by grandparents and anyone else who will listen, right?
Here’s a free printable for you:
Have you memorized the States and Capitals?
We have been working on learning a little about each state like flags, state landmarks, capitals, bird and flower. We did a few a summer when my son was younger and have been working through them faster as he gets older but we are working on number 10 now. I think that this will be a super funny break that he would enjoy. We also have a card game with the capitals and it is funny how many aren’t said the same way they look!!! The song will certainly help with saying them correctly!! Thanks!
Glad I could help! The pronunciation is one of my favorite thing about learning the states and capitals! We had plenty of good laughs!