Learning the fifty states can be an enjoyable and enriching experience, especially for children. This catchy tune, often referred to as the “50 States Song,” is set to the familiar melody of “Turkey in the Straw” and provides a fun and memorable way to learn all the states in alphabetical order. Whether you’re a teacher looking for an engaging classroom activity or a parent wanting to help your child learn US geography, this song is a fantastic educational tool.
Lyrics to the 50 States Song
This song systematically lists all fifty states, making it easy to follow along and memorize. The repetitive structure and well-known tune aid in recall, transforming state memorization from a chore into a musical adventure. Sing along to these lyrics and get ready to master the names of all 50 states!
There are 50 states in our country,
You can learn them all if you sing them with me.
We'll start with "A" and work our way through.
We are all very proud of the red, white and blue.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Don't you know!
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine
Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska
Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico
New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, We're on a roll!
Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee
Texas, Utah, We're near the end, you see.
Vermont, Virginia, and Washington State
West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. This is great!
We can sing them, we can say them, and now that we're all through.
We'll kiss our brains and say, "Yahoo!"
Fun Activities to Learn the 50 States Song
Beyond simply singing along, there are numerous interactive activities you can incorporate to enhance learning and retention of the 50 states. These activities cater to different learning styles and can be adapted for various age groups.
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State Flashcards: Create index cards with the name of each state. As you sing the song, hold up the corresponding state card when it’s mentioned. This activity combines auditory and visual learning, reinforcing state recognition.
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Born-in-a-State Cheer: Have children stand up and cheer enthusiastically when their birth state is sung. This adds a personal and engaging element, making learning more interactive and fun.
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Map Challenge: After learning the song, challenge children to locate and identify each state on a US map as they sing. This activity connects state names with their geographical location, strengthening spatial understanding.
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State Scramble: Write each state name on a separate card and then scramble the cards. Children can then arrange the states in alphabetical order while singing the song, reinforcing both state names and alphabetical skills.
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Musical States Game: Play the “50 States Song” and pause it randomly. Children have to quickly name the next state in the song. This game sharpens recall and makes learning a fun challenge.
These activities transform learning the “Words To The 50 States Song” into an active and multi-sensory experience. By incorporating movement, visuals, and games, children are more likely to remember the states and develop a stronger understanding of US geography.
Conclusion
The “50 States Song” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful tool for education. By using this song and incorporating fun activities, learning the fifty states becomes an accessible and enjoyable task for everyone. Start singing and exploring the geography of the United States today!
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