CU 1.09United States Puzzle Map
The child works the United States puzzle map, starting with Utah and its neighboring states.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child to bring the North America puzzle map and the United States puzzle map.
- 2
Show the United States piece on the North America map, then say: 'Here is the United States by itself. It is made of 50 states.'
- 3
Take out Utah first: 'This is Utah. We live in Utah.' Trace its shape.
- 4
Take out and name the states that touch Utah: Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Point to New Mexico touching at one corner (Four Corners).
- 5
Take out the remaining pieces without naming each one and lay them out.
- 6
Replace all pieces, naming Utah and its neighbors again.
- 7
Give a three-period lesson on Utah and two neighbors.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Name states where family members live or have visited
- Trace and color Utah and its neighbors
- Label states with cards and check with the control map
- Find Alaska and Hawaii and explain why they are placed in boxes on the map
Control of error
Each state piece fits only in its own space; the labeled control map shows every state name.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Finds Utah immediately on the puzzle map
- Names at least three states that border Utah
- Completes the puzzle independently
Guide note
Large state puzzles take a long time. Offer a smaller Utah-and-neighbors tray first if the full puzzle is overwhelming.