United States Atlas book, Montessori USA Wooden Puzzle Map and Tracing States

Today, we are reading National Geographic Kids United States Atlas, doing a USA wooden puzzle, and tracing over the U.S. states (something Julia has been doing in her Montessori school).

We really enjoyed reading the United States Atlas book, as it gives a nice overview of each region and the comprising states. The content is ideal for a six year old (not too complicated while not too simple), while Adrian enjoyed big and colorful pictures that accompany each state's overview. 

Julia completes this USA puzzle pretty fast now. (To me, it still looks overwhelming, especially all the little Eastern states :) Since Julia has been working with a similar puzzle at her school, practice developed her confidence and skill.

Using a thick Sharpie marker, Julia traced over the states' boarder-lines from United States Placemat on a superimposed piece of transparent paper (baking paper). She taped the edges of the baking paper to her work surface to prevent her drawing from sliding or shifting.

Julia then traced the states' borders over to a regular piece of paper, while taping the baking sheet to a window, to better see the borders.

Now, the coloring begins  - Julia's favorite part:)

 Julia matched the colors of the states to those on the USA wooden puzzle

This activity is also a great addition to any Independence Day study unit as you can discuss the United States flag, the 50 stars and what each star represents.