Summer/Fall Series: 50 States - Maryland

MARYLAND

www.pdclipart.org

One of two states to give up land for the capital city, Washington, D.C., Maryland became the 7th state on April 28, 1788.  The postal abbreviation is MD (remember that Maine was ME).  Maryland is the 42nd largest state in the Union.  It was named in honor of the wife of Britain's King Charles I, Henrietta Maria.  The capital of Maryland, Annapolis, was once the capital of the United States and was named in honor of Princess Anne who would later become the queen of England in 1702.  Washington, D.C., became the nation's capital on July 16, 1790.

Maryland's nickname is the "Old Line State."  It dates back to the Revolutionary War and is said to have been given by George Washington himself after viewing the bravery and steadfastness of the Maryland Line at the Battle of Long Island.  The state motto is "Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine" and means "Manly Deeds, Womanly Words" or "Strong Deeds, Gentle Words."  It is written in Italian and stems from the Italian roots of the Calvert Family, the Lords Baltimore, who governed Maryland for 42 years.

The flag of Maryland was adopted in 1904 and is based on the coat of arms of the Calvert family.  It is the only U.S. flag that contains British heraldry.

www.pdclipart.org

The state symbols of Maryland include the Baltimore oriole as the state bird, the striped bass as the state fish, and the Maryland blue crab as the state crustacean.  The state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever.

The state flower is the black-eyed Susan, and the official state tree is the Wye Oak which is a white oak that is more than 450 years old.  Milk is the state beverage.  (This isn't the first time we've heard this.)  Maryland also has a state boat: the Skipjack, which is a boat used for oyster dredging.

Seafood contributes a great deal to the economy of Maryland.  Blue crabs, oysters, striped bass, soft clams, and flounder are some varieties which are caught and sold.  Maryland contributes nearly half of the nation's blue crab supply.  Other top industries are corn, soybean, and tobacco farming; coal mining; and steel production.

Maryland holds the honor of having the first school in the nation.  In 1696, King William's School was established.  It also had the first dental school at the University of Maryland.  The United States Naval Academy was founded on October 10, 1845, in Annapolis.  It was called the Naval School until 1850.

People from Maryland are called Marylanders.  Some famous Maryland-born Marylanders are politicians such as Spiro Agnew, Charles Carroll who signed the Declaration of Independence, John Dickinson who was one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.  Authors Tom Clancy, Upton Sinclair (The Jungle), and Dashiell Hammett (The Maltese Falcon) were both born here.  Other people include Francis Scott Key, the writer of the Star Spangled Banner; Johns Hopkins, philanthropist who founded the university and hospital which bear his name; sports' stars Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, Michael Phelps, and Pete Sampras; Benjamin Banneker, astronomer who helped plan Washington, D.C.; Stephen Decatur, the youngest captain in the Navy; Frederick Douglass, former slave who became the first black citizen to be a high-ranking government official; John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin; Harriet Tubman; and Frank Perdue of chicken fame.

Maryland has hundreds of events year round and tourists attractions.  Like most other states, there are aquariums, amusement parks, and zoos.  There are national parks and old war forts.  Antietam National Battlefield is part of the National Park Service and commemorates the Civil War battle along Antietam Creek.  Visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore and the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo which details the life of the founder of the American Red Cross.  The Charles Carroll House of Annapolis is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from June through September.

Try your hand at some of these Maryland puzzles and quizzes.

The following list of products is available at christianbook.com.  I am an affiliate of christianbook.com.  If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission.

A Primary Source History of the Colony of Maryland - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Liz Sonneborn & Eileen Stevens / Brilliance Audio Learn all about the colony of Maryland through primary source documents! On November 22, 1633, two small ships sailed from England with about 150 people on board, mainly men, though there were some women and children. All were leaving their homes and setting sail for a strange land. They dropped anchor in Chesapeake Bay and landed on an island they named St. Clements, which they found to be too small, and moved to a larger area that they called St. Mary's City.  From these humble beginnings emerged Maryland, one of the thirteen colonies of America. From the colonists' early years, to political and religious upheaval and disease, this audiobook recounts the history of the colony. Unabridged audio CD; approximately 1 hour 12 minutes; 1 CD.

Voices from Colonial America: Maryland 1634-1776 By Robin Doak / Random House, Inc

13 Colonies: Maryland By Roberta Wiener & James Arnold / Heinemann Raintree

Maryland My First Book, Grades K-5 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people and more. Includes: drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

Harriet Tubman By Marion Dane Bauer & Tammie Lyon / Scholastic Trade Introduce young children to the important life that Harriet Tubman led with this illustrated picture book. Simply written and brightly illustrated, children will learn about Harriet's early life as a slave in the South, how she managed to run away to freedom, and her long and dangerous fight for freedom for slaves and rights for women.

Harriet Tubman: Freedom's Trailblazer By Kathleen V. Kudlinski / Aladdin

Harriet Tubman, Secret Agent: How Daring Slaves and Free Blacks Spied for the Union During the Civil War By Thomas B. Allen / Random House, Inc Readers discover that Harriet Tubman--well known to them as an ex-slave who led hundreds of her people to freedom along the Underground Railroad--was also a spy for the Union Army. More specifically, she worked behind Confederate lines in South Carolina getting information about troop movement and Rebel fortifications from slaves whom she was leading to freedom on the Underground Railroad. The report on her raid to Lincoln's Secretary of War stated: "This is the only military command in American history wherein a woman, black or white, led the raid and under whose inspiration it was originated and conducted."192 pages, hardcover.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, Written by Himself - eBook By Frederick Douglass / Simon & Schuster Fredrick Douglass' account of his life as a slave, and finally as a freedman, is one of the most dramatic tales in American history. First published when the author was only 28, after just achieving his freedom, he presents us with a vivid portrait of the harsh injustices and dehumanization that slavery had upon African Americans. His refreshing and eloquent prose popularized his autobiography and helped him launch his career as a minister and abolitionist. This Enriched Classic edition also contains and outline of key themes, detailed explanatory notes, critical analysis, discussion questions, and more. 182 pages, softcover.

Frederick Douglass By George E. Stanley / Aladdin Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass was separated from his family, beaten, and was forced to work constantly-all because of his skin color. How could anyone overcome such odds? But overcome he did, as Frederick eventually became a famous abolitionist, author, statesman, and reformer. Read about how one of the most prominent figures in African American history paved the way for others to achieve their own freedom! 192 pages, paperback. Ages 8-12.

For You They Signed: The Spiritual Heritage of Those Who Shaped Our Nation By Marilyn Boyer / Master Books Can you identify all the men who signed the Declaration of Independence? They were men who risked everything to bring our modern United States of America into being, yet we've largely forgotten their names, states, and their lives. For You They Signed features the stories of the 56 signers-perfect for a year's worth of week-long studies as a family devotion or independent study. Each entry features an original illustration, sidebar with quick statistics, close-up of their signature, quotes timeline, chapter text on their lives, and questions for discussion. A family activity guide Companion Book is available at the publisher's website. 342 pages, hardcover.

The Star Spangled Banner By Peter Spier / Random House, Inc Illustrated by favorite children's author/illustrator Peter Spier, his iconic images are set to all three verses of "The Star Spangled Banner." With a historic note at the end, this is an excellent way to introduce children not only to the words of the song, but also to the background it was born out of, and the meaning of the lyrics. Music also included on the last page.

Union 1812, audiobook on CD By A.J. Langguth / Tantor Media A gripping narrative of the second and final war of independence that secured the nation's permanence and established its claim to the entire continent, by the author of the enormously successful and acclaimed Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution. This dramatic account of the War of 1812 fills a surprising gap in the popular literature of the nation's formative years. It is this war, followed closely on the War of Independence, that established the young nation as a permanent power and proved its claim to Manifest Destiny. Full of fascinating characters-Presidents Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, and the future President Andrew Jackson, as well as Dolley Madison, Sam Houston, the great Indian chieftain Tecumseh, Francis Scott Key, Davey Crockett, and Oliver Perry, among others-Langguth's riveting account covers a vast panorama of battles, from the American sacking of Toronto and the British burning of the White House and the Capitol, to the thrilling war at sea and on the Great Lakes and the final spectacular American victory at New Orleans. Unabridged. 13 hours. 11 CDs. Read by Grover Gardner.

The Star-Spangled Banner: The Story Behind Our National Anthem By Liz Sonneborn / Facts On File In 1814, a young American lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched through the night as British troops attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore. As the smoke cleared and dawn broke, he lifted a small telescope to his eye and saw the American flag waving above the fort. America had endured. Filled with emotion, Key wrote the first lines of "The Star-Spangled Banner" - the song that would become our national anthem. Elementary students can learn what each part of this song means, and better understand this national song. Colorfully illustrated with timeline, glossary, and index; 32 pages.

Benjamin Banneker By Coughlan Publishing A "Fact Finder" Biography, this short biography features short sentences and archival illustrations that give children a good idea of who Benjamin Banneker was and what he accomplished. His education-both by Quakers and himself-is discussed, as well as his creation of a wooden clock, published almanacs, and surveying skills. 32 pages. Ages 7-10.

What Are You Figuring Now?: A Story about Benjamin Banneker By Jeri Ferris & Amy Johnson(ILLUS) / Carolrhoda Books

The Bloodiest Day: Battle of Antietam By Larry Hama / Random House, Inc Relive the terrible story of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in American history. As Union and Confederate armies met, ordinary men and women showed extraordinary courage as they fought to decide the future of their county. In this Osprey Graphic History book, you'll meet John Gordon and Francis Barlow, who faced each other in the "bloody lane," in a desperate struggle for survival. Then use the extra information packed inside to learn about why they fought.

The President is Shot! The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln By Harold Holzer / Boyds Mills Press It was only one moment in history, yet one of the most significant and tragic. Author Harold Holzer explains the context for the assassination, including Lincoln's dreams about his death, Mary Lincoln's fears and phobias, his unpopularity in the South, and the ways in which John Wilkes Booth's life led him to the assassination of the president. Period etchings, momentos, and photographs included. Ages 10 & up.

Heroes of History: Clara Barton, Angel of the Battlefield By Janet & Geoff Benge / Emerald Books The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history. Known during the Civil War as the "Angel of the Battlefield," remarkable Clara Barton risked everything to save countless lives on the frontlines of battle. Once a painfully timid child, Clara was as bold as a lion when it came to helping others, whether wayward schoolboys, natural-disaster victims, or dying soldiers. For ages 10 and up.

Edgar Allan Poe By Edgar Allen Poe / Sterling Publishing Beautiful, commissioned illustrations accompany a number of Edgar Allan Poe's most beloved poems. A fantastic way to introduce children to poetry, the included vocabulary and context notes help make the art form more accessible to beginners. A biography of the poet is also provided at the beginning of the book. Ages 8 & up. 48 pages, hardcover.

YWAM Review: Jim Elliot

Over the years, I have become very familiar with the story of Jim Elliot and the other missionaries who were killed in Ecuador in the 1950s.  I have also used other books from the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series by YWAM Publishing and have always loved them.  They are always written well and share the stories so clearly and with such detail that you almost feel as if you are present.
We had the opportunity to review Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose and the corresponding study guide, Jim Elliot: Unit Study Curriculum Guide.  The book is geared towards children ages 10 and older and shares the story of Jim Elliott from before he landed in Ecuador to his death in the jungle.  The epilogue describes the work of God through Betty Elliot, Jim's wife, and Rachel Saint, Nate's sister, with the Auca's after the missionaries' deaths.  



Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose is a 192-page paperback book that sells for $6.99, but it is also available in Kindle and Nook editions.  I received the Kindle version and, so, would sit on the couch with my kids and read them a chapter at a time.  The story was full of details about Jim's life.  I myself especially enjoyed the chapters that talked about Jim and Elizabeth's courtship.  They both loved the Lord so much, and it is evident throughout the story.  I am glad that there have been books written about Christian men and women who sacrificed to share the love of Christ with those who might not otherwise hear and that I have the chance to read those books to and with my children.  
The curriculum guide is 62 pages and sells for $7.49.  It is intended to be used to enhance the learning that comes from reading the book.  It contains Bible verses to memorize and chapter questions (with answers provided in the back of the book).  These two sections were the easiest for us.  We often look for verses to memorize, and there are just four included in the study guide.  They are each given in KJV and NIV.  We use the NIV as it is a bit easier for the kids to memorize.  There are only four questions for each chapter.  The first is a vocabulary question.  The second is a question about some fact from the chapter.  The third question measures whether or not the student comprehends what they have read.  Finally, the last question asks them to form an opinion about something related to the reading.  The chapter which talked about Jim's parents raising him to be independent struck a chord with my kids.  They tried to plead their own case.
We did not do anything with the display corner which encourages the kids to set up a table in a corner that displays items about Ecuador.  One of the items that is suggested is a map of Ecuador.  This can easily be completed by using the map that is included in the study guide.  Other items suggested are examples of Spanish writing, Ecuadoran food like bananas and cocoa, and photographs and articles about Ecuador.  We could have done the map and probably put some bananas on the table, but that would not have done it justice.
Essay questions are provided, as well as creative writing ideas.  I was not impressed with some of the creative writing ideas.  One was to write a song about Jim and Betty.  One was to write a poem about Jim for his funeral.  Some of the hands-on projects are simple like making a timeline.  This one is easy to do after reading each chapter.  There are some projects that my kids like such as making a poster advertising Jim as a guest and making an acrostic poem from Jim Elliot's name.  I was not willing to make a papier-mache topographical map of Ecuador, though.  The good thing about the curriculum guide is that it suits kids of all ages.  Some projects are too simple for junior high or high school but are just right for elementary kids, and some are perfect for the high-school level but are too hard for the younger kids.  It provides a variety of activities for all ages.
There is a chapter about planning field trips and getting the most out of them.  It includes several ideas for field trips that could tie into the story.  The social studies chapter has a lot of map work.  I love geography, and I am always happy when my kids are challenged to identify places on a map.  This chapter also includes terms like gulf, basin, and tropical storm that the kids can look up and learn.  Many of these my kids were already familiar with.  The last chapter is entitled, "Culminating Event."  This is the end of the unit study.  Some ideas given are to prepare and serve regional food, play traditional music, present poems or reports the kids have written, display art work, and play traditional Ecuadoran games.
YWAM has included in the study guide a list of other books that were written about the people and events surrounding these five missionaries who were killed in Ecuador.
I highly recommend both the book and study guide.  The book is well written and sensitive to the events surrounding the lives that were taken.  The study guide provides many opportunities for further learning for students of all ages.  There will most likely be something all kids will find enjoyable between its pages.

Summer/Fall Series: 50 States - Maine

MAINE

www.pdclipart.org

From lobsters to toothpicks, Maine has put its name on the map.  Despite its most northeastern location of any state in the U.S., Maine is rich with history, fishing, and forested land.  On March 15, 1820, Maine became the 23rd state in the Union.  The original capital was Portland, but it was changed to Augusta in 1832.  Maine is the 39th largest state.  It covers more than 35,000 square miles, over 22.5 million acres of land.  More than 42% of the state is covered in state and national parks.

Folks who live in Maine are called Mainers, and some who were born there include Milton Bradley, the owner and creator of Milton Bradley, Co.; Patrick Dempsey, an actor who played the role of Robert in the movie, Enchanted; Stephen King, horror author; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote "Paul Revere's Ride" among other poems, as well as many U.S. representatives and other writers.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's house can be visited as it is now a museum.  Stephen King's house cannot.  There are many state parks in Maine as mentioned above, including Acadia National Park.  The coastline is dotted with many lighthouses, some of which are Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and Portland Breakwater Light.  The last surviving signal tower in the United States is Portland Observatory.  Maine has a desert; it is a 40-acre portion of land covered with glacial silt.  There are ski resorts such as Sunday River and old decommissioned forts such as Fort Knox.  Fort Western is an old colonial outpost that can be toured.  Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is the last active Shaker community and can be visited.

Maine's motto is Dirigo, which means "I lead."  It saw itself as a guide for the people, hence the motto.  The nickname is the Pine Tree State for the many pines that fill its forests.  The state tree-the Eastern white pine-was used for ships' masts.  The state flower is not actually a flower: the white pine cone and tassel.  Another of Maine's nicknames is the Lumber State.  Its abundance of forests allows for the manufacturing of many paper products.  Maine also produces 90% of the country's toothpicks.

Maine is an important fishing state.  Almost 90% of the country's lobster is caught off the coast of Maine.  It is also an important state for potato farming, shipbuilding, electronics, and tourism.

The state animal is the moose.

www.pdclipart.org

Maine is the only state in the U.S. with only one syllable.  Its abbreviation is ME.  Try to keep the abbreviations straight for the states that start with M.  There are quite a few of them.

The state bird is the Black-capped chickadee, and the state insect is the honeybee.  What other states have the honeybee as their state insect?  The state fish is the Landlocked salmon.

Maine's state flag was adopted in 1909.

www.pdclipart.org

Included on the flag is Maine's state seal which shows a farmer with his scythe and a sailor leaning on an anchor who are both flanking a shield which has a pine tree and a moose beside a blue stream.  A yellow star, the Polar Star, sits atop the shield while the state motto, "Dirigo," is printed on a red banner and "Maine" is printed on a blue banner below the shield.

Visit the Maine Kids page for puzzles, recipes using food found in Maine, coloring pages, and a license plate decoding game.

Play some Maine recycling games.

The following is a list of resources about Maine or things found in Maine from christianbook.com.  DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate with christianbook.com.  If you purchase items through my blog, I will receive a commission.

The Great State of Maine Activity Book, Revised Edition By Jane Petrlik Smolik / Midrun Press With over 90 pages of answers to "Are we there yet?" this activity book is stuffed with enough puzzles to keep children busy! Inside, you'll find crosswords, logic games, secret codes, mazes, and word puzzles. You'll also find fun facts, activities, and games all about life in Maine from Kittery to Fort Kent. Enjoy puzzles about Augusta, Bar Harbor, Freeport, The "Downeaster", Puffins, Ogunquit, Moose, Lobsters, Lighthouses, Sugarloaf, Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, festivals, famous Mariners, mapping Maine, Moosehead and Sebago Lakes, and more! Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Names of Maine: How Maine Places Got Their Names and What They Mean By Brian McCauley / Acadia Press Discover the origin and meaning of the names of over 1,000 cities, towns, mountains, rivers, lakes, bays, and islands, listed alphabetically. Whether you are a visitor to Maine or live there, you will find this information fascinating.

Maine State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central Get to know your home state! Comprehensive state history lapbook resources from Knowledge Box Central are designed so that children of all ages can study together. Explore state symbols, songs and landmarks, famous people, geographical regions, timelines of historical events, and more. The included state-specific study guide provides background information, history, and other factual information; this study guide is the same for both lapbook (Grades K-8) and lapbook journal (Grades 6-12) students, so that the parent only needs to go over the information once. This lapbook includes a list of all the supplies needed if following the included base guide. Blackline masters are provided for students to cut out and paste into their lapbook, while a photo of a finished lapbook provides a visual example. This Lapbook is structured for use with K-8th Grade Students.

Native American Place Names of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont By R.A. Douglas-Lithgow / Applewood Books This dictionary of Native American places was originally published in 1909. Arranged alphabetically by Native American name, this reference work gives insight into the name origins of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont cities, towns, rivers, streams, lakes and other locales. 116 pages, softcover.

Lighthouses of Maine By Bruce Roberts & Ray Jones / Globe Pequot A winning combination of practical travel information, stunning color photographs, and rich maritime history makes Lighthouses of Maine your essential guide to maritime beacons in the Pine Tree State. From Whitlocks Mill Light near the St. Croix river to Whaleback Ledge Light near Portsmouth Harbor, the fifty lights included here are presented in geographical order. Take this handy little guide with you on your travels, and keep it as a picture-perfect souvenir of your trip to Maine. Inside you will find: detailed descriptions of each lighthouse Complete travel information, including driving directions and GPS coordinates historical background notes quick summaries of key information, such as date established, height of tower, and type of lens fifty-six beautiful full-color photographs a glossary of important terms helpful icons indicating historic interest, scenic quality, accessibility and amenities

Maine Birds By Globe Pequot A must-have reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. This series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability. (31/2 x 81/4 folded, opens to 22 x 81/4, color illustrations, map)

A Penny for a Hundred By Ethel Pochocki / Bethlehem Books Farm life in Aroostook County, Maine, is much the same year after year--but 1944 is different. When German POWs come to help Clare and her family bring in the crops, she befriends Peter. She's determined to make his Christmas away from home special, but she never expects to receive a precious gift in return. Recommended for ages 5 to 9.

One Morning in Maine By Robert McCloskey / Penguin Putnam Inc. One morning in Maine, Sal woke up. She peeked over the top of the covers. The bright sunlight made her blink, so she pulled the covers up and was just about to go back to sleep when she remembered "today is the day I am going to Buck's Harbor with my father!" As Sal brushes her teeth she notices something strange. One of her teeth is loose! Her first loose tooth! When the tooth falls out, she'll be able to put it under her pillow and make a wish. But while Sal digs for clams with Dad, her loose tooth becomes a lost tooth. How can she make her wish now? Luckily an exciting trip to Buck's Harbor with Dad and baby Jane helps make Sal's wish come true. In this heartwarming story, Robert McCloskey beautifully conveys life's everyday pleasures and his intimate knowledge and deep appreciation of the Maine islands. Recommended for ages 3 to 8. A 1953 Caldecott Honor book.

Hello Maine! By Martha Day Zschock / Applewood Books Tag along after a Moose and its calf as they explore Maine. Cute illustrations and fun rhymes highlight the uniqueness of the city with classic and kid-friendly examples. Great for reading before a trip or for children already familiar with the state! 16 boardbook pages. Ages 2 & up. 6" x 6".

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Sterling Publishing Beautiful, commissioned illustrations accompany a number of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's most beloved poems. A fantastic way to introduce children to poetry, the included vocabulary and context notes help make the art form more accessible to beginners. A biography of the poet is also provided at the beginning of the book. Ages 8 & up. 48 pages, hardcover.

The Song of Hiawatha By Henry Wasworth Longfellow / Dover Publications Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1855 classic is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature, combining romance and idealism in an idyllic natural setting.

Paul Revere's Ride By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ted Rand / Puffin Books Here is one of the most stirring poems in American Literature, brought vividly to life in this breathtaking new edition by a master of picture-book illustration. Ted Rand's moonlit vision captures the swift, rhythmic gait of Longfellow's words and the drama of Revere's brave ride as he gallops from town to farm, sounding the call to rise and arm against the British. The story unfolds in memorable pictorial images: Revere's anxious wait on the shore, the two lights in the belfry of the Old North Church, Concord Bridge in the early morning hours. The mixture of history, art, and poetry results in a book as gorgeous to behold as its message is inspiring to all who love freedom. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Acadia National Park Wildlife By Independent Publishers Group

Summer/Fall Series: 50 States - Louisiana

The summer series has morphed into a fall series as we have reached the end of September.  I haven't quite made it halfway.  Hopefully, I will finish this series by Christmas.  I do hope you are still enjoying it.

LOUISIANA

www.pdclipart.org

Louisiana, postal abbreviation LA, is our nation's 18th state.  The land that became Louisiana and parts and wholes of 14 other states was purchased by President Thomas Jefferson from Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled France, on April 30, 1803.  Statehood was achieved exactly nine years later on April 30, 1812.

Louisiana is located in the southern United States.  Its southern coastline sits on the Gulf of Mexico.  The lowest point in the state is New Orleans; it is eight feet below sea level.  Due to this geographic position and the failure of numerous levees, New Orleans suffered a disastrous flood as a result of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Many folks were displaced and have not returned.  Reconstruction continues to this day.

The capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge.  Its name is said to have derived from the writings of French explorer D'Iberville in which he describes large poles erected by the local Indians that were coated with the blood of fish and bear heads.  Louisiana was named in honor of King Louis XIV of France in 1682.

People who live here are called either Louisianans or Louisianians.  Some famous folks who were born in this state are Louis Armstrong, singer/trumpet player; PGT Beauregard, Civil War Confederate General; Terry Bradshaw, football player; Truman Capote, author; Van Cliburn, pianist; Harry Connick, Jr., actor, singer, pianist; Fats Domino, rhythm and blues artist; Randy Jackson, best known as a judge on American Idol; Eli and Peyton Manning, football stars; Branford and Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist and trumpet player, respectively; Lee Harvey Oswald, assassin of President John F. Kennedy; and Hank Williams, Jr., singer, musician.

Perhaps some of the most famous Louisianans, at least currently, are the members of the Robertson clan who star in the show, Duck Dynasty.  Every Wednesday night on A&E, they share their family and their faith with millions of viewers worldwide.  Listed below are some books and DVDs about the Robertsons.

There is a great deal of history in this state, and a lot of culture.  This was the birthplace of jazz.  Mardi Gras is celebrated on a grand scale every year.  The Cajuns have made Southern Louisiana home, and their culture has impacted the entire U.S. from their music to their food.  This group of people is descended from French settlers who lived in the Acadia region of Canada.  They were forced out by the British during the French-Indian War in the 1750s and 1760s.  One place they settled was Louisiana.

It is obvious that Louisianans are resilient.  It is also obvious that they like to have fun.  One way this is seen is by the number of state symbols they have.

Bird - Eastern brown pelican Dog - Catahoula Leopard dog
Mammal - Louisiana black bear
Reptile - Alligator 
Insect - Honeybee 
Crustacean - Crawfish 
Amphibian - Green tree frog 
Flower - Magnolia blossom 
Wildflower - Louisiana Iris 
Tree - Bald Cypress Beverage - Milk 
Colors - Blue, white, and gold

A few others not listed include a state soil, gem, and fossil.

Louisiana has several nicknames: Sportsman's Paradise, Bayou State, and the Pelican State.

A pelican and three of its chicks are displayed on the state flag of Louisiana, which was adopted in 1912.  The blue stands for truth, and the pelican is a symbol of protection.

The state motto is Union, Justice, and Confidence.  The economy of the state is based mainly on oil and gas production but also on sulphur and salt, lime and lignite.  Petroleum refining, manufacturing of chemicals, pulp and papermaking, agriculture, fishing, tourism, and shipbuilding are also very important.

If you are planning a trip to Louisiana, there are many different things to see.  There are zoos and amusement parks.  Antebellum plantations that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places can be toured.  The Aquarium of the Americas is one of the top aquariums in the United States.  There is a World War II Museum and the decommissioned Fort Jackson from the Civil War.  There are a number of cemeteries in the New Orleans' area that have above-ground vaults for all of the grave sites.  These have been shown in various films.  New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras which takes place just before the season of Lent.  Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French.  This celebration is more of an adult celebration, but Mardi Gras World is a place where people can go and watch the floats be made that will be in the Mardi Gras parade.  The Delta Queen is another US National Historic Landmark that can be visited.  It is an old sternwheel steamboat.

Play some games here to learn more about Louisiana and test your knowledge.

The following items are some books from christianbook.com that looked like they might be interesting and help you learn more about different aspects of Louisiana.  DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate with christianbook.com, so if you purchase through my blog I will receive a commission.

Louisiana Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

Louisiana Poster/Map By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International This over-sized map features key cities, landmarks, historic sites, rivers, regions, borders, and major geographic features + an array of state "must-haves" including state symbols, as well as fascinating state trivia, a timeline of important state events, and more.

Let's Discover Louisiana CD-ROM, Grades 2-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Interactive CD-ROM with lots of fun facts for kids to learn about their state. It includes government, state symbols, a timeline, geography, civics, nickname, landmarks, parks, schools, historical places, and more. Each of four sections is completed with a quizzing game and rewards. Also includes a FREE printed reproducible quiz. Grades 2-8

*I have used the following resource in my own homeschool, and I really liked it.

Spotlight on America: The Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Louisiana Purchase By Teacher Created Resources The spotlight is on the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Louisiana Purchase in this workbook. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this workbook contains both informational reading passages and workbook pages to complete. Quizzes and answer key included. 48 reproducible pages, softcover.

Louisiana Purchase By Peter Roop & Connie Roop / Simon & Schuster In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from the French for 15,000,000 dollars. The purchase made President Jefferson's dream of extending the U.S. west of the Mississippi River come true. Now the much larger United States had difficult questions to answer: How would Louisiana be governed? How would it be divided into states? Would those states be free states or slave states? What would happen to the Native Americans? It would take over one hundred years, a war over slavery, and the creation of thirteen new states before these questions could be answered. For ages 7-10.

The Louisiana Purchase By Michael Burgan / Heinemann Raintree

What a Deal! The Louisiana Purchase By Gallopade International tInquire within to learn about the biggest bargain in American history. A deal too good to be true - only it was! The story of the amazing Louisiana Purchase is filled with history, mystery, legend, lore, and so much more! Softcover, 32 pages. Gallopade International.

*Since the following book is sold on christianbook.com, I would think it would be safe, but the last line of the description makes me question it.  It might be more appropriate for young adult or adult.

Bayou Folk & Night By Kate Chopin / Penguin Putnam Inc. In the decade before the appearance of her landmark novel, The Awakening, Kate Chopin published Bayou Folk (1894) and A Night in Acadie (1897), collections of stories set in New Orleans and rural Louisiana. Celebrations of people in their communities, the forty-four stories here depict a diversity of characters: Creoles, Acadians, and "Americans," people of color and of mixed blood, Native Americans and immigrants, adults and children, the educated and the illiterate, the rich and the poor. Some stories focus on the restrictions women face as they seek self-fulfillment - a theme Chopin would develop fully in The Awakening - but many show people striving to establish better lives amid the devastation following the Civil War. With a compassionate, knowing gaze, Chopin not only evokes the distant world of plantations and 'Cadian balls, but also anticipates the thoroughly modern, multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and sexually charged world that we know today.

Jambalaya For The Soul: Humorous Stories and Cajun Recipes from the Bayou - eBook By Jesse Duplantis / Harrison House

Survival Series: Swamp, Louisiana 1850, Volume 11 By Kathleen Duey / Simon & Schuster Bayou Teche, 1851.  No one in Lily LeGrand's Cajun community is willing to help search for Paul Courville, missing in the bayou along with his mean-spirited older brothers, William and Mark. Why should they? Paul's wealthy plantation-owner father has made no secret of his disdain for Cajuns like Lily's family. But Paul has always been kind to Lily, defending her against his brothers' merciless taunts and humiliating pranks, and Lily refuses to turn her back on him when his life is in danger. On her own in the maze of the snake-and alligator-infested bayou, Lily knows she has more to fear than her father's wrath. Her treacherous journey will test both her knowledge of the swamp and her courage. Can she find Paul in time?

Suzanne Tate's Nature Series #18: Perky Pelican, A Tale of a Lively Bird By Suzanne Tate / Nags Head Art Inc Perky Pelican is a story based on facts from research at a pelican rookery. It tells how juvenile pelicans must be lively to survive. Recommended for ages 4 to 9, grades preschool through 4th grade.

Alligator By Puzzled Wooden Toys Fun craft 3-dimensional all wood alligator puzzle. size when assembled: 14"L x 3.5"W x 4"H homeschool, classroom, family fun affordable and creative gift great stocking stuffer recommended for children over 5 years of age

Alligator By Patricia Whitehouse / Heinemann Raintree This book introduces you to alligators, including their size, diet, and everyday behavior, which highlights differences between those in the wild and those living in a zoo habitat.

The Commander's Kitchen, DVD By Daywind Music Group Welcome to the Commander's Kitchen! Come on in and have a seat with Phil and Kay Robertson along with their family, share with you their favorite dishes. Watch as they give you step-by-step instructions on how to cook some of the best recipes Louisiana has to offer including crawfish pie, bacon-wrapped duck, Miss Kay's banana pudding, and more! Includes recipe book! Approx. 69 minutes.

Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy As the Duck Commander By Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach / Howard Books Want to meet the man behind the beard? Besides having a popular reality TV show on A & E, and a multi-million dollar business, Phil Robertson has shared his story with thousands of people at churches and public speaking events. Now in his memoir, Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander, Robertson shares his life's journey behind the camera. It hasn't always been the "good life" for Phil. As a young man, he turned to drinking, drugs, and wild living to try to fill the emptiness in his heart, in the process causing hurt to his young wife and family. It wasn't until he turned to Christ and dedicated his life that things began to turn around, and he became the entrepreneur who created a product that changed the duck hunting industry. Happy, Happy, Happy isn't just the story of an American dream come true; it's the story of a changed life. As you read, you'll be inspired to believe that God can reach the hardest hearts with His love and truth and fill their lives with life-giving purpose.

The Duck Commander Family By Willie & Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach / Howard Books An up-close look at America's favorite backwoods family! Stars of A&E's hit television show Duck Dynasty, the Robertsons take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of their life and faith, sharing how they went from eating fried bologna sandwiches to consuming filet mignon by building a hunting empire. Includes recipes and family pictures. 261 pages, hardcover from Howard.

Who Was?: Who Was Louis Armstrong? By Yona McDonough / Grosset & Dunlap Full of adventure that will keep young children reading, Who Was Louis Armstrong tells the story of the man who revolutionized music through his popularization and mastery of jazz. With quotes woven seamlessly into the narrative and lots of pen-and-ink illustrations, this is a remarkably detailed look at a fascinating American man. 105 pages, softcover. Grade 3.

John F. Kennedy By Howard S. Kaplan / DK Publishing Inc.

Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras By James Rice & James Rice(ILLUS) / Pelican Publishing Company

Blown Together: The Trials and Miracles of Katrina By Sebastian Myladiyil / Evergreen Press Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating storms to hit the U.S. Most of the attention is given to the destruction in New Orleans, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast experienced untold damage as well. Bay St. Louis and Waveland, MS, were ground zero for Katrina's landfall. But for all its fury, Katrina brought miracles along with trials. Blown Together is a collection of over 25 true accounts of the impact of this storm on families and communities and the beautiful unity and cooperation it brought from volunteers near and far.

Hurricane Katrina By Hilry Thomas / Xulon Press

Storm Surge: A Novel of Hurricane Katrina By Ramsey Coutta / Xulon Press

*All of the pictures above (not including the list from christianbook.com) comes from www.pdclipart.org.