50 States: South Dakota

South Dakota

South Dakota (SD) became our nation's 40th state on November 2, 1889. The land that would become South Dakota was purchased from the French in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. It was split between the Minnesota Territory and the Nebraska Territory until 1858 when Minnesota became a state. Three years later, on March 2, 1861, it was organized into the Dakota Territory. Due to fear of the Sioux Indians who lived in the Territory, the population increased very slowly until the railroad came and gold was discovered in 1874. On November 2, 1889, the Dakota Territory was split into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota.

The capital is Pierre, and the largest city is Sioux Falls. The Sioux were prominent in this territory. The name, Dakota, is what the Sioux called themselves.

South Dakota is 77,184 square miles, making it the 17th largest state. There are more than 833,000 South Dakotans living in this state as of 2012. Some famous people born here include:

Sparky Anderson...baseball coach

Tom Brokaw...news anchor

Sitting Bull...Teton Dakota chief/warrior

Crazy Horse...Oglala Sioux chief/warrior

There have also been several U.S. representatives and some actors born here as well.

South Dakota's nickname is the "Mount Rushmore State." The motto is "Under God the people rule." The old motto was "The Sunshine State," but this was changed in 1992 since Florida is known as The Sunshine State. The state symbols are:

Bird...Chinese ring-necked pheasant

Mammal...Coyote

Fish...Walleye

Insect...Honeybee

Fossil...Triceratops

Flower...American pasqueflower

Tree...Black Hills Spruce

Jewelry...Black Hills gold

At least 13 different fossils have been found in South Dakota, including Iguanodon, Pachycephalosaurus, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus.

The South Dakota flag was adopted in 1963. It portrays a farmer plowing in his field, a river, forests, a mountain, and a steamboat. The motto is included in the seal, and the nickname, "The Mount Rushmore State," surrounds the lower half of the seal.

There are many interesting things to do in South Dakota. I have supplied links to some of the sites.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial

Badlands National Park

Black Hills National Forest

Corn Palace

Reptile Gardens in Rapid City

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Philip

Needles in the Black Hills

Great Plains Zoo

Adams Museum and House in Deadwood

Falls Park

Sitting Bull Crystal Cleaners

National Music Museum in Rapid City

Bramble Park Zoo

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

Black Hills Central Railroad

Fort Meade

Petrified Wood Park in Lemmon

Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo

Choose one or more of the following activities to increase your knowledge of South Dakota:

1. Research Mount Rushmore—the sculptor, when it was sculpted, who is carved into the mountain, etc.
2. Wild Bill Hickok was a historical figure who spent time in South Dakota. Research his life and his connection to the state.
3. Research the discovery of gold in South Dakota.
4. Research the Crazy Horse Memorial.
5. How did the Black Hills get their name?
6. What can you find out about the Prairie Rattlesnake?
7. What immigrant groups settled in South Dakota?

The following items are available on Christianbook.com. If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission as I am an affiliate.

Uniquely South Dakota By Reuben Anderson / Heinemann Raintree

Balloons Aloft: Flying South Dakota Skies By Arley Kenneth Fadness / Xulon Press

Outlaw Tales of South Dakota By Globe Pequot

Prairie Anna By Peggy House / Journeyforth Anna's life on the prairie is like many other immigrants in the early 1900's—her mother dies, her newborn sister dies, and her father's South Dakota farm is not doing well. Her family makes all the decisions about how to survive, leaving her to catch up and adjust to all the changes in her life. When she's given a different option, what will she decide to do with the one choice she's been given?

South Dakota Curiosities By Globe Pequot

The Amazing 50 States Maze Book By Scott Sullivan / Price Stern Sloan Take a road trip through the U.S.A.! This a-maze-ingly detailed maze book will delight puzzle fans of all ages as they travel through each twisting turn. With one-of-a-kind mazes depicting all 50 states, this is a perfect gift for any puzzle nut. Maddeningly addictive, whether in the shapes of New York, South Dakota, or California, these intricate mazes will have you hooked in no time!

The First Four Years, Little House on the Prairie Series #9 (Softcover) By Laura Ingalls Wilder / Harpercollins Publishing Laura Ingalls Wilder is beginning her life with her new husband, Almanzo, in their own little house. Laura is a young pioneer wife now and must work hard with Almanzo, farming the land around their home on the South Dakota prairie. Soon their baby daughter, Rose, is born, and the young family must face the hardships and triumphs encountered by so many American pioneers. And so Laura Ingalls Wilder's adventure as a little pioneer girl ends, and her new life as a pioneer wife and mother begins. The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America's frontier past and a heartwarming, unforgettable story. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Love Finds You in Deadwood, South Dakota By Tracey Cross / Summerside Press I thought I'd add one for mom. Jane Albright is freshly widowed and pregnant—and has a toddler to care for. When she learns she might lose the family home and freighting business to moneylender Franklin Lloyd, she brandishes a bullwhip and continues her husband's work. But will Jane be able to protect her children's future from a money-grubbing cheat like Franklin? 320 pages, softcover from Summerside.

50 States: South Carolina

SOUTH CAROLINA

Our nation's 8th state is South Carolina (SC). It became a state on May 23, 1788. With an area of roughly 30,000 square miles, South Carolina is the 40th biggest state.

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Catawba, the colony of Carolina was divided in 1710 into North Carolina and South Carolina. When it was discovered that rice and indigo grew well in this area, it was quickly inhabited by Europeans who built large plantations, which were worked by African slaves. During the American Revolution, more battles were fought here than in any other state. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union. The Civil War would begin almost four months later. South Carolina was devastated by the Civil War and would spend years reconstructing their economy and infrastructure. The southern plantation lifestyle ended with the emancipation of the slaves. Today, South Carolina's economy is driven by several different industries such as aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, biotechnology, distribution, food processing, wood products, chemicals, and tourism.

The capital and largest city in SC is Columbia. It is home to the Riverbanks Zoo.

People who live in South Carolina are called South Carolinians. Some famous people born here included:

James Brown...dancer/singer

Chubby Chucker...singer

Tyler Florence...chef

Joe Frazier...boxer

Arthur Freed...producer/songwriter

Dizzy Gillespie...trumpet player/songwriter

Andrew Jackson...US President

Shoeless Joe Jackson...baseball player

James Longstreet...general

Charles Pinckney...founding father

Darius Rucker...singer

Vanna White...game show host

Today, there are nearly 4.8 million people who live in this state, making it the 24th most populous.

The state's nickname is the "Palmetto State." The palmetto palm is depicted on the South Carolina state flag along with a crescent moon. This particular tree was chosen because trunks of the palmetto palm were used to create a fort during the Revolutionary War which simply absorbed cannonballs instead of being knocked down. The flag was adopted in 1861.

The state's motto is "Dum Spiro Spero," which means "While I breathe, I hope." Other state symbols are:

Bird...Carolina wren

Game bird...Wild turkey

Animal...Whitetail deer

Butterfly...Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly

Insect...Carolina Mantid

Fish...striped bass

Dog...Boykin spaniel

Reptile...Loggerhead turtle

Spider...Carolina wolf spider

Amphibian...Spotted salamander

Flower...Yellow Jessamine

Tree...Sabal palmetto

Beverage...Milk

Hospitality Beverage...Tea

Fruit...Peach

(Despite Georgia being the Peach State, SC is the leading producer in the US.)

South Carolina has more state symbols, including a state dance and state gemstone. They must have had fun coming up with so many different ones.

So, what is there to do in South Carolina besides visit the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia? Well, you can take a tour boat over to Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots fired in the Civil War. You can also visit Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, a maritime museum in Charleston Harbor, and tour the USS Yorktown. Boone Hall and Plantation is also in Mt. Pleasant. Another plantation is Drayton Hall in Charleston.

An extremely popular tourist destination in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach. There are large shopping centers, amusement parks and water parks, and the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. View a list of activities including beach activities, water sports, and amusements.

South Carolina also has a lot of nature to explore. My cousin, Paul, has taken some beautiful photographs of South Carolina. His waterfall pictures are simply breathtaking. Check them out!

Lake Murray has had sightings of a creature like the Loch Ness Monster since 1933. Do you think it could be real?

Play some South Carolina learning games and test your knowledge of this state.

The following items are for sale through christianbook.com. I am an affiliate. If you purchase anything through my blog, I will receive a commission.

It Happened in South Carolina By Globe Pequot

A Primary Source History of the Colony of South Carolina - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Heather Hasan & Eileen Stevens / Brilliance Audio Learn all about the colony of South Carolina, which was built on entrepreneurship as well as religious and political freedoms. This compelling book provides the background and history of this colony, which would later become a major factor in the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. Unabridged audio CD; approximately 1 hour 3 minutes; 1 CD.

South Carolina Fab Facts Fast Card Game By Carole Marsh & Sherry Moss(Editor) / Gallopade International

South Carolina Geography Project Book, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Geography projects include: building a "state tree" with leaves from as many types of trees as possible, recreating the path of a state river using a wire coat hanger, and more.

More than Petticoats: Remarkable South Carolina Women By Globe Pequot

Churches of Charleston and the Lowcountry By George C. Rogers, Preservation Society of Charleston & Preservation Society of Charleston / University of South Carolina Press

Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans: South Carolina Gamecocks By Ed McMinn / Extra Point Publishers Daily Devotions for Die-Hard Fans: South Carolina Gamecocks combines the great passion of the Gamecock fan with the great passion of the fan of Christ into one set of devotions.

The Mystery at Fort Sumter: First Shot Fired in the Civil War! By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Set in major American locations and using real kids as characters, this popular nation-wide series integrates history and state lore into fascinating mysteries! Christina, Grant, Mini, and Papa go to Charleston, South Carolina, in search of missing (and dead!) Aunt Lulu. There they learn about Fort Sumter and the first shots fired in the Civil war as they solve a mystery during a rare winter blizzard! 158 pages, softcover.

The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville - eBook By Shelby Foote, Dostoyevsky / Vintage

A Yankee Girl at Fort Sumter By Alice Turner Curtis / Applewood Books This is the story of Sylvia, a little girl from Boston, and her adventures in Charleston, South Carolina, just before the start of the Civil War.

Historic North American Forts Coloring Book By Peter F. Copeland / Dover Publications Many of them are National Historic Sites today, but in their time these forts were among the first footsteps of a westward-bound society. Illustrations of 44 historic forts range from sites in the northernmost reaches of the United States and Canada to El Morro, Puerto Rico's sixteenth-century citadel. Detailed captions accompany scenes from Fort McHenry, Fort Jamestown, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Sumter, Plymouth Fort, Fort Laramie, and many other strongholds.

The Longest Night A Military History of the Civil War By David J. Eicher / Simon & Schuster In this compelling new account of the American Civil War, noted historian David Eicher gives us an authoritative history of battle from the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox. As a strictly military history, this book covers hundreds of engagements, both well known and obscure, including the oft-neglected Western theater and naval actions along the coasts and rivers. The result is a gripping popular history that will fascinate anyone just learning about the Civil War while offering more than a few surprises for longtime students.

The Unknown Civil War: Odd, Peculiar, & Unusual Stories From the War Between the States By Webb Garrison / Sourcebooks Webb Garrison demonstrates that a general review of the little-known stories of the American Civil War exposes a number of overlooked, unexamined aspects of the four-year conflict. Despite the vast amount of research by generations of scholars and the scrutiny to which the war has been subjected, there are many motives, accomplishments, and repercussions about which little is known. As a result, because so much has either been forgotten, overlooked, or left unknown, a sense of mystery and fascination still clings to the war. From Fort Sumter to Appomattox, and reaching as far back as 1784, Garrison shares the stories that still raise questions today: questions about slavery, political maneuvering, the commanders, the common soldiers, and the people who had to bear forty-eight months of war. All are parts of the unknown Civil War.

The Civil War: A Narrative - 3 Volumes By Shelby Foote / Random House, Inc Civil War is a narrative written by Shelby Foote, who, instead of inventing characters and incidents, searched them out and, having found them, took them as they were. Many books by military experts or profesional historians went into the making of these books. The most useful and largest one being the 128-volume War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Each of the three novels in this series is approximately 830 pages long. The first book is titled Fort Sumter to Perryville and covers the years from 1861 to 1862. Book two covers Fredericksburg to Meridian and the years 1862 to 1864. And the final novel in this series titled Red River to Appomattox covers 1864 to 1867.

Mango Languages: A Review

We have had the privilege of reviewing a "Beta" version of the Mango Homeschool edition. I have always enjoyed learning foreign languages, and I have given my children some different opportunities over the years with various programs. When given the opportunity to review Mango Languages, I was thrilled, especially since Mango Languages has 61 different languages that students can pick from.
When we first viewed the offerings, my daughter, who has never really enjoyed learning foreign languages, said she wanted to learn Pirate. Yes, you read that right! She learned how to speak like a pirate. We live in an area that once was known for its pirate activity, and there is even a pirate museum. While pirate-speak is rare now, except during festivals, and learning the language was purely for entertainment purposes (oh, my, did we laugh a lot), it was enough to spark her interest. She is now working through Modern Greek and has learned some Hawaiian as well. The Hawaiian just thrills her grandmother as she loves Hawaii.

One of my boys has a friend who lives in the Netherlands, so he has chosen to learn Dutch. He read that it is one of the most difficult languages to learn, but he wants to show his friend that he is interested in his language and culture. My oldest son is going through the Japanese module. He has always wanted to learn this language. I purchased a product last year that looked to me as if it would really help him learn it, but it only served to confuse him. Once he got started with Mango Languages, however, and realized how much easier this program is, his Mango lessons have been the first thing he has done every day.
I am part Irish and part Scottish. It took me a while to decide between Irish and Scottish Gaelic. I finally chose Irish. I learned Spanish in high school. I had no idea that Irish was so incredibly different. I am grateful that repetition is the way the languages are taught through this program. Even in succeeding lessons, review of previous material is mixed in with the new information.
Once a language is chosen and the space is joined, you click the "Login to Mango" button. It then opens a new window and tests your system to be sure it meets the requirements. Once your course is loaded, you can get started. Each language program is divided into chapters such as "Greetings, Gratitude, and Goodbyes," "Names and Introductions," "Getting Around," "Eating and Drinking," "Using Transportation," and "Getting Help," among other things. Each chapter is split into separate lessons that run through a conversation which is first shown in English and then changes as it is spoken in the chosen language. Each line of the conversation is broken up into smaller parts shown as part of a slide presentation which can be completed at your own pace. Each time words are spoken, you have the option of repeating the pronunciation as many times as you wish, viewing the phonetic pronunciation, and even recording your voice to compare it to the native speaker's voice. This voice compare feature really helps you learn how to pronounce the words correctly.  Throughout the presentation, cultural and grammar notes are taught. I feel like this adds so much to the lessons because it isn't just about the languages. They educate the student about the culture and why certain things are said or proper gestures, etc. In the grammar notes, the literal translation of the phrases is given. It is very interesting! Back on the main screen, you have the ability to monitor all of your students' progress and connect with other homeschoolers who might be on the site. The chat feature requires real names so that you know who exactly you're communicating with. You can choose to not enter the chat room but send private messages to people you may know through eNote. ENotes also give you a way to communicate internally with Mango Languages staff if you are having a problem.
There will be quizzes and tests available (printable) on the site soon that you can use to assess your student's learning. The staff at Mango Languages sees these as a priority and is working hard to make them an exceptional tool. Since the homeschool section of Mango Languages is fairly new, they are still working on different features that will enhance the user experience. While it is a wonderful program now, I foresee it only getting better.

What is currently available on the site:

Over 60 different languages

Progress Assessments


Built-in journals, discussions and wikis

Collaborative learning spaces

eNote messaging
/chat rooms


Access to embedded/downloadable content


Support from other community members


Calendars to schedule meetings or study groups

Over the next several months, we'll be introducing other exciting features like:

Enhanced Tracking and Progress Monitoring - including seat time (for students and parents)

Goals and Personal Lesson Plans (both stand-alone and tied into Mango courses)


Resume and Portfolio Builder

If you are interested in trying out Mango Languages, you can complete one lesson for free, choosing from just a handful of languages (you don't get 61 choices for your free lesson). Once you sign up, you have 60 days to try it out. If you aren't satisfied, you can get your money back. I can't believe you wouldn't be satisfied, though. This course offers so much more, in a much simpler format than most other programs available. They also have a mobile app that can run on iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with my particular phone, so I can't use it.
Mango Languages is appropriate for children as young as 6 through adults of all ages. No matter your age, this program will help you learn so much about a language and the culture. They even include beautiful photographs of the country where your language is spoken.
This is their introductory pricing for the homeschool edition:

1 subscription is $18/month or $125/year total 

  2 subscriptions are $28/month or $175 /year total 

 3 subscriptions are $38/month or $225/year total 

 4 subscriptions are $48/month or $275/year total 

5 subscriptions are $58/month or $325/year total

Many libraries have partnered with Mango Languages to provide foreign language learning to its patrons, but the library versions only have one level of each language, while the homeschooling version has all levels and many more languages.

I wish I had known about Mango Languages before I purchased the Japanese curriculum last year. There are so many wonderful features of Mango Languages. The conversational style, the voices, the cultural notes, etc., all work together to make this a high-quality language learning program.

Follow Mango Languages on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

50 States: Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (RI) is the official name for our 13th state. Roger Williams founded Rhode Island in 1636 after being kicked out of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was publicly acknowledged by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as the one from whom the ideas of freedom speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of public assembly originated. RI was the first state to reject the rule of England, but it was the last colony to become a state—May 29, 1790

It is the smallest state at 1,045 miles and has a population of 1.05 million as of 2013. The capital and largest city is Providence.

People who live in this state are called Rhode Islanders. A few famous Rhode Islanders are George M. Cohan, actor and songwriter; Matthew C. Perry, military leader; and Oliver Hazard Perry, military leader.

Rhode Island's nicknames are The Ocean State and Little Rhody. The state motto is "Hope."

The flag was adopted in 1897. There are 13 stars which represent the 13 original colonies. The anchor is on Rhode Island's state seal and includes the motto.

The state's symbols are:

Bird...Rhode Island Red

Flower...Violets

Tree...Red maple

Despite its small size, there are some very interesting things to see in Rhode Island. The Newport Preservation Society maintains several "summer cottages" of the rich and famous that were built in the late 19th century and early 20th century. These include The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms. The Newport Cliff Walk follows the cliffs for 3.5 miles. This is another way to see the mansions. Fort Adams is located in Newport. Educational tours include the tunnels located underneath the structure. Various lighthouses can be toured. There are beaches and country clubs. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is also in Newport.

Built in 1716, the oldest schoolhouse in the United States is in Portsmouth.

Test your knowledge of Rhode Island with these fun learning games.

A Primary Source History of the Colony of Rhode Island - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Joan Axelrod-Contrada / Brilliance Audio Rhode Island could be called the colony of "independent thinkers." Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 after his banishment from Massachusetts due to his religious beliefs, Rhode Island consisted of a large island called Rhode Island and a mainland called Providence Plantations. Using primary source documents to enhance a lively and accessible text, it is a vivid account of the story behind the foundation of this colony and the independent spirit of those who settled there. Unabridged audio CD; approximately 1 hour 10 minutes; 1 CD; read by Eileen Stevens.

Rhode Island Colony, The By Coughlan Publishing

It Happened in Rhode Island By Seth Brown / Globe Pequot

Voices from Colonial America: Rhode Island 1636-1776 By Jesse McDermott / National Geographic Children's Books

Native American Place Names of Rhode Island By R.A. Douglas-Lithgow / Applewood Books

Providence & Rhode Island Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the Ocean State By Linda Beaulieu & Al Weems / Lyons Press

Food Lovers' Guide to Rhode Island: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings By Patricia Harris & David Lyon / Globe Pequot

The Providence & Rhode Island Cookbook, 2nd: Big Recipes from the Smallest State By Linda Beaulieu / Globe Pequot

The Providence & Rhode Island Cookbook, 2nd: Big Recipes from the Smallest State By Linda Beaulieu / Globe Pequot

The Providence & Rhode Island Cookbook, 2nd: Big Recipes from the Smallest State By Linda Beaulieu / Globe Pequot

The Challenges of Roger Williams: Religious Liberty, Violent Persecution, and the Bible By James P. Byrd, Jr. / Mercer Press This book examines how biblical interpretation promoted both violent persecution and religious liberty in colonial America. Frequently, the Bible was a violent force in Puritan New England, where ministers and magistrates used biblical passages to justify the punishment of many religious radicals. Encouraged by the Bible, Puritans whipped and imprisoned Baptists, banished a variety of radicals from the Puritan colonies, and even sent Quakers to the gallows. Among those banished was Roger Williams, the advocate of religious liberty who also founded the colony of Rhode Island and established the first Baptist church in America. Williams opposed the Puritans' use of the Bible to persecute radicals who rejected the state's established religion. In retaliation against the use of Scripture for violent purposes, Williams argued that religious liberty was a biblical concept that offered the only means of eliminating the religious wars and persecutions that plagued the seventeenth century. Empowered by his interpretation of Scripture, Williams posed a serious challenge to a colonial society in which the Bible was the paramount guide in every aspect of life, both public and private. As Byrd reveals, Williams's biblical case for religious liberty was multifaceted. He drew from a wide range of scriptural texts and wrestled with a variety of interpreters. By focusing on Williams's biblical opposition to religious persecution, this book demonstrates the importance of the Bible to violence, religious liberty, and the relationship between church and state in early American history. Included is a reference guide to Williams's biblical interpretation which features the only biblical indices to his published works, accompanied by rankings of his biblical citations in various categories, including his most cited biblical passages throughout his career.

You're A Grand Old Flag [Download] By George M Cohan & Hal Wright / Twin Sisters Productions

Yankee Doodle / Yankee Doodle Dandy [Download] By George M Cohan & Hal Wright / Twin Sisters Productions