Hands-On 1st Grade Arkansas History for kids: state flag & puzzles
State history often gets shoved to the back burner in elementary school. And that’s a shame because our little learners need to have a good understanding of their place in the world!
I love teaching Arkansas history for kids at the end of the year, but really it works any time of year. I’ve already blogged about part of our Arkansas History unit with Me On The Map project and our 7 Continents song. Today, let’s take a look at some of my first grader’s favorite hands on Arkansas History activities and crafts!
State and US Map Puzzles
When we were learning about our country, we spent our snack time cutting apart and putting our USA puzzles together. First I pass out the page with the puzzle on it for them to cut out. I do not give them the page to glue the puzzle on until they are finished cutting.
This keeps them from cutting a piece and gluing it down right away. Instead, the pieces mix a little as they cut and they are forced to think critically about the map of the state or country in order to finish the puzzle.
This was a real challenge for some of my kids, but so SO good for them.
When they finished their USA puzzle, they glued it to our “Find My State” printable and added a star sticker over our home state, Arkansas!
We did the same thing when we learned about our state!
Pro Tip: Print the puzzle on cardstock, laminate and cut out or have a parent volunteer cut out. The laminated puzzle pieces make a great Arkansas History for kids station activity!
arkansas State Flag Craft
While we were learning about our state and its symbols, we made an Arkansas flag after studying the history of the Arkansas state flag. We learned what all of the shapes and colors, and parts of our flag meant. Then, we used 3 simple shapes (that I precut quickly with a paper cutter) to make their own Arkansas flags!
My first graders really enjoyed this Arkansas flag craft. And it was really good practice in listening and following directions! ….especially when adding the stars! And my first graders always seem to need a little extra help in the listening department! #canigetanamen
I think they turned out so super cute. We just glued straws to them as the flag pole, but they also would make a great booklet cover for the Arkansas, Arkansas, What Do You See? booklet in my Arkansas History for kids packet!
Arkansas State Symbols Coloring Book
I mentioned that I like to do this unit towards the end of the year. We usually line it up with testing week because of all of the hands on activities. It’s a relief in the afternoon for kids to be doing puzzles, cut and glue a map, and play games to learn about Arkansas History after sitting still for a long time in the morning.
Plus, I love using the FREE Arkansas state symbol coloring books as an early finisher during this unit. The coloring books also work great for kids to work on while I pull students for end of the year assessments! I’m not sure if other states offer a free coloring book, but in Arkansas, it’s as simple as ordering the number you need online. It’s full of coloring pages, short sentences or paragraphs about the symbols and even some activities! My first graders always love these!
Where Can I Find More Arkansas History for kids?
You can find all of the Arkansas history activities in this blog post, plus much more in this packet of Arkansas History for kids!
