Name That State

Grade Levels: 3 - 8

Objectives

• Students will practice athletic skills.
• Students will test their knowledge of place names.

Materials

• Set of letter flash cards for each group A-Z, with double letters for each vowel and S, T, R, L, H, N
• 2 cone markers for each group
• 2 hula hoops for each group
• Balls, depending on skill level of the group

Procedures

Notes: Determine a social studies focus for the relay. If students are just beginning to learn the material to be used, post a chart with capitals, states, and countries on a wall. Let them know that they may send one student from their group to the chart to check answers.

1. Have students get into equal groups, each sitting around a hoop/cone at one end of the gym.
2. Each group should have a complete set of letter cards and any equipment to be used.
3. To begin, give the students a movement challenge; e.g., all jump rope ten times, volley a volleyball between members of your group four times, do a basketball chest pass to each member of your group three times.
4. After giving them the movement challenge ask them to spell a specific state, capital, country, etc.
5. On the "go" signal, students complete the movement task, then work together to determine how to spell the answer, pick up cards and run to the hoop at the opposite end and spell the word, and run back to their original starting position.
6. Every group with the correct answer gets one point.