Suggested Grade Levels: Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade.  Good lesson for ESOL students using TPR (Total Physical Response)

Getting to Know the Map of the United States of America

TPR Commands:

1. Tap on Florida.
2. Swim directly west across the Gulf of Mexico. (Pretend to swim.)
3. Trace a circle around the name of the state you are now in. (Trace the name Texas.)
4. Fly in the northwest direction. (Pretend to fly.)
5. Land in the state, which the capital is Sacramento. (Point to California.)
6. Walk to the beach. (Use fingers to walk to the shoreline.)
7. Look into the ocean. (Pretend you have glasses on, and look across the room.)
8. What is the creature you see? (Students say a creative response.)
9. Dive into the Pacific Ocean. (Pretend to dive into water with hands overhead.)
10. Swim north. (Pretend to swim.)
11. Get out of the water in Washington. (Use fingers to step onto the shore.)
12. How do you feel after that long swim? (Students say a creative response.)
13. Hike east to the first capital on the Mississippi River. (Use fingers to walk east across the map.)
14. Tap you fingers on the name of the capital. (Tap on St. Paul.)
15. Turn northeast and look at the Great Lakes. (Pretend to look.)
16. Describe in one word what you see. (Students say a creative response.)
17. Row south down the Mississippi River. (Pretend to row a boat.)
18. Jump out at Kentucky. (Stand up and jump. Then sit down.)
19. Fly to the most northeast state. (Pretend to fly.)
20. Land with joy when you get there. (Show a sign of joy.)
21. Point to the name of the state in which you are. (Point to Maine.)
22. Walk east. (Use fingers to walk.)
23. Dive into the Atlantic Ocean. (Pretend to dive.)
24. Swim down along the east coast of the United States. (Pretend to swim.)
25. Step out in South Florida. (Pretend to step.)
26. You are hungry. (Rub your stomach.)
27. Where do you want to eat? (Students say a creative response.)
28. What was your favorite state that we visited today? (Say favorite state.)
 

Comprehension Questions:

1. What body of water is on the west side of the continental United States?
(Pacific Ocean)

2. What body of water is on the east side of the continental United States?
(Atlantic Ocean)

3. Name the states touch the Pacific Ocean?
(California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii)

4. What is the capital of the state where we began?
(Tallahassee)

5. Name a state that is in the northeast.
(Answers will vary)

6. Name the two states that are not connected to the continental United States. (Alaska and Hawaii)

7. List four states that do not border an ocean.
(Answers will vary)

8. Name the two states that border our capital, Washington, D.C.
(Virginia and Maryland)

9. If you could pick any state to live in, which one would you choose? Explain why.
(Answers will vary)

10. Which states have you been to before? Tell about your experience(s).

GO BACK TO TOP

SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS

Recommend an enhancement for
this less or a new lesson.