Do school children not have to learn state capitals anymore?

[huey duey & luey]

I dont remember if/when I learned them in school, but a few years ago I was determined to learn them. My bil and I were trying to see how mant we knew and when we were listing the states we left 2 out, it took us so long to realize which 2. I now know all the capitals and I am working on map placement (those mid wstern states kill me). My next goal is order of presidents
Tara

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

To be honest I don't remember if I had to learn the state capitals when I was in school. I moved around a bit when I was a kid, so I might have moved into a district before or moved out after the kids had to learn it.

I do remember having to memorized the Preamble to the Constitution -- THANK YOU SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!!!

I also had to memorize the order of the Presidents, and I still remember them.

 

[themepark]

My 5th grader is learning and being tested on the state capitals now.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

My daughter is 13 and hasn't yet been taught state capitals in school. I chose to teach them to her last summer because I think it's important! This summer we started on world capitals. She's learned more than 120 countries, where they are at, and what their capitals are. It's been a fun learning adventure...for both of us!

 

[piglet too]

Don't recall when I learned them in grade school, but did (re-)learn them when I was in college.

My oldest son learned them in third grade. They had to do reports on "their" state and their class musical that year was Fifty Nifty United States.
http://www.esl-lounge.com/songs/song50nifty.shtml
So along with learning the states, they ended up learning the capitals. Another cool song his teaceher used was "Wakko's States"
http://www2.cruzio.com/~keeper/03.html#4

 

[geffric]

we just have been working on this again this weekend for 8th grade review test..
and our 5th grade did it last year too..

 

[tinatark]

We memorize the Presidents in 4th grade too.

Along with the American Creed, Preamble, Gettysburg Address. Hey! Anyone know where I can get that song from Schoolhouse Rock?!

It was great, we went to DC last year, the Gettysburg address is engraved in the Lincoln Memorial, it was cool for ds to "see" it after studying it for so long!

 

[one_cat]

Memory deficit - so that's what it's called. I've always had trouble memorizing things. You should have seen me in high school spanish studying vocab till all hours of the night. I remember having to memorize the states and capitals but don't remember exactly when. I remember memorizing them in verticle lines (Washington, Oregon California, Idaho, Nevada etc.) I certainly couldn't tell you all the capitals now though.

 

[browneyes]

My dd had to learn them last year in the 5th grade. I remember having to learn them in the 4th grade.

I've never had to learn our Presidents names. My kids have yet to have to learn them.

 

[Cindy B]

So far, my kids haven't had them on a history lesson. (4th and 2nd grade)

My kids know them from the Eureka game on thier Leap Pads. They know them fairly well already.

 

[disneychrista]

Its fifth grade in our disctrict but for some reason last year when my DD was in a 5/6 combo they didn't do state/capitols. They did have to do a state report poster. Luckily she was in a 4/5 combo the year before and did them then.

 

[buckylarue]

Growing up in Phoenix, we had to learn them in 5th grade civics class, along with the presidents, and all of the Arizona state counties, county seats, main industries, etc...

In the 42 years since then, I don't think I've ever needed to know any of that information again, but you never know....

 

[TinkHappy]

Originally posted by ElizK
I was discussing this with a co-worker the other day. I know I had to learn them 2 or 3 different years (but I moved a LOT when I was a kid). I have a DD12 in 7th grade that has never had to learn them, nor my DD9 in 4th grade.

Is this just a North Texas thing, or are kids in other parts of the country not being required to learn them, either?

DD is in 5th grade. She had a pre-test of all USA capitals. The teacher just wanted to know how much they knew. DD knew 28...not too bad.
The class will be having another test (this test will count) next week.

 

[caitlyncheri]

My DS 10 is in the 5th grade, they are learning them now.

Thanks for the websites they are great