Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to identify the state of Pennsylvania on a map, understand some key facts about Pennsylvania, and appreciate the cultural and geographical diversity of the state.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Map of the United States, picture book about Pennsylvania, drawing materials.

Prep: Familiarize yourself with the geography and some interesting facts about Pennsylvania.

Activities

1. Map Exploration: Show the student a map of the United States and point out where Pennsylvania is located. Encourage the student to find Pennsylvania on the map.

2. Picture Book Reading: Read a picture book about Pennsylvania to the student, highlighting interesting facts and landmarks.

3. Draw and Learn: Have the student draw a simple map of Pennsylvania and label some key features such as the capital (Harrisburg) and major cities (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh).

First Grade Talking Points

• Pennsylvania is a state in the United States. It is located in the northeastern part of the country. You can say, "Pennsylvania is a state in the United States. It is far to the east and a little bit to the north."
• Pennsylvania has a capital city called Harrisburg. You can say, "Just like we have a capital city, Pennsylvania has a capital city too. It's called Harrisburg."
• Philadelphia is a big city in Pennsylvania. You can say, "One of the big cities in Pennsylvania is called Philadelphia. It's a very old and important city."
• Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful mountains and forests. You can say, "Pennsylvania has lots of mountains and forests. It's a very pretty place with lots of trees and hills."