We are currently watching "The States", a DVD Collection from the History Channel, that covers all 50 States of the Union.  This series is so well done, so packed full of information, history, personal experiences, dotted with interviews from famous people who hail from the individual States, it is the best we have ever seen to date on the States.  I would personally recommend this as a number one choice to add to your curriculum or home-school library.

As I was watching this series, I had to grab a pen and paper, because ideas for future lesson plans swam in my head.  I decided to blog about this series in several parts, because it is so rich in information.  My 12 year old daughter, who loved this break in her curriculum, kept asking to watch the next part.  Rarely do you find a DVD series that keep children wanting more!

The first States covered in "The States" are California, North Carolina, Kansas, New Hampshire, and West Virginia.

California - Very funky look at California, guest celebrity was Randy Newman. California is the home to many firsts, including the first motel.  History includes the Gold Rush and San Francisco earthquake.  My future lesson plan choice: San Francisco Earthquake

North Carolina - takes a look at Nascar (who I learned started as moonshiners running from the law), and gold mining, and the story from this State that I would like to learn and teach more about:  The story of the first blacks who dared to sit down at the counter in Woolworth's, a riveting story!

Kansas - I was expecting a "bore snore" from this State, but it really surprised me. It touched on subjects like tornadoes, the horse "Commanche", which is stuffed at the University of Kansas and on display, and history on Dodge City, all wonderful candidates for future lessons.

New Hampshire - How relevant is this State with the primaries coming up?  "The States" goes through the process without going over your head. This State is also a State of many firsts, including the first astronaut.

West Virginia - This beautiful State is profiled explaining it's split from Virginia, goes through the "coal confrontation", and highlights special places such as the coal house, made completely out of coal.

"The States" is fun, funny (we laughed out loud), packed full of learning, and never boring, in fact it keeps you wanting more of it.  By the way, this DVD series is not just for children, adults will thoroughly enjoy this series if they have only a sliver of interest in history or geography, it truly is that enjoyable.  It is so affordable too, take a look a The History Channel Store