When you think of Kansas, do you picture flat fields and lots of wheat? While that may be true, there’s so much more to this state! Whether you’re homeschooling, doing a state project, or just looking for ways to make U.S. geography fun, this guide will help you teach your child about Kansas in a memorable way.
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Discover Amazing Places in Kansas
Kansas is well known for its plains and prairies, but it’s also home to some pretty amazing sights.
The Chalk Pyramids, part of the Monument Rocks Natural Landmark, are ancient chalk beds that were once the floor of a great inland sea. Over time, wind and weather brushed away the softer sandstone to leave these beautiful, pale formations.
You can also explore the historic Alcove Spring. Historically, this spring was a favorite camp for emigrants traveling west on the Oregon Trail.
Don’t forget the Four-State Lookout where you can take in views of Missouri, Nebraska, and far-off Iowa … all while standing in Kansas!
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Learn about Kansas Flora and Fauna
Kansas isn’t just about fields of wheat (though it does grow a lot of it!). It’s also known for its state flower, the wild sunflower, which grows abundantly across the state. You’ll also find yucca plants, bluestem grass, and indiangrass throughout the plains.
Kansas is home to the great American Bison, which is also the state mammal. You might also come across a fox squirrel, which is one of the few tree squirrels that lives on the plains.
Do some more digging into what types of flora and fauna inhabit Kansas. These plant and animal facts can turn into mini-research projects or creative writing prompts for your student!
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Use Hands-On Methods to Reinforce Learning
Kids remember more when they do something with what they’ve learned. Here are some ideas for taking what they’ve learned about Kansas and turning it into a hands-on activity:
- Make a diorama of the plains or a famous Kansas landmark
- Write a report or draw a poster about a Kansas animal or plant
- Use our FREE Kansas Coloring Page to learn about the state flag, bird, flower, and tree. Coloring is another multisensory tool that can help take learning to the next level!
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Find Kansas on the Map
Take a moment to point out Kansas on a U.S. map. To make the state’s shape memorable, you can try following it up with a hands-on activity like one of these:
- Trace the state shape on paper
- Build the borders of Kansas with toothpicks or playdough
- Color it in on our free coloring page
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Learn Over Several Days
Instead of rushing through Kansas in one sitting, try spreading your study over 3 to 4 days. Each day, explore a new Kansas location. Try splitting the state up into regions and then exploring each region on a different day.
This repetition helps students retain what they’ve learned and gives them more opportunities to connect with the material.
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Use a Ready-to-Teach State Study Unit
If teaching the US states seems a bit overwhelming, we have good news … we’ve already done the work for you!
Our Kansas state unit lesson includes all of the above and so much more. With writing assignments, comprehension questions, hands-on activities, and humorous journal entries, we help make learning stick. After all, our goal is to turn US geography into a subject your child will love!
