Grades 3–5
State Birds
Match 8 states to their state birds, from Alaska’s willow ptarmigan and Louisiana’s brown pelican to Hawaii’s nene, and learn which bird 7 states share.
Social studies worksheet · U.S. states and capitals
State Nicknames
Match 8 states to their nicknames, from the Sunshine State and the Lone Star State to the Aloha State and the Buckeye State.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- U.S. states and capitals, Regions, Map reading
What kids do
“Many states have a nickname. Draw a line from each state to its nickname.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Draw a picture for one nickname
- Make up a new nickname for your state. Why does it fit?
Words on this sheet
FloridaTexasStateNew YorkGeorgiaHawaiiArizonaOhio
Teacher tip
Ask kids to invent a nickname for their town.
How to use it
- Use a song or a chant for the states and capitals.
- Let kids check answers with a labeled map.
- Pair it with a picture book or a short video on the same topic.
Watch for
Kids who mix up capitals and big cities. Point out tricky ones like New York and Albany.
Talk about it
- Why do you think capitals are not always the biggest city?
- How does this connect to where we live?
Take it further
Write to a pen pal class in another state.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More u.s. states and capitals worksheets
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The Great Lakes
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Grades 3–5
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Read 6 facts about the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado and Rio Grande rivers, then answer 6 questions.
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