If actually writing the words is helpful to you, try recreating your list in a variety of ways. For example: from memory, write the listing alphabetically, reverse-alphabetical order, by region, etc. This doesn’t have to be done in a traditional listing format. You could try writing the names inside of circles or squares, or sporadically on the paper. The point is just to pay close attention to what you are writing to help you remember.
Do this multiple times until you can go through the entire stack without getting any wrong. Be sure to shuffle the cards around each time before going through the stack. Change it up sometimes by saying the capital first, then flipping the card to see the name of the state. This has helped many people who have tried to memorize their states and capitals. If you are unable to purchase a set of flashcards, you can make your own. Simply use index cards or plain paper cut into smaller pieces. Write the name of the state on one side of the flashcards, and the capital on the backside. (Writing the information also adds a little extra practice!)
For example, to remember Dover, Delaware you might imagine this: What did Della wear? She wore doe fur. Della + wear = Delaware. Doe + fur = Dover. The book, The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals written by E. Andrew Martonyi is full of ideas based on this concept.
If you don’t have a partner to play with, try tossing the ball back and forth from your right hand to your left hand while saying the names aloud. Make it more challenging by using a red ball for the state, and a blue ball for the capital, and saying the name of whichever ball is thrown to you first. (Any colors will work if you don’t have red and blue. )
Look at the puzzle piece upside down and try to guess the capital and state based on the shape. This will add a fun variation and extra practice. Puzzles stimulate brain activity and can help you better remember the location of the states. [3] X Research source
Multiple choice and matching games can be played alone or with others. Bingo is an engaging pick if you have a group of people! Playing a game is a great option for those who have shorter attention spans or don’t find typical learning strategies useful.
For a fun, upbeat song, try “The 50 States and Capitals Song” by Silly School Songs. [5] X Research source A good rhythm and rhyme scheme helps to stimulate the brain and improve retention, so choose one that sounds good to you. [6] X Trustworthy Source Association for Psychological Science Nonprofit organization devoted promoting trustworthy research and education in the psychological sciences Go to source Listening to a song is a great option even for those who typically have different learning styles. Since most people enjoy music and have experienced a time when a song has “got stuck in their head,” this can be a helpful tool in helping you memorize the state capitals.
“Wakko’s America” from the children’s show Animaniacs is a popular choice that has been around for years. [8] X Research source For something more modern that’s also super engaging, try listening to or watching “Tour the States. “[9] X Research source
Used to memorize capitals of states, it may look like, “Bold Boise, Idaho” or “Silly Salem, Oregon. ”
