List the name of a state on the front of each index card.
Add a hint about the capital under the name of the state. For example, for Colorado write “mile-high.”
Write the name of the capital on the back on the index card.
Give every child a blank state map.
Quiz them with the flashcards. Give them the answer the first few times and gradually wean them from the information, giving them only the name of the state and the hint.
Offer the children just the state name after several days or weeks to see how many they get right.
Continue to quiz and work with the kids. It may take an entire semester to learn all 50.