Create a large picture of each state. Put the image on PowerPoint, overhead projector or just print out full-page images. Work on each state individually, focusing on the state name, abbreviation and shape. For states that are similar in shape, like Wyoming and Colorado point out their locations on the larger map of all the states; Wyoming is directly above Colorado. Spend one class period each on larger, easily recognizable states and two class periods on smaller, harder to recognize states.
Make or purchase state and capital flashcards with the shape of the state on one side and the name of the state, its capital and its abbreviation on the other. Show the child a state and ask her to name it; go through the set of cards several times until the child can name the states on each card. Play "around the world" with the class as a whole. Start with a child in the first seat of the first row and the child sitting behind her. Hold up a flash card showing a picture of the state; the first child to shout the state name moves on and faces the next child in the row. Play the game another way by showing the side of the card that has the state name and having the child shout the name of the capital. Play the game once a week while learning the states.
Print out some maps of the United States that have the borders of each state on them. Use the maps to create puzzles by gluing the map to poster-board and cutting out all the states. Take one copy of the map and use white-out to remove all of the state borders. Make copies of this map to use as the puzzle boards. To teach the states, call out a state name and have the children place it on the puzzle board. Start by calling out larger outer states before the inner states. Use the puzzle two or three times during the state teaching process.
Find or create a song in which you sing the states in alphabetical order. Consult a music teacher or someone who creates music to get help with creating a fifty states song. Create songs with states arranged by geographical location. Include the state capitals in the songs if you are teaching them as well. Teach the students the songs and sing them together once a week while teaching the states.
Give the children a map containing all the states and a box of crayons. Point out a state on the map and ask a child to name it. After he correctly identifies the state, tell the children to color that state a specific color. Use one class period to do this for all of the states to help children identify a state name with its shape and geographic location.
Test the children to see if they have learned the state names using a map along with a list of the state names and abbreviations. Have the students put the state abbreviation in the correct state on the map or say the name of each state as it is pointed out on the map.