[parker]

Check your standards; it may be mentioned in them, or maybe not.

In my state, NC, there is no social studies standard at any grade level that requires students to memorize states and capitals. However, I do require my 5th grade students to learn where each state is located as a part of our map skills standards. I do not require them to memorize the capital. I don't require them to spell the state correctly, but they do need to learn the state abbreviation. I think everyone should at least be able to recognize the region of the US where a state is located.

It is very easy to teach this when you belong a postcard exchange. The students love to send and receive the cards and want to learn where each state is.

However, I do not think 3rd graders are ready for this skill.