Sonlight 50 States Review
Homeschool geography can feel surprisingly scattered, especially when you’re trying to cover state history in a way that’s structured but still interesting.
This Sonlight 50 States review comes after using the unit with my son to build a fuller picture of the state we live in, from key facts to local history and the little details that make each place unique.
What stood out right away was how manageable the lessons felt and how well the literature-based approach supported real research skills, using indexes, finding reliable sources, and organizing information without turning it into busywork.
If you’re trying to decide whether this geography unit study is a good fit for your homeschool, here’s what it looks like in practice, how it works week to week, and what my son and I actually thought of it.
**Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to write this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only share resources that I would use with my own family and those that I believe other homeschool families will enjoy. There may be affiliate links in this post.**
What Is the Sonlight 50 States Unit Study?
The Sonlight 50 States Unit Study is a literature-based geography program designed to help kids learn about any U.S. state through a mix of reading, mapping, research, and guided worksheets. It’s a 36-week study built around short weekly lessons, so you can move steadily or speed up when interest is high.
The set includes a printed, three-hole-punched workbook and the companion book The 50 States, which adds illustrations, state facts, and reference material your child will use throughout the study.
Each week focuses on specific state features, symbols, history, landmarks, notable people, and basic geography, while encouraging students to practice research skills and organize information clearly.
Although it’s written for roughly grades 2–6, the structure is flexible enough to adapt for younger or older learners, or to use with multiple children at once.
How the Sonlight States Unit Study Works Week to Week
The unit study is divided into 36 short lessons, each one focusing on a different piece of state geography or history. The weekly rhythm stays consistent, which helps kids know what to expect without it feeling repetitive.
A typical week includes reading a section of The 50 States, completing a guided worksheet, checking a map, and doing a small research task using books or safe online sources.
Most lessons take about 20–30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy homeschool schedule. We often used it as a mid-week change of pace, and it worked well alongside our larger history program.
Because the worksheets aren’t tied to any specific state, you can revisit the unit again and again, one state per year, a handful of states per term, or even a faster pace if you’re preparing for a road trip or regional study.
The format supports independence, too. Kids practice finding facts, using indexes, organizing information, and building a simple state notebook without needing constant parent guidance.
What We Liked About Using the 50 States Unit Study
One of the biggest strengths of this unit is how approachable it feels. The lessons are short, but they still manage to build real skills, fact-finding, note-taking, map reading, and recognizing reliable sources.
My son stayed engaged because the tasks were varied enough to feel fresh without turning into a big project every week.
The literature-based format is another plus. The 50 States book is colorful and inviting, and it naturally draws kids into the topic. Instead of flipping through a dry reference text, they’re working with maps, illustrations, and quick facts that make it easier to remember details about each state.
I also appreciated how flexible the structure was. Some weeks we moved slowly, and other times Freddie asked to keep going and we doubled up on lessons. Because nothing is tied to a specific timeline, it adapts easily to whatever season of homeschooling you’re in.
Since the worksheets aren’t state-specific, you can revisit the study multiple times without buying a new set.
What Could Be Better
Because the worksheets are designed to work for any state, they stay fairly general. It’s a solid framework, but you’ll need to add your own books, videos, or local resources if you want deeper state-specific detail.
The study also leans more toward reading and research than hands-on projects, so families who prefer crafts or interactive activities may want to supplement.
As the lessons are short, enthusiastic learners might move through them quickly, which just means having a follow-up plan in mind.
If you want a more detailed state-by-state study, I also offer a full 50 States Unit Study that pairs well with the weekly lessons.
Who the Sonlight 50 States Unit Study Is Best For
This unit study works well for families who want a simple, structured way to learn about any U.S. state without planning everything from scratch.
It’s especially helpful for kids who enjoy reading, mapping, and short research tasks, and for parents who prefer a steady weekly rhythm that doesn’t take much prep.
It’s also a good fit if you’re homeschooling multiple ages, since the worksheets can be adapted for younger or older students. If your family is moving, traveling, or studying regional history, the flexibility of revisiting the study for different states is a real advantage.
Final Thoughts
The Sonlight 50 States Unit Study offers a manageable, well-structured way to explore U.S. geography without adding a heavy workload to your week.
The mix of literature, mapping, and simple research tasks keeps lessons engaging while building useful skills, and the flexible format makes it easy to revisit the study for different states over time.
If you’re looking for a geography resource that’s clear, adaptable, and easy to fit into real homeschool life, this unit study is a solid option and blends well with a wide range of history or geography programs.
If you’re exploring Sonlight programs more broadly, I’ve also reviewed their American History and World History levels, which pair well with this geography study.
Related Geography Resources
If you want to build on the skills in this unit study, these geography printables pair well with the weekly lessons:
- Free state coloring pages
- Free state facts worksheet
- USA landmarks worksheet
- American flag history worksheet
- North America worksheet
For something more interactive, try the Random City Generator. Kids can spin for a surprise U.S. city and then locate it on a map, research quick facts, or add it to their travel notebook.
A geography subscription box can also add a fun hands-on element if your kids enjoy crafts or themed projects.
Last Updated on 21 October 2025 by Clare Brown
