The Mixed Up States By Helen Chaney-Hackney OKAGE Teacher Consultant

Kansas is so unhappy he wants to switch places with another state. Kansas, what is wrong with where you live? I am stuck “smack dab” in the middle of the United States and it is boring. I want some excitement in my life. Well, Kansas, with which state to you want to switch places? I would love to live where Florida lives! What is so exciting about Florida, Kansas? Are you kidding? Florida has warm sandy beaches and all the fresh fruit you can eat. I know for a fact that the temperature is warm nearly all year long. Would you ask Florida if she will switch?

Florida, Kansas wants to know if you will trade places with him. He says he is bored. That’s not a bad idea. You know I am tired of always worrying about hurricanes. I could use a break. Sure, tell him I would love to switch places with him. Now, Florida, are you sure about this? I want you to be happy. Do you know anything about the region around Kansas? I know that he has more neighbors than I do. I get so tired of Alabama and Georgia. They tell the same stories over and over. Okay, then it’s a deal. Pack your suitcase; and you’ll be on your way. I’ll tell Kansas to pack his suitcase too. Oh, I am so excited! I have to go shopping to buy a new wardrobe. I guess I should buy some winter clothes because it does get cold in Kansas in the winter. Yes, Florida, I think that is a good idea. See you later.

So, Kansas and Florida switched places.

Colorado Missouri Florida was introduced to her new neighbors.

Alabama Kansas Kansas was introduced to his new neighbors. Georgia

It’s been three long months. Let’s check in and see how Kansas is doing down in the southeastern region of the United States.

Kansas, what is wrong? Aren’t things working out in your new neighborhood? I am miserable because I forgot to pack any sunscreen. As you can see I have a terrible sun burn and have blisters all over my face. Well, didn’t you ask your neighbors Alabama and Georgia if you could borrow their sunscreen? Kansas Yes, but they don’t like me. They want Florida to come back. I want to go home. I’m homesick. I’ll have to check with Florida and see if she is willing to go home. Please, hurry! I want out of here.

Florida, Kansas is not happy he wants to come home. Are you happy living here in Kansas’s old neighborhood? Well, I have had a great time. The neighbors are great. Colorado has been telling me all about her ski slopes, and Oklahoma, Nebraska, and I have been very busy with the wheat harvest. But, you know what ? I miss the salty waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. I miss the sandy beaches too. I’m ready to go home. Are you sure you are ready to hear Alabama and Georgia’s stories? Yes, it won’t be long before Georgia’s peach harvest, and I do love a good peach story. And Alabama does tell great stories about the plantations of the south.

Missouri Colorado Well, Kansas traveled back to his home in the middle of the United States with his four best friends.

And Florida returned home to her two best friends who were patiently waiting for her. AlabamaGeorgia The End