American Symbols Lesson Module
Grade Levels: K-2
Topic: A first introduction to U.S. Symbols through literature and primary sources.
Content Summary
In this week-long unit, students will explore American Symbols through the integration of children’s literature and analyzing primary sources. American Symbols to be explored include, but are not limited to: American Flag, Bald Eagle, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam. Students will learn about symbols from multiple perspectives using digital Library of Congress resources, Florida Studies Weekly, and various pieces of children's literature.
Objective
Students will be able to identify five famous American Symbols and understand the significance each symbol as it relates to American history.
Materials
“Symbols of the United States” (LOC Primary Source Set)
A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting)
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle (Gail Gibbons)
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols (James Cross Giblin)
Other Related Children's Literature about American Symbols
Construction Paper, Safety Scissors, Glue Stick
Procedure (Days 1-5)
1. Read Aloud A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting).L
2. While reading, identify American Symbols in the story.
3. Arrange Library of Congress printed “Symbols of the United States” Primary Source Set and ask students to go on a “picture walk” to briefly to look at the sources.
4. Ask students to select one source that is meaningful to them, then ask the students to self-group themselves.
5. Ask students to regroup until groups are formed for The Bald Eagle, The American Flag, The Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, The Liberty Bell, and the Seal of the United States.
6. The next day (Day 2), have students analyze “The Flag with thirty four stars, or Hurrah for the dear old flag with every stripe and star” using the Observe / Reflect / Question (http://www.loc.gov/teachers/primary-source-analysis-tool/) resource through the Library of Congress.
7. Students will share their Observations and Reflections with group members before sharing as a class. Discuss the number of stars on today’s flags as students are making reflections and questions.
8. Read aloud Our American Flag.
9. Discuss significance of the colors, and the changes in the numbers of stars and stripes over the years.
10. Have students write a fact about the American Flag in their US Symbols Chart.
11. Create an American Flag using strips of construction paper.
12. (Day 3), Students will listen to The Star Spangled Banner and analyze using LOC Observe / Reflect Question.
13. Students will share their Observations and Reflections with group members before sharing as a class. Ask students where they have heard this song before?
14. Read aloud The Star Spangled Banner Book and watch video of children singing it.
15. Discuss the significance of the song to our nation's history. Add a fact about the Star Spangled Banner to the US Symbols Chart.
16. Have students sing the Star Spangled Banner using lyrics and teach them the appropriate ASL Signs to accompany some of the lyrics.
17. On Days 4-7, repeat with stories primary sources about The Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, and Uncle Sam.
18. At the conclusion of the unit, review the American Symbols chart before assessing students on their understanding of the American Symbols.
Evaluation and Assessment
Students will be assessed on their Observations, Reflections and Questions chart for each American Symbol. They will be formatively assessed on the completion of their American Symbols chart. Students will be summatively assessed using the Study Island "American Symbols" Assessment Module.
ESOL Accommodations
1. Utilize graphic organizers such as webbing and semantic maps.
2. Utilize audiovisual materials that support a multi-sensory approach.
3. Present new reading vocabulary extensively, utilize props and facilitate multi-sensory formats.
Resources
“Symbols of the United States” (LOC Primary Source Set)
A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting)
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle (Gail Gibbons)
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols (James Cross Giblin)
Celebrate America: A Guide to America's Greatest Symbols Firestone
The Liberty Bell (Firestone, 2007)The Bald Eagle (Pearl, 2007)
Our American Flag (Firestone, 2006)
http://www.pbs.org/americaresponds/theamericanflag.html
Florida Standards
SS.K.A.1.2 Develop an awareness of a primary source.
SS.K.A.2.5 Recognize the importance of U.S. symbols.
SS.1.A.1.1 Develop an understanding of a primary source.
SS.1.C.3.2 Recognize symbols and individuals that represent American constitutional democracy.
SS.2.A.1.1 Examine primary and secondary sources.
SS.2.C.3.2 Recognize symbols, individuals, events, and documents that represent the United States.
Grade Levels: K-2
Topic: A first introduction to U.S. Symbols through literature and primary sources.
Content Summary
In this week-long unit, students will explore American Symbols through the integration of children’s literature and analyzing primary sources. American Symbols to be explored include, but are not limited to: American Flag, Bald Eagle, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam. Students will learn about symbols from multiple perspectives using digital Library of Congress resources, Florida Studies Weekly, and various pieces of children's literature.
Objective
Students will be able to identify five famous American Symbols and understand the significance each symbol as it relates to American history.
Materials
“Symbols of the United States” (LOC Primary Source Set)
A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting)
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle (Gail Gibbons)
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols (James Cross Giblin)
Other Related Children's Literature about American Symbols
Construction Paper, Safety Scissors, Glue Stick
Procedure (Days 1-5)
1. Read Aloud A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting).L
2. While reading, identify American Symbols in the story.
3. Arrange Library of Congress printed “Symbols of the United States” Primary Source Set and ask students to go on a “picture walk” to briefly to look at the sources.
4. Ask students to select one source that is meaningful to them, then ask the students to self-group themselves.
5. Ask students to regroup until groups are formed for The Bald Eagle, The American Flag, The Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam, The Liberty Bell, and the Seal of the United States.
6. The next day (Day 2), have students analyze “The Flag with thirty four stars, or Hurrah for the dear old flag with every stripe and star” using the Observe / Reflect / Question (http://www.loc.gov/teachers/primary-source-analysis-tool/) resource through the Library of Congress.
7. Students will share their Observations and Reflections with group members before sharing as a class. Discuss the number of stars on today’s flags as students are making reflections and questions.
8. Read aloud Our American Flag.
9. Discuss significance of the colors, and the changes in the numbers of stars and stripes over the years.
10. Have students write a fact about the American Flag in their US Symbols Chart.
11. Create an American Flag using strips of construction paper.
12. (Day 3), Students will listen to The Star Spangled Banner and analyze using LOC Observe / Reflect Question.
13. Students will share their Observations and Reflections with group members before sharing as a class. Ask students where they have heard this song before?
14. Read aloud The Star Spangled Banner Book and watch video of children singing it.
15. Discuss the significance of the song to our nation's history. Add a fact about the Star Spangled Banner to the US Symbols Chart.
16. Have students sing the Star Spangled Banner using lyrics and teach them the appropriate ASL Signs to accompany some of the lyrics.
17. On Days 4-7, repeat with stories primary sources about The Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, and Uncle Sam.
18. At the conclusion of the unit, review the American Symbols chart before assessing students on their understanding of the American Symbols.
Evaluation and Assessment
Students will be assessed on their Observations, Reflections and Questions chart for each American Symbol. They will be formatively assessed on the completion of their American Symbols chart. Students will be summatively assessed using the Study Island "American Symbols" Assessment Module.
ESOL Accommodations
1. Utilize graphic organizers such as webbing and semantic maps.
2. Utilize audiovisual materials that support a multi-sensory approach.
3. Present new reading vocabulary extensively, utilize props and facilitate multi-sensory formats.
Resources
“Symbols of the United States” (LOC Primary Source Set)
A Picnic in October (Eve Blunting)
Soaring with the Wind: The Bald Eagle (Gail Gibbons)
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols (James Cross Giblin)
Celebrate America: A Guide to America's Greatest Symbols Firestone
The Liberty Bell (Firestone, 2007)The Bald Eagle (Pearl, 2007)
Our American Flag (Firestone, 2006)
http://www.pbs.org/americaresponds/theamericanflag.html
Florida Standards
SS.K.A.1.2 Develop an awareness of a primary source.
SS.K.A.2.5 Recognize the importance of U.S. symbols.
SS.1.A.1.1 Develop an understanding of a primary source.
SS.1.C.3.2 Recognize symbols and individuals that represent American constitutional democracy.
SS.2.A.1.1 Examine primary and secondary sources.
SS.2.C.3.2 Recognize symbols, individuals, events, and documents that represent the United States.