Standard 6.2B: Social Studies

Content Area: Social Studies

Index: 6.2B Grade 2 CPI 1

Standard: 6.2 - Civics

Strand: B - American Values and Principles

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 1 - The student will identify symbols of American values and beliefs such as the American Flag and the Statue of Liberty.

Grade: 2

Sample Activities:

· Students should be given an opportunity to become familiar with those things in our culture that are considered to be symbols and signs of being American. This learning should begin in the early grades and should continue until graduation from high school. The daily Pledge of Allegiance should be studied by children and should be the subject of several lessons. Most students have seen and pledged to our nation’s flag, have seen or participated in parades, and can recognize decorations and pictures that represent the United States. Nevertheless, it is important that they learn how these things became symbolic and what they symbolize regarding American principles and beliefs. Other symbolic national emblems are the Great Seal of the United States including the American eagle (the national bird), the national anthem, and the national motto (“In God We Trust”).

· Provide a small American flag or a lifelike picture of one to each group of students. Within each small group, students describe the flag’s physical characteristics (e.g., its size, colors, shapes, design) as accurately as possible. Class discussion and sharing should follow so that all groups have a chance to participate.

· The class researches the history of the American flag and how the flag has changed over the years. Students draw flags of the past and label each flag with the date on which it was adopted. Students create replicas of the flag with paper, paint, clay, and/or other materials and prepare collages based on the various versions of the flag-from the original 13 Stars and Stripes to the present version. Students use the colors red, white, and blue to create other flags or new kinds of figures and designs.