|
|
|
|
Content Area: Social Studies
Index: 6.2B Grade 4 CPI 2
Standard: 6.2 - Civics
Strand: B - American Values and Principles
Cumulative Progress Indicator: 2 - The student will explain the significance of symbols of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Justice, the American flag and the national anthem.
Grade: 4
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.
· There is a lot of American history wrapped up in Old Glory. In this activity, students learn more about the history of the American flag and the individuals involved with the flag throughout our history. Examples include the following: The Committee of Congress, which in 1777 passed a resolution directing that the flag of the United States contain 13 stripes and 13 stars; President Monroe, who signed the Flag Act of 1818
· Students discuss what each symbol, color, and design of the flag represents: Stars for states, Bars for 13 original colonies, Colors and their significance:. Red: blood, courage, sacrifice, zeal. White: purity, cleanliness, peace, hope. Blue: loyalty, freedom, justice, truth. Students bring in pictures of other flags that may represent another country, a state, or event. Discuss possible reasons for the various designs and colors used. Students can also discuss the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy and its significance.
· Obtain from the local United States Navy Recruiting office a copy of their brochure entitled “How to Display and Respect the United States Flag.” Explain to students that the Federal Flag Code Public Law 94-344 tells us how to respect the flag. Go over the rules for displaying and respecting the flag. Students write brief essays on the reasons for respecting the flag.
· Students review the words to “The Star Spangled Banner.” They research the War of 1812, particularly the battle at Fort McHenry. Discuss what Francis Scott Key may have been referring to in the lyrics and how this song represents the people and the spirit of our country.
· Students research the story of the patriotic statues, Justice and Liberty. How did they originate? What do they stand for? What is the connection between the Statue of Liberty and immigration, Ellis Island, and so on? Students research their own families to discover relatives who came to America through Ellis Island. Related topics include the American eagle, early American flags, Uncle Sam, Yankee Doodle, and other symbols of American values.
Kidspiration Activity:
· Use symbols and links to create an idea map about American symbols. |
|
