A Salute to American Symbols

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Students learn the significance of various American symbols, such as the U.S. flag, bald eagle, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

• Understand the significance of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Demonstrate knowledge about a specific American symbol

Correlating Standards
Know the histories of important local and national landmarks, symbols, and essential documents that create a sense of community among citizens and exemplify cherished ideals (e.g., U.S. flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Capitol).

MATERIALS

• Posterboards
• Various photos of American symbols
  
• Black construction paper
  
• The Wall by Eve Bunting Book
• One Nation by Devin Scillian
  
• Several books about various American symbols
• Symbols Worksheet (PDF)
  

SET UP AND PREPARE

• Make copies of symbol worksheet
  
• Print out facts about various American symbols

DIRECTIONS
Day 1

1. Brainstorm definition of a symbol.
2. Brainstorm examples of American symbols.
3. Show pictures of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. (download from the Internet). Lead a discussion of significance of the Wall.
4. Read The Wall by Eve Bunting. I always invite a police officer or firefighter to read the story. I explain that the readers themselves are symbols of heroism.
5. Construct a wall out of black construction paper. After the reading, have kids sign names of deceased family members on the wall as a symbol of honoring their memory.

Day 2

1. Read the book, One Nation.
2. Ask students for examples of symbol they noticed in the story.
3. Show pictures of various American symbols.
4. Divide students in groups of 2 or 3 and have them choose a symbol to research.
5. Students use printouts from the U.S. Government Printing Office's kid-friendly site "Ben's Guide" to answer questions for symbol worksheet.
6. Students record information on poster.
7. Students present the poster to their peers.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
Providing visuals, definitions, or terminology to students prior to introduction of the lesson helps students acquire background knowledge of the concept. If you assign groups, pair up fluent readers with struggling readers.

LESSON EXTENSION

1. Students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast two symbols
2. Students research causes and effects of Vietnam war

ASSESS STUDENTS

1. Did students complete questions on research template?
2. Each student speaks during presentation to peers.
3. Each student participates with collecting research and recording information.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Each student completes a symbol worksheet.
   
2. Students complete a poster and present to class.

HOME CONNECTION
Students interview parents and family members about personal experiences relating to symbols. Students discuss how to honor deceased family members.

EVALUATE THE LESSON

1. Did students understand the significance of symbols?
2. Did you have enough material for students to use for research?
3. Was the material too easy or too difficult for students to read?
4. Were the students engaged during the lessons?

Marissa Ochoa is a 3rd grade teacher in her seventh year of teaching. She was chosen District Teacher of the year and was a top ten finalist for San Diego County Teacher of the Year in 2007.

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