K.3 - U.S. Symbols and Traditions

From EngageNY

Symbols and traditions help develop a shared culture and identity within the United States.

K.3a
Diverse cultural groups within the community and nation embrace unique traditions and beliefs, and celebrate distinct holidays.
  • Students will compare ways diverse cultural groups within the community and nation celebrate distinct holidays
K.3b The study of American symbols, holidays, and celebrations helps to develop a shared sense of history, community, and culture.
  • Students will explain when and why national holidays such as Labor Day, Constitution Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Law Day, and Independence Day are celebrated.
  • Students will identify American symbols such as the Liberty Bell and the bald eagle.
  • Students will learn the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Students will learn the parts of American flag (stars and stripes) and how to show respect toward the flag.
  • Students will learn patriotic songs including the national anthem, "America the Beautiful," and "America."

Supporting Materials

DVD

Columbus Day

With the discovery of an ancient diary, two children learn what drove Columbus to explore the unknown, who helped him in his journey, and what he found once he arrived in the New World. Guided by Columbus himself, the children see how the explorer went from working in his father's weaving shop...

Streaming

Giving Thanks

This story is based on the “Thanksgiving Address,” a Native American message of peace and thankfulness for all the blessings of the earth.

iPod

Magic Tree House #27: Thanksgiving On Thursday (Unabridged)

The Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to the eve of the first Thanksgiving. There they meet the Pilgrims as well as Squanto, a Native American who helped them. The story offers an age-appropriate, in-depth picture of what life was really like for early settlers, as well as the usual...

DVD

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Two students from different ethnic backgrounds are brought together as they learn about the life of America's foremost civil rights leader. This program will grab your students' attention as they learn about Dr. King's contributions to the people of the United States and those living throughout...

ebook

Pop's Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge. The impossible bridge, some call it. They say it can't be built.

But Robert's father is building it. He's a skywalker—a brave, high-climbing ironworker. Robert is convinced his pop has the most important job on the crew . . . until a frightening event makes him see...

DVD

Presidents' Day: Washington and Lincoln

With the help of a colonial Presidential crier children come to understand why we celebrate Presidents' Day and what makes it so special. They learn about George Washington and the important role he played in the formation of our country. Next, they learn about the life of Abraham Lincoln and...

Streaming

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a seven day festival during which time millions of families of African American descent rejoice in their ancestral values. This book follows the sequence of Kwanzaa week, showing how one family celebrates their faith and unity.

Teachers Guide

Sing for the Red, White and Blue

This is a teacher's handbook which corresponds to the music cd Sing for the Red, White and Blue CD. Book includes sheet music for the following songs:

  • There are Many Flags in Many Lands...
DVD

Thanksgiving Day: America Celebrates

See the story of the Mayflower's passage and the Pilgrims' first year in the New World. Learn about the Wompanoag Indian tribe and a game they may have played during the first harvest celebration—Thanksgiving. Learn many different ways that Americans celebrate this important day. Teacher's Guide...

Streaming

The Star-Spangled Banner

This is the story of the American victory during the war of 1812, set to the song created by Francis Scott Key. Detailed illustrations accompany the words of our national anthem.

The American flag, flying high over Fort McHenry, is shown in all its glory, reminding Americans of the...

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