Unit Plan 4 (Grade 1 Social Studies): Symbols of Our School and Community

Focus: Help students recognize common symbols in their school and community—such as flags, mascots, and signs—and understand that these symbols stand for places, groups, and ideas that are part of their identity.

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: Social Studies (Civics • Geography • Community)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students explore symbols they see every day—school flags, mascots, logos, uniforms, and signs—and learn that these images and objects help us know who we are and where we are. Through picture walks, symbol hunts, and simple mapping, they connect symbols to places (school, park, library) and to groups (classroom, team, community). Students also practice showing respect for important symbols, such as the U.S. flag and their school symbols.

Essential Questions

• What are symbols, and where do we see them in our school and community?
• How do symbols like flags, mascots, and signs show who we are and what we care about?
• How do school and community symbols help us know where we are and how to act?
• How can we show respect for important symbols in our classroom and community?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify at least three symbols from school or the local community (e.g., school flag, mascot, stop sign, crosswalk sign).
2. Tell what a symbol stands for or represents (e.g., the school mascot stands for our school, a stop sign means to stop).
3. Match symbols to familiar places such as the school, playground, cafeteria, library, park, or community buildings.
4. Explain one way we show respect for important symbols (e.g., standing quietly during a pledge, taking care of school logos and posters).
5. Create a simple “My Symbols” page or mini-poster that shows 2–3 important school/community symbols and what they mean to the student.

Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (C3-based custom)

• 1.C3.Civ.4 — Recognize common symbols and traditions (flag, pledge, national songs, school symbols).
  • Example: Identify the U.S. flag and explain one way we show respect.
• 1.C3.Geo.1 — Identify and describe familiar places (home, school, neighborhood) and their purposes.
  • Example: Tell what happens in the cafeteria vs. library.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name and point to symbols I see at school and in my community.
• I can tell what a symbol means or what it stands for.
• I can match symbols to places, like school, park, or library.
• I can tell one way we show respect for important symbols.
• I can draw and label symbols that are important to me and my community.