Unit Plan 5 (Grade K Social Studies): Classroom Symbols & Our Flag
Introduce young learners to the U.S. flag, school symbols, and classroom icons while teaching simple meanings and respectful ways to honor important symbols and holidays.
Focus: Help children recognize important symbols in their classroom and community—especially the U.S. flag, school logos, and classroom symbols—and talk about what they stand for. Students learn simple ways to show respect for symbols (standing quietly, taking care of flags and posters) and are introduced to a few important people and holidays we remember.
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Subject Area: Social Studies (Civics • History • Community)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This unit helps children notice that our classroom and school are full of symbols that stand for ideas, groups, and feelings. Students explore the U.S. flag, their school logo/mascot, and simple classroom symbols (like table signs or job icons). They practice naming these symbols, talking about what they mean, and showing respect for them. They also hear about holidays and people we remember, such as Veterans Day or Martin Luther King Jr., in simple, positive language.
Essential Questions
- What is a symbol?
- What does the U.S. flag stand for?
- What does our school logo/mascot mean?
- How can we show respect for the flag and other symbols?
- Why do we have holidays to remember important people and events?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Point to and name the U.S. flag and at least one school or classroom symbol.
- Say in simple words what the U.S. flag stands for (e.g., “our country,” “United States”).
- Describe or act out one way to show respect for the flag and other symbols (standing quietly, taking care of posters).
- Recognize that some holidays and people are important because we remember fairness, freedom, or people who helped others.
- Help create a small “Our Symbols” mini-poster or chart for the classroom.
Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (C3-based custom)
- K.C3.Civ.4 — Recognize common symbols and traditions (flag, pledge, school symbols).
- K.C3.Hist.3 — Identify important people, holidays, and commemorations; state simple significance.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can find and name the U.S. flag in our classroom or school.
- I can point to a school logo/mascot or classroom symbol and tell what it stands for.
- I can show one way to be respectful when I see a flag or symbol.
- I can name one holiday or person we remember and say a simple reason why.
- I can help make or explain part of our “Our Symbols” poster.