Unit Plan 32 (PreK Social Studies): Our Symbols and Traditions

Focus: Help children revisit and recognize community and national symbols (especially the U.S. flag), listen to and respond to patriotic songs, and notice special people and celebrations that communities honor.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Social Studies (Civics • History)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 15–20 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, children explore symbols and traditions that help people feel like they belong to a classroom, school, and country. They revisit the U.S. flag, notice school logos and local symbols, and listen to simple patriotic or community songs. Children also learn about important people and celebrations, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Veterans Day, and talk about why we remember and honor them.

Through read-alouds, songs, picture walks, and simple art projects, children connect symbols (like flags, colors, and logos) to feelings of pride, respect, and togetherness. They end the week by creating a page showing a symbol and a celebration that are meaningful to them, contributing to a class book about Our Symbols and Traditions.

Essential Questions

• What is a symbol, and where do we see them (flags, logos, signs)?
• How do the U.S. flag and patriotic songs help us feel like we belong to a community or country?
• Who are some important helpers or leaders that we remember and celebrate?
• How do traditions and celebrations help families and communities come together?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Point to and name the U.S. flag and at least one school or community symbol.
2. Listen to and respond to a simple patriotic or community song (e.g., moving, clapping, or singing a repeated phrase).
3. Name at least one important person or celebration the class has learned about (e.g., Dr. King, Veterans Day).
4. Say or show that symbols and celebrations help people remember and honor important ideas and people.
5. Create a “My Symbols and Traditions” page that includes at least one symbol and one celebration or tradition.

Standards Alignment — PreK (C3-based custom)

• PK.C3.Civ.4 — Recognize community and national symbols. Identifies flags, school logos, and other familiar symbols.
  • Example: Noticing the flag during morning announcements.
• PK.C3.Hist.3 — Identify important people and celebrations. Recognizes helpers, leaders, and special holidays.
  • Example: “We celebrate Dr. King because he helped people be fair.”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can point to and name the U.S. flag.
• I can tell about one symbol in our school or community.
• I can name one important person or special day we celebrate.
• I can make a picture that shows a symbol and a celebration that are important to me or my community.