Unit Plan 5 (PreK Social Studies): Symbols of Our Classroom & School
Children learn classroom and school symbols like labels and logos, using them to find places, stay organized, and feel a sense of belonging in their community.
Focus: Help children notice and understand symbols in their classroom and school—logos, labels, and signs. Students will recognize how symbols help with organization (where things go, where to line up) and a sense of belonging (“this is our school”).
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Social Studies (Civics • Geography • Community)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 15–20 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, children explore classroom and school symbols: logos, flags, signs, and labels. Through picture walks, symbol hunts, and simple matching games, they learn that symbols stand for something and help us find places, put things away, and feel like we are part of a group. Students connect symbols (school logo, class label, cubby tags) to organization and belonging (“This is our classroom,” “This is my cubby”).
Essential Questions
- What is a symbol?
- How do symbols help us know where things go and where we belong?
- What symbols do we see in our classroom and school every day?
- How do these symbols help keep our classroom and school organized and safe?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Point to and name at least two classroom symbols (e.g., cubby label, center sign, table color/shape symbol).
- Recognize and name at least one school symbol (e.g., school logo, flag, mascot picture, school name sign).
- Match common labels or symbols to the correct classroom area or item (e.g., block shelf label → blocks).
- Share in simple language how symbols help us know where to go or where things belong.
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.Geo.1 — Identify familiar places and spaces. Recognizes and names places like home, school, and playground.
- Example: “We walk to the library from school.”
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can find and name symbols in my classroom and school.
- I can match a label or picture to where things belong.
- I can tell how a symbol helps me know where to go or where to put things.
- I know that the school logo and flag are symbols of our school.