Students brainstorm symbols that represent the United States. Then they explore the significance of three symbols: Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell, and the bald eagle. Next they restate the Pledge of Allegiance in their own words. Finally they choose one of two tasks: to design a new American symbol or to create a poster explaining a recognized symbol to younger children.
Students read an introduction explaining how symbols and logos represent countries, businesses, and ideas, then brainstorm U.S. symbols by contributing to a word cloud with one or more examples they associate with the United States.
Teacher MovesPreview the lesson by explaining that students will study several national symbols and the Pledge of Allegiance. Clarify key vocabulary as needed and, after students post to the word cloud, highlight examples that connect to major U.S. symbols (such as the Liberty Bell, U.S. flag, bald eagle, Uncle Sam, and Statue of Liberty), noting that some symbols also come from popular culture.
Students read short informational texts about Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell, and the bald eagle, examining how each developed as a national symbol and what it represents. They then complete a graphic organizer by describing what each symbol stands for.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the three symbol descriptions, clarifying terms like personification, inscription, and emblem. Prompt students to complete the organizer with specific ideas about what each symbol represents, then summarize the three symbols and connect them to other patriotic symbols students have studied (such as the Statue of Liberty, U.S. flag, and “Star-Spangled Banner”). Ask students how these symbols make them feel to encourage personal connections.
Students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, read a brief explanation of when it was written and how its wording changed over time, and then rewrite the Pledge in their own words, including any ideas about why the added phrases might have been included.
Teacher MovesLead the class in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and, if desired, direct students to read background information about its history in the Student Pack (including How the Pledge of Allegiance Went From PR Gimmick to Patriotic Vow and The Pledge of Allegiance). After students post their rewrites, share and discuss one or more strong examples, explaining the historical reasons for adding “of the United States of America” and “under God,” and briefly noting that students cannot be forced to recite the Pledge, referencing the West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette decision.
Students choose one of two creative tasks: design a new symbol for the United States that reflects the twenty-first century and explain how it represents the nation, or create a poster that explains one or more recognized U.S. symbols for younger children. They upload an image of their work and then review classmates’ posts, responding to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesClarify expectations for each task and the intended audience, emphasizing clear visual communication and explanation. After students upload their work and comment on peers’ posts, invite volunteers to present their designs or posters to the class and facilitate brief feedback and discussion connecting their creations back to the idea of national symbols and identity.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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