Iconic American Symbols in Young Learners
Using children’s literature is an excellent bridge in bringing content to life. It is in a way that is simple in language, but meaningful in acquiring background knowledge to help students in school. Teaching American history, there are some basic symbols that must be known. Here are some ideas to teach basic symbols at a Guided Reading Level B.
The White House By Alison and Stephen Eldridge
The first lesson is about the White House. The White House is one symbol of America. I would show the short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9f5foxEEsM
This video explains what a symbol is and how items in America are used as common symbols. Like the White House. Students need to understand the meaning and role of the White House in America, both historically and currently. I would use children’s literature to showcase the White House and all the beauty behind it.
The Liberty Bell by Alison and Stephen Eldridge
The second lesson is about the Liberty Bell. I would, again, use children’s literature and the corresponding video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmEg9O_DQJw
This video not only explains the historical and symbolic value to America, but it has key terms and an index for vocabulary development. I would also use this opportunity to introduce American’s measurement system. The bell is referred to as 2080 pounds. As the metric system is used in most other countries, this is a skill that also deserves mentioning.
The Stature of Liberty by Alison and Stephen Eldridge
A third lesson would focus on The Statue of Liberty. For this lesson, I would begin with a video giving a basic overview of this statue and how it came to America. I would use the video:
In addition, I would use The Statue of Liberty and Her Right Foot, both children’s picture books to reinforce her significance. Her Right Foot opens up other areas for discussion in architecture and design. The illustrations are interpretive as well.
Her Right Foot Interactive Packet is HERE!!
For an assessment, I would use BOOM cards in the app Boom Learning to practice the concepts addressed in the books. This would help reinforce and practice key vocabulary and terminology associated with these symbols. In addition, I would use a short multiple choice question type activity to assess comprehension. This also provides instruction in how to answer multiple choice questions. This can be done on paper or in Google Forms. Reading the tests aloud will help students struggling with language to effectively understand the questions so language is not confused with comprehension.
Sample assessment:
The White House
By Alison and Stephen Eldridge
Reading Level B
Right There:
1. What does the main character see?
a. the White House
b. America
c. freedom
2. How many daughters does President Obama have?
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
Inferential:
6. Why might Washington DC be the most important city?
a. It is the capital of America.
b. President Obama and his family live there.
c. It has the largest house in America.
7. Because the President meets with the people, the effect is that,
a. They built the Washington monument.
b. They make laws.
c. both of these
Here is the link to purchase basic assessment questions for these books:
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