Amanda Bilyeu & Taylor Fulcher

READ 466

Text Set: First Grade

Virginia Standard of Learning:
1.11 The student will recognize the symbols and traditional practices that honor and foster
patriotism in the United States by
a) Identifying the American flag, bald eagle, Washington Monument, and Statue of Liberty
Essential Questions:
What are some patriotic symbols and traditions of the United States?
Where are these symbols found throughout our country?
Essential Knowledge:
Terms to Know:
Symbol: A picture or thing that stands for something else
Tradition: A custom or belief that happens over a long period of time
Patriotic: Showing respect for and love of country
American Flag: A flag representing the United States
The United States has patriotic symbols and traditions
Patriotic symbols and traditions honor the people and the history of the United States
Text Set:
Read Aloud
Bridwell, Norman. (2005). Clifford Goes to Washington. New York, NY: Cartweel Publishing.
This book is about Clifford, the big red dog taking a trip to Washington, D.C. Here, he and his
friend Emily explore the many sites of the city, including the Washington Monument. They also get
to meet the first lady. This book can be read toegether, allowing students to understand more
about the Washington Monument.
Melmed, Laura Krauss. (2006). Capital!: Washington D.C. from A to Z. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
This book provides an overview on the monuments found in Washington, D.C. It allows readers to
take a tour through the city by looking at famous monuments, museums, and other buildings.
Providing illustrated pictures, readers can catch a glimpse of what the city is all about. This book
will be used to provide the opportunity to the students to get a quick overview of Washington, D.C.,
which will be explored more in depth through additional books read.
Mora, Pat and Martinez, Libby. (2014). I Pledge Allegiance. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young
Readers.
This book gives an overview of the Pledge of Allegiance. This allows the students to understand the
meaning behind the pledge, which they say everyday. This book will be used as a read aloud to
introduce the topic as it talks about the many different symbols found in the United States.
Books for All Children to Explore
Lewison, Wendy. (2012). F Is For Flag. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.

This book offers insight into the many different meanings of the American flag. This book will be
used to allow children to learn that the flag is a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder
that our country is part of one big family.
Lewison, Wendy. (2003). L Is For Liberty. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.
This book uses illustrations to celebrate the Statue of Liberty, her history, and the freedom she
stands for. This book discusses key ideas about the statue for children to explore by themselves.
Small Group
Above Grade Level
Braithwaite, Jill. (2004). The Statue of Liberty. New York, NY: Lerner Publishing Group.
This book explores the history of the Statue of Liberty, including its significance to Americans.
Including interesting facts about the statue, children will learn how this statue stands for American
freedom. This book will be used to help students understand the importance of the Statue of
Liberty and how it relates to America.
Jango-Cohen, Judith. (2003). The Bald Eagle. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications
This book provides an overview of why the bald eagle is important to America. This book contains
important terms, real photographs, and facts that describe how and why the bald eagle represents
America. This book is above the first grade level, therefore it will be used in small groups so the
students can read and discuss the text together.
On Grade Level
Douglas, Lloyd G. (2003). The Bald Eagle. Chicago, Illinois: Childrens Press.
This book talks about which characteristics of the bald eagle make it the ideal symbol to represent
the United States. This book discusses why and how the bald eagle was chosen as well as places
that this symbol appears. This book will be used to allow students to put the bald eagle into context
through ways in which they see it in their own lives.
Below Grade Level
Douglas, Lloyd G. (2003). The American Flag. New York, NY: Scholastic Publishing.
This book talks about the American Flag and how the stars and stripes within the flag represent
different aspects of the United States. This book will be used in small groups to introduce the
American Flag to the students and have them discuss with each other how the American Flag is
used and seen in their own lives.

Washington
Monument

What do we
already
know about
this?
What does it
represent?

Why is it
important?

Where can
you find it?

Statue of
Liberty

Bald Eagle

American
Flag