American Icons Theme Unit

Books to read:
I Pledge Allegiance
America the Beautiful
The Star-Spangled Banner
My Country Thematic Unit
Betsy Ross


Math:
Examine different denominations of money (both coins and bills) and identify the people, places, and symbols on them. Observe images that repeat often.

Count the number of stars and stripes on the American flag. Explain the significance of the numbers (50 stars = 50 states, 13 stripes = 13 original colonies). Look at historical flags and observe the number of stars changes.

Language Arts:
Learn to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Introduce the concept of non-fiction books. Most children are familiar with fiction stories, but may not understand that some stories are true, like a biography. Choose some familiar books and put them into graoups of real and not real.

Science:
Learn more about the bald eagle, our national bird.

Social Studies:
Look at pictures of the Statue of Liberty.

Take a trip to Washington DC through pictures. As you're looking at the pictures, keep a sharp eye out for any of the recurring images found on money.

National Treasure is a great movie with tons of historical references. Be aware that it is rated PG and might be advanced for younger students.

Trace the shape of the United States and then practice identifying it on a globe or world map.

If it's election time, take your child with you to vote.

Fine Arts:
Learn to sing patriotic songs such as "Yankee Doodle", "America the Beautiful", "The Star-Spangled Banner", and "This Land is Your Land."

Make a flag pieced together with fabric or paper strips. Use paper star shapes or star stickers.

Bible:
Our national motto is "In God we trust." Learn about Daniel who trusted God even when the leaders of the country did not.

Read Daniel 6.

Memorize Daniel 6:23b: "And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."