Objective

By the end of this lesson, the first-grade student will be able to identify and describe key symbols and landmarks of the United States.

Materials and Prep

• Whiteboard or large paper
• Markers or colored pencils
• Printed pictures of United States symbols and landmarks (e.g., American flag, Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore)

Activities

1. Show and Tell: Begin the lesson by showing the student pictures of various United States symbols and landmarks. Discuss each one briefly, highlighting its significance and importance.
2. Symbol Match: Draw a simple outline of the United States on the whiteboard or paper. Give the student the printed pictures and ask them to match each symbol or landmark to its corresponding location on the map.
3. Coloring Fun: Provide the student with coloring materials and a printed coloring page featuring United States symbols and landmarks. Encourage them to color the page while discussing their favorite symbols and landmarks.

First Grade Talking Points

• "The United States is a country made up of many different states."
• "Symbols are things that represent or stand for something else. The American flag is a symbol of our country."
• "Landmarks are special places that are important to a country. The Statue of Liberty is a famous landmark in the United States."
• "Mount Rushmore is a special place where giant statues of four important U.S. presidents are carved into a mountain."
• "Can you name any other symbols or landmarks of the United States?"