Last year I created this worksheet because I have so many ECE resources for science, ELA, and math but have very little for social studies. So I snapped photos of the document to share. Directions were simple for children to identify national symbols with a designated color and to use a different one for Illinois symbols.
I've added non-related symbols because I believe that cognitively children need to challenged to reason through why one item is acceptable but another one isn't. Some of those non-related symbols are the clover (which is used for 4-H clubs but those aren't a national or state symbol), birthday cake, and rabbit.
Here's the activity sheet I made shown by snapshots:
Above: USA President's Seal = yes for USA; also the flag in the top row; mark those with a blue crayon
Top row: has a map with IL shown in red = yes for IL; mark it with a red crayon
Some others to highlight:
Bottom row 4th image from the left= Illinois State Seal = yes for IL
Bottom row 3rd image from the left = Bald Eagle = yes for USA
Bottom row 2nd image from the left = Cardinal = yes for IL state bird
Could this be used as a pre-assessment before any brainstorming or wall décor pictures go up about state and/or national symbols? Sure.
Depending on the age group, the comparing and contrasting could be simpler. There are several on this sheet that are debatable:
Abraham Lincoln and his memorial might cause some arguments. He's a national figure since he was President from 1860-1864 however his youth and adult years were spent in Illinois. I'll let you decide whether or not you include him for symbol or not or just the memorial since that is in honor for him.
Cubs are based in Chicago but is that a state symbol?
Donkey is the symbol for the Democratic Party but is that a national symbol?
In the US, Presidents Day is celebrated in February because both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays. This would make the perfect time for discussing and learning to recognize national and state symbols. Before or after this, learn the US Presidents' names in order to a catchy tune or focus on just a few. It could be a short study about 4 or 5 of the most recent Presidents. Illinois claims Lincoln and Reagan. It could also be Presidents whose images appear on coins or bills which would be a great 2-fer deal covering money for math and Presidents for social studies.
Look at your state or local scope and sequence for your primary level classroom and decide when it the most advantageous to teach about national and state symbols for social studies. It's always beneficial for the teacher and for the student if dual needs can be accomplished from one unit!
With a love for early learners,
Becca S
Illinois certification endorsements:
Birth to Grade 3
FACS grades 6-12
and approval:
General science grades 5-8
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