Tennessee and American Symbols

The Tennessee Blue Book can be used as a main resource to teach many of the government/civics standards at the primary level. Kindergarten and first grade students are learning to identify both state and national symbols. Although this lesson is written for first grade, it can easily be adapted for kindergarten.

Weblink address (URL): 
Tennessee and American Symbols
Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Identify Tennessee state symbols.
  • Identify national symbols (kindergarten).
  • Create visual representation of Tennessee symbols.
  • Write an opinion piece explaining why Tennessee symbols are/are not good choices.
  • Choose classroom symbols and explain why these symbols were chosen (extension activity).
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What purpose do state and national symbols serve?
  • What makes a good symbol?
  • Are the Tennessee symbols good representations of our state?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Students have now studied national and state symbols. Now students will choose symbols to represent their classroom or school. Some schools may have a mascot, motto, or song. If applicable, familiarize your students with these. Allow students to create a class/school flag, motto, mascot, etc.
Music specialist – Teach the students the school song (may wish to include one Tennessee song).
Art specialist – Work with students to create a classroom or school flag and/or a classroom or school painting that shows its symbols. Use the Tennessee state painting on p. 608 as an example (Kindergarten may wish to create a national painting).
Media specialist – Work with students to research school history, local wildlife, etc. in order to help students choose symbols.
ELA – Students write an opinion piece explaining why the school/classroom symbols they select represent the school/classroom well.
Option for extension: Invite state legislators or local elected officials to come speak to the classroom about their role in government.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • Tennessee Blue Book (PDFs provided)
    • pgs. 643-673, Tennessee Symbols and Honors OR attached PDF with selected symbols & simplified descriptions
    • pg. 666, Tennessee Treasures painting OR attached PDF with enlarged photo
  • Projector or SMART Board
  • Paper, markers, crayons, etc.
  • Map of the United States
  • Copies of graphic organizers (attached)
  • Optional: opinion graphic organizer (attached)