Lesson 177: National symbols

🟡 SOCIAL STUDIES (40 Lessons) • 🟡 C. My Country and the World

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Objective

I can say what a national symbol is, name some simple symbol types, and explain that different countries have different symbols.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What is a national symbol?

A symbol is a picture, sign, or object that stands for something.

National symbol

  • A national symbol is a symbol for a country.
  • It can remind people of their home and their story.
  • Each country can have its own symbols.

Common symbol types

  • A flag with shapes and color.
  • A flower or tree.
  • A bird or other gentle animal.
  • A song that people sing together.
  • A special house, hall, or tower.

Important ideas

  • Different countries have different symbols.
  • No country’s symbol is better than another.
  • We speak about symbols in a kind and neutral way.

We do not decide which symbol or country is "best". We only learn that symbols stand for a country and help people feel part of a group.

Picture strip: Simple symbol ideas

Guided Practice — My symbol idea

You will make a simple picture of a symbol idea. It can be a real symbol you know or an invented one.

  1. Think of one symbol type: a flag, a flower, a bird, a hall, or a simple mark.
  2. On your page, draw the symbol idea. Keep the picture simple.
  3. Add one or two short words next to it such as "flag", "mark", "color", or "song".
  4. Under the picture, write or trace one sentence: "This is a symbol idea." or "This mark stands for a group."
  5. Read your sentence aloud to an adult. Explain that symbols stand for a country or group, but no symbol is "best".
  6. Listen while the adult talks about some national symbols they know, if they want to share, without saying that one country is better than another.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: As you trace, say a full idea such as "A flag can be a symbol." or "A bird can stand for a country."

Practice — Talk about symbol cards

This activity helps you talk about symbols in a kind and neutral way. It does not judge or compare any country.

  1. An adult shows or describes three simple symbol cards, for example: a flag, a flower, and a bird.
  2. For each card, say what you see using short words like "flag", "color", "bird", or "mark".
  3. Then say: "This could be a symbol for a country." or "This stands for a group."
  4. Talk with the adult about how different countries can choose different symbols. Do not say that one is better.
  5. At the end, tell the adult which type of symbol you like to draw (for example, a flag, a flower, or a bird) and why.

Quick Check — National symbols

Answer each question about symbols, countries, and kind language. These questions do not judge any country. They only help you think about what symbols are.

1) What is a symbol?

A symbol is a picture, sign, or object that stands for something.

2) What is a national symbol?

A national symbol stands for a country.

3) Which of these could be a national symbol?

Flags are common national symbols.

4) Which short word fits with national symbols?

"Flag" is a common national symbol.

5) How many countries can share the same symbol type?

Many countries can choose similar symbol types, like birds or flowers.

6) Which sentence is kind when talking about symbols?

We speak kindly and do not say one country is better.

7) Which thing could be drawn as a symbol idea?

A bird is a common symbol idea.

8) What should you remember about national symbols?

We respect symbols and remember that no symbol is "best".

9) A song that people sing for their country can be…

Some songs are national symbols too.

10) Why do people use national symbols?

Symbols help people feel that they belong to a country or group.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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