American Symbols (+ Parade!)

After our nearly month-long unit on American Symbols in Social Studies, a fellow K teacher suggested that we have a parade to celebrate. The idea was that each class would represent a different American symbol and sing a patriotic song as we marched through the halls of the school with bluetooth speakers.  I was excited about the idea when Mrs. Watkins initially brought it up, but I had no. idea. just. how. good. the parade was going to be.

Parents came and lined the kindergarten hall, where we made our entrance. As we wound through the halls of the school, students and teachers from every grade level were waiting for us outside with signs, banners, flags, even thunder sticks(!), shouting "U-S-A! U-S-A!"  IT WAS AMAZING. And to go through this with a currently deployed husband and brother-in-law, I just can't even describe the level of true American pride that was pulsing through my veins.  Several teachers and parents were moved to tears.  

If you are looking for a way to wrap up your American symbols unit, this is the way to go.  We're not sure this parade can ever be topped, but are so thankful for how well it went this year. 

Since my students already learned God Bless the U.S.A. to sing on September 11th, that was our song. We represented the Statue of Liberty. Other classes were as follows: American flag with You're a Grand Old Flag, Liberty Bell with Yankee Doodle and Bald Eagle with This Land is Your Land.  

 HOW CUTE ARE THEY!!?!?!?!?!!!

Throughout the unit, we made various arts and crafts as we learned about each symbol.

We made torn paper American flags and hand/footprint Bald Eagles.

Students drew the Statue of Liberty with step-by-step instructions.  (By the way, when you first tell kids she's holding a 'tablet' in her left hand, they instantly think 'iPad.' That's the current generation!)

And since we were also learning about 2D/3D shapes and the differences between them, we had to make a 3D model of the Washington Monument! Look at that detail around the reflecting pools. American flags everywhere!  I love that some kids drew the reflection in the pool. Awesome!

I've never enjoyed the American symbols unit this much. So many hands-on, interactive activities! 

And the kids will remember that parade forever. I know I will!