American Symbols & Holidays

American Symbols & Holidays are an important part of the culture and history of the United States. They represent the values, traditions, and events that are significant to the American people. Understanding these symbols and holidays helps us appreciate the history and diversity of the United States.

American Symbols

American symbols are iconic representations of the nation's identity and heritage. These symbols hold great significance and are often used to express patriotism and pride. Some of the most well-known American symbols include:

The American Flag: Also known as the "Stars and Stripes," the flag symbolizes the unity and values of the United States.
The Statue of Liberty: This iconic statue in New York Harbor represents freedom and democracy. It is a symbol of welcome to immigrants arriving in the United States.
The Bald Eagle: As the national bird of the U.S., the bald eagle is a symbol of strength, freedom, and independence.
The Liberty Bell: Located in Philadelphia, this bell is a symbol of American independence and the abolition of slavery.

American Holidays

American holidays commemorate important historical events, people, and ideals. These holidays are celebrated with various traditions, ceremonies, and symbols. Some of the significant American holidays include:

Independence Day (July 4th): This holiday celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is marked by fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays.
Memorial Day: Honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed with ceremonies, parades, and the decoration of graves of the fallen soldiers.
Labor Day: Recognizes the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. It is often observed with picnics, parades, and fireworks.
Thanksgiving: A holiday for giving thanks and feasting, it commemorates the Pilgrims' first harvest and is celebrated with family gatherings and a traditional meal.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember when studying American Symbols & Holidays:

What are some important American symbols and what do they represent?
How are American holidays celebrated and what do they commemorate?
Why are American symbols and holidays significant in the nation's history and culture?
What are some traditions and customs associated with American holidays?

Understanding American Symbols & Holidays helps us gain a deeper appreciation for the history, values, and traditions of the United States.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. American Symbols & Holidays

Study Guide

American Symbols & Holidays

American Symbols & Holidays

Worksheet/Answer key

American Symbols & Holidays

Worksheet/Answer key

American Symbols & Holidays

Worksheet/Answer key

American Symbols & Holidays

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

PROCESSES - Learners will be able to:

Ask and find answers to questions related to the past in school, community, state and regional contexts.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AND IDENTITY

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AND IDENTITY.

PRODUCTS - Learners demonstrate understanding by:

Studying important people in the community and nation, at the present time or in the past, to list qualities that make them special.

CIVIC IDEALS AND PRACTICES

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE IDEALS, PRINCIPLES, AND PRACTICES OF CITIZENSHIP IN A DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Democratic ideals and practices are often represented in excerpts from contemporary and historical sources, quotations, and stories.

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the Basic Values and Principles of American Democracy? What are the most important values and principles of American democracy?

Fundamental values and principles: Students should be able to explain the importance of the fundamental values and principles of American democracy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Identify fundamental values and principles as they are expressed in the Declaration of Independence, Preamble to the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Pledge of Allegiance, speeches, songs, and stories

What are the Basic Values and Principles of American Democracy? Why is it important for Americans to share certain values, principles, and beliefs?

American identity: Students should be able to explain the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, principles, and beliefs. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Identify basic documents that set forth shared values, principles, and beliefs, e.g., Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, Pledge of Allegiance

Identify symbols used to depict Americans’ shared values, principles, and beliefs and explain their meaning, e.g., the flag, Statue of Liberty, Statue of Justice, Uncle Sam, Great Seal, national anthem, oaths of office, and mottoes such as E Pluribus Unum

Describe holidays Americans celebrate and explain how they reflect their shared values, principles, and beliefs, e.g., the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Topic 3: The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage

How democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols.

Demonstrate understanding of how the United States government was formed and of the nation's basic democratic principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The student understands events that celebrate and exemplify fundamental values and principles of American democracy.

The student understands national symbols through which American values and principles are expressed.