U.S. Symbols
Background Information & Activities

A symbol is something that represents something else. Remind your children that they see symbols everywhere, in the classroom, home, and in their neighborhoods. On the road, a green light means go. On a map, a star inside a circle represents the capitol of a state or country. Explain that different symbols can stand for the same thing. For example, a dove and an olive branch are both symbols of peace, a heart and a red rose are symbols of love, and a four-leaf clover and a horseshoe are symbols of good luck. Encourage your children to think of other symbols.

There are many symbols associated with the United States, but your children should learn and understand a few major symbols. The American flag is a symbol that represents the entire country. It has fifty stars that represent the fifty states and thirteen stripes that represent the colonies that became the first thirteen states. Many classrooms recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, which is an oath to respect the country. Each state has its own flag, which incorporates symbolic images. Review your state’s flag with your students and discuss each image on the flag. Each state also has other symbols, including a flower, mammal, bird, and even fossil. The national bird is the bald eagle, which was chosen because of its strength and beauty and because leaders wrongly believed that the bird was found only in the United States. Still, the bald eagle represents strength and freedom.

Another important U.S. symbol is the Statue of Liberty. It stands in the New York Harbor and was a gift from France in 1886, as a sign of friendship between the countries. Explain to your children that immigrants are people who move to a different country. Many immigrants traveled to the United States by boat and saw the Statue of Liberty welcome them to their new home. Thus, the statue represents international friendship as well as hope and freedom. Another symbol that represents freedom is the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The bell once resided in the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall. It was rung to summon citizens and mark important events and meetings, including the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. The bell cracked and was repaired two times before the one that is on display today.

Your children are probably aware of the White House, the place where the president of the United States works and lives. They should know that the White House is a symbol for the government. Some children may have seen images of Uncle Sam, a white-haired man clad in red, white, and blue. He is a personification of the United States and featured in many illustrations, advertisements, and political cartoons. Children should not confuse Uncle Sam with George Washington, the “father of our country.” George Washington helped the United States become a country and was the first president. Your children should know that there are many monuments dedicated to George Washington and other famous political figures. A monument is a structure that commemorates and honors a person. The Washington Monument is an obelisk in Washington, D.C. our nation’s capitol. The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, who kept the country together during the Civil War and helped end slavery.

Encourage your children to think of other symbols associated with the United States and their state. Your children can also think of symbols associated with other countries, such as the Great Pyramids in Egypt or the Eiffel Tower in France.

U.S. Symbols Teacher Activities – Click Here!

U.S. Symbols Family Activities – Click Here!

U.S. Symbols Teacher Activities

Class Mascot

Explain to your children that a mascot is a symbol for a team, school, or club. The mascot embodies or personifies a positive quality of the whole group. Together choose a class mascot. Brainstorm different animals and have students explain the significance of each animal. Think of animals that symbolize different ideals. For example, a lion is a symbol of bravery and an owl is a symbol of knowledge. Encourage them to be creative; they may wish to choose a mythical creature or create an entirely new mascot.

Read a Map

Reading maps is a great way to learn about symbols and practice using them. Gather different maps and have small groups learn the symbols listed in the legend. You may want to use maps of their neighborhoods or of their states. You may also want to use maps of different countries or a world map so students can familiarize themselves with different symbols. Have students identify landmarks on their maps, such as Mount Rushmore, Washington Monument, and the White House. Have student volunteers discuss the significance of each symbol. Invite students using world maps to point out significant international symbols, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Coliseum in Rome.

State of the States

Have the whole class do a state study of their own state or choose a state to examine closely. You may want to assign different states to students so a variety of areas can be explored. Have students research at the library or online to learn more about their states, such as the flag, bird, flower, mammal, and fossil. Help students understand the meaning of each state symbol. Students can do a presentation on their state and prepare posters, travel guides, film presentations, art projects, or even skits.

U.S. Symbols Family Activities

Home Sweet Home

Take your child to a landmark or important symbol in your state, city, or town. You can take your child to the main library, the statehouse, mayor’s office, or the oldest building in town. If possible you can take a trip to your state capitol or visit a monument, memorial, or statue that is important to your state, city, or town. Discuss the significance of the symbol and how it represents their home.

Family Crest

Many royal families have a crest or a coat-of-arms that represents their whole family and their rich history. Together research family members and discuss major events that have happened that affected the lives of family members. Then have your child make a family crest or coat-of-arms that represents the entire family. Be sure to review classic symbols—a lion stands for bravery, an owl stands for knowledge, etc. You may wish to review symbols from other countries that may be relevant to your family, such as flags. Have your child share the crest or coat-of-arms with the entire family and talk about its significance.