American Celebrations: Traditions & Symbols of a Great Nation Kindergarten Thematic Unit

1. Listening

1.1. Teacher Read-Alouds: Students listen to and respond to read-alouds within the unit.

1.1.1. Hurray for the Fourth of July (by W. Watson)

1.1.2. Happy Birthday, America (by M. Chall)

1.1.3. Fourth of July (by J. McDonnell

2. Oral Language

2.1. Students will share their work in front of their peers. They will verbally explain their banners and the tradition represented by the banner.

3. Art

3.1. Develop ideas for new national symbols and sketch them.

4. Technology

4.1. Students will explore http://bensguide.gpo.gov/

5. Writing

5.1. Students will write a poem that corresponds to the Fourth of July.

6. Reading

6.1. Students may read books related to the unit's theme during Sustained Silent Reading and Partner Reading

7. Social Studies

7.1. Students will work individually and in small groups to make calendars that celebrate important American holidays, events, and people.

8. Science

8.1. Identify and describe the habitat in which bald eagles live. (This isn't a standard but I thought it would be fun for the kids.)

9. Physical Education

9.1. Plan a patriotic parade and have students march around the school.

10. Math

10.1. Count down to your favorite holiday. Example: How many more days until Memorial Day?

10.2. Make a graph to show students' favorite holidays.

11. Music

11.1. Students will sing patriotic songs.