PreK-2: Sample Learning Activities

Have students learn about the symbols of American democracy by reviewing symbols that appear in the classroom, in the school hallways, cafeteria, and in their community. Explain that symbols are images or objects that represent or stand for something. These symbols might include exit signs, stop signs, traffic lights, “Do Not Enter” signs, and others that provide for the safety and welfare of the school and community. Ask students what symbols are and how they help us to learn. Provide pictures of examples of patriotic symbols such as the American flag, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, bald eagle, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Mount Rushmore and ask students how these symbols serve to honor our country. Ask students to discuss what these symbols mean and how they encourage patriotic feelings. Students might learn more about the history of the American flag and make personal flags as symbols of themselves. Ask students to describe what the different parts and colors of their flags represent about themselves. An excellent resource for primary students, A Salute to Our Flag, is available from the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program of the New York State Bar Association by contacting their office at www.lycny.org or e-mail at egerrish@nysba.org. A teacher’s guide to this publication is also available on their website.
Have students recite the Pledge of Allegiance and explain what it means in their own words. If appropriate, discuss how some students may be unable or unwilling to pledge to the flag. Students can also sing songs like America, America the Beautiful, This Land is Your Land and the Star Spangled Banner and discuss how the lyrics express the values and ideals of our American democracy. Ask students to discuss why we have a national anthem and what it means.
Ask students to brainstorm a list of their favorite holidays. Ask students to explain what is meant by a “holiday” and why these days are celebrated. Have students identify and tell why the following national holidays are important: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Constitution Day (September 17th), Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Day. In addition to the recognized federal holidays, there are others that children celebrate. Discuss with students why some children do not celebrate certain holidays for religious reasons. Students should understand the importance of respecting the religious and cultural beliefs of other students.
Ask students to define the term “rights” and to provide examples of the rights they enjoy at home, in school, and on the playground. At home, these rights might include free time to: use the computer, watch television, play videogames, listen to music, play an instrument, read a book, play sports, or enjoy a hobby. At school, students have the right to a clean, safe, comfortable learning environment and also enjoy some of the same rights as at home. Explain to students that these rights carry responsibilities. For example, students are expected to follow the rules of the classroom and school in order to earn various rights. Ask students to explain how they should behave toward others at home, in school, and on the playground so that people work together to resolve conflicts and learn how to participate in our democratic society. Students should explain how good school citizenship involves sharing, taking turns, respecting others’ property, listening to others’ opinions, practicing good hygiene, picking up after oneself, and following the classroom and school rules.
Have students define “rules” and provide some examples from school or home. Ask students to brainstorm rules that apply in different settings including the classroom, at home, on the playground, on the street, in shopping malls or stores, in houses of worship, in different modes of transportation (e.g., school buses, subways, private cars), and in public parks or swimming pools. Have students explain why rules are important and why they might change from place to place and at different times. Ask students what might happen if there were no rules or if rules were not followed.
Have students develop a list of classroom rules and explain why these rules are necessary in order to create a positive learning environment. What should be the consequences for students who do not follow these rules? Ask students how classroom, playground, and cafeteria conflicts should be resolved. Brainstorm ways these conflicts might be settled including compromise, sharing, taking turns, and peer mediation. Have students complete the statement, “It is important to take turns, share, listen to others, and follow directions because….” Use student responses to create a chart and post it in the classroom. Ask students to list safety rules that they follow at home. These rules might protect students from fires, falls, electric shocks, drowning, cuts from sharp objects, or poisons. Ask students why these rules are important. Invite a police officer, paramedic, or fire fighter to the classroom to discuss different safety rules that apply at home, on the street, on the playground, in the car, or at school. These community helpers can show their life saving equipment and explain why safety rules are necessary and important. Students should understand that following rules, both at school and at home, demonstrates good civic behavior.
Ask students to explain when rules become important enough to become laws. Who makes the rules that they follow at home, in school, and on the playground? Why do some rules later become laws? For example, most parents or guardians required their children to wear seatbelts when riding in automobiles. Now most states require seatbelts for all front seat passengers and for children riding in back seats. Most parents require that their children wear helmets when riding their bicycles. Now most states require that children under a certain age wear helmets. Have students tell who makes laws and who carries them out.
Ask students to discuss what it means to be a good citizen. How does a good citizen behave in school, on the playground, in their neighborhood, and at home? What are the qualities that good citizens display? For example, truthfulness, honesty, courtesy, determination, loyalty, and patriotism characterize a good citizen. Have students draw pictures that show how good citizens practice these qualities in the classroom, school yard, and at home.