Second Grade
LESSONS
In this lesson, students celebrate freedom by examining the Star-Spangled Banner. Acting as historical investigators they examine a primary source image to infer and make predictions. Lesson link Powerpoint
In examining the contributions of Amelia Earhart to the field of aviation, students will apply critical thinking skills by reading and sequencing information.
Lesson link
Introduce students to America the Beautiful in both song and literature. Working in groups they will examine critical vocabulary found in the song and relate how the song represents American beliefs and ideals. Lesson link
This lesson has students examining the Texas pledge of allegiance and creating a visual product about the importance of Texas Independence Day. Older students can be given the opportunity to plan a Texas Independence Day party (planning template provided).
Lesson link Independence Day Powerpoint
Celebrated on November 11, this holiday honors our veterans and the contributions and sacrifices they have made for the country. In this lesson students examine the significance of this day and design Veterans Day cards to be shared with family and/or community members.
Lesson link
Students practice chronological order and vocabulary terms associated with time and chronology in this lesson.
Lesson link
This lesson helps students understand the formation of African-American History Month and allows them to explore the influence and accomplishments of outstanding Americans. Following the lesson students have an opportunity to write a thank you note to one of the individuals they studied.
Lesson link
Students demonstrate their knowledge of historical figures, state and national symbols, holidays, and other concepts studied during the school year by creating questions to answer cards that are provided. Lesson link
Using the I Was The First website, students will learn about some of the important founders of our nation. After watching several of the animations, students will have the opportunity to vote for the person that they believe most deserves to have an elementary school named after them.
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Following a reading of A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall by David A. Adler, students use sets of Thurgood Marshall event cards to create a chronology of his life.
Lesson link
One student will serve as a presenter and choose a review card, the teacher will announce the category to the class and they will ask yes or no questions of the presenter to try and guess what is on the review card. The person that correctly guesses will be the next presenter. Lesson link
In this lesson, students examine the freedoms in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
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Utilizing The Sneetches and Other Stories, by Dr. Seuss, this lesson involves recognizing the characteristics of good citizenship. Students work with each other to identify ways to show respect for oneself and others.
Lesson link
This additional Veterans Day lesson has students examining the contributions and citizenship characteristics of the Navajo Code talkers in World War II using the I Was the First
website. Students use a storytelling sheet to create a story about the Code Talkers. Lesson link
This fun card game has students reviewing state and national symbols. Students interact with their peers and have the opportunity to exhibit good sportsmanship as they seek to get the most matching cards. Lesson link
After reading the story “The Bravery of Abigail Adams” from The Children’s Book of America edited by William J. Bennett, students will discuss the role she played as a good citizen in helping her husband, her family, and the Patriot cause.
Lesson link
In this lesson, students examine characteristics of good citizens and identify ways they can put each characteristic into action. Lesson also includes an option to use Be Kind to Otters by Laurie Keller.
Lesson link / I Can Be A Good Citizen PowerPoint
Utilizing The Star-Spangled Banner illustrated by Peter Spier, students will understand how the United States flag inspired the writing of this poem. After hearing the poem, students will use vocabulary strips to assemble the phrases of the poem.
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Following the reading of a short story, students will engage in problem solving by recognizing behaviors that are considered bullying and identifying ways to deal with the issue. Lesson link
RESOURCES
Law Unit
Law Unit
Additional Resources