Sum m ar y of t he W eek: St u de n t s wi l l l e ar n

Summary of the Week: Students will learn about Texas state symbols and theirsignificance. Students will identify the Texas flag and recite the pledge to the Texas flag.

Social Studies Standards:K.9(A) identify the United States flag and the Texas state flagK.9(B) recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and the Pledge to theTexas FlagK.13(A) gather information about a topic using a variety of valid oral and visual sourcessuch as interviews, music, pictures, symbols, and artifacts with adult assistanceK.13(B) sequence and categorize informationK.14(A) place events in chronological orderK.14(C) express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiencesK.14(D) create and interpret visuals, including pictures

English Language Arts Standards:K.1(C), K.1(D), K.3(B), K.5(E), K.6(B)

English Language Proficiency Standards: N/A

Teacher Background Knowledge: A symbol is an object or place that representssomething else. Texas has many state symbols and monuments. These symbols andmonuments represent important moments in Texas history.

● The Texas flag is a symbol of Texas. The flag is known as “The Lone Star Flag.” Thecolors are red, white, and blue. The red symbolizes courage, the white symbolizespurity, and the blue symbolizes loyalty.

● The pledge to the Texas flag is recited to show honor and respect to the Texas flag.Other state symbols and monuments of Texas include: the Alamo, the Texas Capitolbuilding, the Sam Houston Statue, the San Jacinto Monument, the Texas state bird, whichis the northern mockingbird, and the Texas state song, called “Texas, Our Texas.”

Essential Questions:1. What is the pledge to the Texas flag?2. What are some important symbols in Texas?3. Why are these symbols important in Texas history?

Student Edition Vocabulary: N/A

Language for Social Studies Learning:battle: a fight for controlhonor: showing respect to someone or somethingstate: an area of land in a country

Notes for Teacher:● The graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book will be used in eight of the lesson

plans. To save time, prepare the book before beginning the lessons.

Supports for All Learners:● Reading: After discussing key terms for a week or article, students predict a

sentence they might read using at least one of the terms.● Writing: Identify a photograph from the weekly issue. Challenge students to draw a

picture of what they think may have happened before that image or one fromafter.

● Listening: Select an article and identify 2-3 important ideas. Challenge students tocome up with body movements to remember those key ideas.

Think Deeply: How do state symbols help us remember important events in Texas history?

Well-Being Questions:● What is a symbol of something you really care about?● Why are laws important?● How do laws help communities?● How do you feel about the laws you know?

Home/School Connection: Send home a copy of the graphic organizer Texas StateSymbols Activity Page.

This week, your student is learning about Texas state symbols. Together, look at thegraphic organizer Texas State Symbols Activity Page that was sent home with yourstudent. Have your student choose a symbol to research and learn more about. Use theactivity page for coloring practice or handwriting practice by copying the words on themat.

Texas State Symbols | Week 12

Weekly Assessment Questions:1. Matching: Match each picture to its name.

Sam Houston Statue

San Jacinto Monument

the Alamo

2. What are the colors of the Texas flag?a. red and yellowb. black and whitec. red, white, and blued. red, white, and green

3. Fill in the blank: Mark the word that completes the pledge to the Texas flag.Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state, under God, oneand indivisible.

Distractors: Flag, God


4. Circle the state bird of Texas.

5. Matching: Identify each flag. Match the flag to its name.

Texas flag

United States flag


Student Edition Week 12


Article Background Information: N/A

Article 1: Texas State SymbolsLexile® measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 11Texas has many state symbols. They remind us of Texas history.

Lesson Plan:1. Review previous learning about symbols.

a. Symbols are objects. They stand for something else.b. Discuss the national patriotic symbols learned about and what they stand

for. Say the name of each symbol, having students stand up if they knowwhat it stands for.

i. Statue of Liberty: freedomii. Bald eagle: our country’s strengthiii. Liberty Bell: freedomiv. The White House: our presidentv. The Capitol Building: governmentvi. Washington Monument: George Washingtonvii. Lincoln Memorial: Abraham Lincoln

2. Read the article to the students. Explain that just like we have national symbols forour country, we also have symbols for our state. They help us to rememberimportant things that happened in Texas history.

3. Have the students look at the cover of the student edition. Have a class discussionabout the things they see on the cover. Explain that these are symbols of Texas.When we see these symbols, we think of Texas.

a. Have you seen any of these symbols? (Answers may vary.)b. Where have you seen these symbols? (Answers may vary.)c. What do you think of when you see these symbols? (Answers may vary.)

4. Go through the student edition and briefly discuss the Texas state symbols thatstudents will learn about this week. Have the students share what they know aboutthe symbols. Let them ask questions about the symbols. Ask:

a. What do you already know about these? (Answers may vary.)b. Have any of you been to see these symbols? (Answers may vary.)c. What do you wonder about these symbols? (Answers may vary.)

5. Explain that you will be learning more about these symbols and what theyrepresent this week.

a. Have the students pick which symbol they are most excited to learn aboutand draw a picture of it in their interactive notebooks.

Vocabulary: N/A

Materials Needed: N/A


Online Related Media (Explore More): N/A


Article 2: The Texas FlagLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 22The Texas flag is called the Lone Star Flag. Its colors are red, white, and blue. There is onestar on it.

Lesson Plan:1. Point out the American flag in your classroom, or show the image “American Flag”

from related media. Review that the American flag is a national symbol. Have adiscussion about the flag:

a. What do you notice about the flag? (Answers may vary.)b. What colors are the American flag? (red, white, blue)c. How do we show respect for the American flag? (put our hands over our

hearts, face the flag)2. Point out the Texas flag in the student edition. Have a discussion about what the

children know about the flag:a. What do you notice about the flag? (Answers may vary.)b. Where have you seen this flag? (Answers may vary.)c. How is this flag similar to the American flag? (The colors are the same.)

3. Read the article to the students. Have a discussion about the flag:a. The flag is called the Lone Star Flag because there is one star on the flag.

During the Republic of Texas (when it was a country), it had a single star inthe center.

b. The colors on the flag are red, white, and blue.i. The red on the flag stands for courage. When you see the red on the

flag, you can remember to have courage and be brave.ii. The white on the flag stands for purity. When you see the white on the

flag, you can remember to be pure and honest.iii. The blue on the flag stands for loyalty. When you see the blue on the

flag, we can remember to be loyal. This means that you arecommitted to people and the things you say you will do. When youmake a promise, you keep it.

4. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book. Have the students completethe “Texas Flag” page.

a. Students will color the flag and cut it out. Have them glue it in the box on the“Texas Flag” page.

b. While they color, have them share what the colors on the flag stand for.(courage, purity, loyalty)


Vocabulary: N/A

Materials Needed:Graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book

Online Related Media (Explore More):Image: “American Flag”


Article 3: Pledge to the Texas FlagLexile measure: 610L-800LWord Count: 28Texas’s flag has a Pledge of Allegiance.

"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one andindivisible."

Lesson Plan:1. As a class, review how we show respect to the American flag. Discuss times we

show this respect.a. How do we show respect for the American flag? (We place our right hands

over our hearts and face the flag.)b. We show respect for the flag when we say the Pledge of Allegiance or sing

the national anthem.2. Point out the image of the Texas flag in the student edition. Review what was

learned in the previous lesson.a. What do the colors on the flag stand for? (courage, purity, loyalty)

3. Read the first sentence of the article. Explain that the Texas flag has a Pledge ofAllegiance. Discuss when you say the pledge to the Texas flag.

a. We say the pledge to the Texas flag after we say the Pledge of Allegiance tothe American flag.

b. When we recite the pledge to the Texas flag, we stand and face the flag.We put our hands over our hearts.

4. Invite students to stand up and practice saying the pledge to the Texas flag whilefacing the flag and putting their right hands over their hearts.

5. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.a. Together, complete the “Pledge to the Texas Flag” page.b. Students will use the words in the word bank to complete the pledge.

Vocabulary: N/A





Article 4: The Texas Capitol BuildingLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 19The Texas Capitol building is an important building. State leaders work there. It is wherethey make laws.

Lesson Plan:1. Have the students point to the image of the Texas State Capitol building in the

student edition. Give the students the opportunity to share if they have seen thisbuilding or know what the building is:

a. Have any of you seen this building? (Answers may vary.)b. Does anyone know what this building is? (Answers may vary.)

2. Explain that this building is the Texas State Capitol building. This building is a Texasstate symbol.

3. Read the article to the students.4. Show the image “Texas State Symbols Map” in related media. Have the students

locate the Capitol building on the image. Discuss the location of the Capitolbuilding in relation to where the students live.

a. Explain that the Texas State Capitol building is in Austin, Texas. This building isimportant for the state. State leaders work there. This building is where theygo to make decisions and laws for our state.

i. Why is it important for state leaders to work together to makedecisions and laws? (Answers may vary.)

b. Discuss the importance of this state symbol. When we see the Capitol, wecan remember our state government and how it helps our state.

5. Have the students complete the “Texas State Capitol Building” page in their TexasState Symbols Book.

a. Students will color the Capitol building and cut it out. They will glue it in thebox on the “Texas State Capitol Building” page.

b. While they color, have students discuss what happens at this building andwhy it is important.

Vocabulary: N/A



Online Related Media (Explore More):Image “Texas State Symbols Map”


Article 5: The AlamoLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 18The Alamo is an important place. A battle was fought there. This battle helped Texas tobecome free.

Lesson Plan:1. Point out the image of the Alamo in the student edition. Give students time to share

if they have been to this place or anything they might know about the Alamo:a. Have any of you ever been to the Alamo? (Answers may vary.)b. What do you know about the Alamo? (Answers may vary.)

2. Read the article to the students. Explain that the Alamo is a very important place inTexas history. Explain:

a. A battle called the Battle of the Alamo took place here. This battle wasfought between Texas and Mexico. Texas wanted to become independentfrom Mexico. This meant they didn't want to be controlled by Mexicoanymore. The Texas army lost the battle to Mexico at the Alamo.

b. Even though the Texas army lost the battle, it still helped Texas to gain theirindependence. Texas declared their independence from Mexico andbecame the Republic of Texas. After the battle, more Texans came togetherto fight for their independence.

3. Discuss the importance of the battle at the Alamo in the fight for Texasindependence. Because of this battle, Texas was able to continue to fight andeventually gain their independence from Mexico. Help students to understand whythis is an important symbol and place for Texas history.

4. Show the image “Texas State Symbols Map” in related media. Have the studentslocate the Alamo on the map. Discuss the location of the Alamo in relation towhere they live.

5. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.a. Have the students complete the page titled “The Alamo.”b. Instruct students to color and cut out the image of the Alamo and glue it in

the correct place on the page.

Vocabulary: N/A





Article 6: The San Jacinto MonumentLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 24Texas won its independence from Mexico. The last battle was at San Jacinto. There is amonument there. It honors all those who fought.

Lesson Plan:1. Point out the image of the San Jacinto Monument in the student edition. Give

students time to share if they have been to this place or anything they might knowabout this monument:

a. Have any of you ever been to the San Jacinto Monument? (Answers mayvary.)

b. Do you know anything about this monument? (Answers may vary.)2. Read the article to the students. Explain the importance of this monument in Texas

history.a. Review previous learning about the Battle of the Alamo. The Texans fought

for independence at the Battle of the Alamo. This meant that they didn’twant to be controlled by Mexico anymore. The Texas army did not win thisbattle, but it did help them to gain their independence.

b. The last battle before Texas won its independence was at San Jacinto. SamHouston led the Texas army to victory over Mexico at the Battle of SanJacinto. This battle led to an agreement that said that Texas was anindependent country.

c. The San Jacinto Monument was built to remember and honor all of thosewho fought for Texas independence. When we see this monument, we canremember how hard people worked for Texas to become independent fromMexico.

3. Help students to understand why this monument and what it represents areimportant in Texas history. Because of this battle, Texas was able to becomeindependent from Mexico.

4. Show the image “Texas State Symbols Map” in related media. Have the studentslocate the San Jacinto Monument on the map. Discuss the location of themonument in relation to where they live.

5. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.a. Have the students complete the page titled “The San Jacinto Monument.”b. Instruct students to color and cut out the image of the monument and glue

it in the correct place on the page.


Vocabulary: N/A




Article 7: The Sam Houston StatueLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 28Sam Houston was a great leader. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas. Thereis a statue to remember him. It is in Huntsville, Texas.

Lesson Plan:1. Point out the image of the Sam Houston Statue in the student edition. Give students

time to share if they have been to this place or anything they might know about thismonument:

a. Have any of you ever been to the Sam Houston Statue? (Answers may vary.)b. Do you know anything about this place? (Answers may vary.)

2. Read the article to the students. Explain the significance of this statue in Texashistory.

a. Sam Houston was a leader in the Texas army. He led a group of soldiers inthe fight for Texas independence.

b. After the Battle at San Jacinto, Texas won their independence. Sam Houstonwas elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas. He helped Texasto become a part of the United States of America.

c. Sam Houston is an important citizen in Texas history. A statue was built toremember him. This statue is in Huntsville, Texas. When we see this statue, wecan remember Sam Houston and how he helped Texas to win itsindependence from Mexico.

3. Show the image “Texas State Symbols Map” in related media. Have the studentslocate the Sam Houston Statue on the map. Discuss the location of the monumentin relation to where they live.

4. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.a. Have the students complete the page titled “The Sam Houston Statue.”b. Instruct students to color and cut out the image of the statue and glue it in

the correct place on the page.

Vocabulary: N/A





Article 8: The Texas State BirdLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 15Texas has a state bird. It is the Northern Mockingbird. The mockingbird sings many songs.

Lesson Plan:1. Play the “Mockingbird” audio. Have the students listen. Discuss what they hear.

a. What do you hear? (Answers may vary.)2. Point out the image of the northern mockingbird in the student edition. Give

students time to share what they know about the mockingbird and if they haveever seen this bird:

a. What do you know about the northern mockingbird? (Answers may vary.)b. Have you ever seen this bird? (Answers may vary.)

3. Read the article to the students.a. Explain: The Texas state bird is the northern mockingbird. The northern

mockingbird sings many songs. These mockingbirds sing all day andsometimes through the night.

b. Northern mockingbirds are found in all parts of Texas. They are protective.They fight for the protection of their homes.

4. Play the “Mockingbird” audio again. Have the students listen to hear what theTexas state bird sounds like. Encourage students to listen around for the northernmockingbird.

5. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.a. Have the students complete the page titled “The Texas State Bird.”b. Instruct students to color and cut out the image of the bird and glue it in the

correct place on the page.

Vocabulary: N/A


Online Related Media (Explore More):Audio “Mockingbird”



Article 9: The Texas State SongLexile measure: 210L-400LWord Count: 11

Lesson Plan:1. Read the article to the students. Explain that Texas has a state song. This song is

called “Texas, Our Texas.”2. Invite students to share some times when they have heard the Texas state song.

(sporting events, school, etc.)3. Play an audio recording of the song “Texas, Our Texas” for the class. Invite students

to share some of the things they heard as they listened.a. What did you hear in the song? (Answers may vary.)

4. Explain to students that when we sing this song, we show love for our state.5. Use the graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book.

a. Have the students complete the page titled “The Texas State Song.”b. Instruct students to color and cut out the image of the title of the song and

glue it in the correct place on the page.

Vocabulary: N/A

Materials Needed:Audio recording of “Texas, Our Texas”Graphic organizer Texas State Symbols Book



Name ___________________________________________________________ Date _____________

Texas Studies Weekly – My Home and School Community

Texas State Symbols

Week 12 Assessment

1. Match each picture to its name.

2. What are the colors of the Texas flag?

A. red and yellow

B. black and white

C. red, white, and blue

D. red, white, and green


3. Mark the word that completes the pledge to the Texas flag.

__________ the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state, under God,

one and indivisible.

Flag

God

Honor

4. Circle the state bird of Texas.

5. Identify each flag. Match the flag to its name.


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Texas State Symbols

Name: Date:

glue here

Texas Flag

glue here

Texas State Capitol Building

Pledge to the Texas Flag

Word BankTexas flag indivisible

“Honor the Texas ; I pledge

allegiance to thee, , one

state under God, one and .”

glue here

The San Jacinto Monument

glue here

The Alamo

glue here

Texas State Bird - Northern Mockingbird

glue here

The Sam Houston Statue

glue here

Texas State Song

Texas, Our Texas

Documents

Sum m ar y of t he W eek: St u de n t s wi l l l e ar n