# Lesson 177: National symbols

🟡 SOCIAL STUDIES (40 Lessons) • 🟡 C. My Country and the World

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## Objective

I can say what a national symbol is, name some simple symbol types, and explain that different countries have different symbols.

## Materials

- Paper for a simple symbol picture
- Pencils, crayons, or markers
- Optional: a few printed example symbols (flags, birds, flowers, buildings)

## Mini-lesson — What is a national symbol?

A symbol is a picture, sign, or object that stands for something.

National symbol

- A national symbol is a symbol for a country.
- It can remind people of their home and their story.
- Each country can have its own symbols.

Common symbol types

- A flag with shapes and color.
- A flower or tree.
- A bird or other gentle animal.
- A song that people sing together.
- A special house, hall, or tower.

Important ideas

- Different countries have different symbols.
- No country’s symbol is better than another.
- We speak about symbols in a kind and neutral way.

We do not decide which symbol or country is "best". We only learn that symbols stand for a country and help people feel part of a group.

Picture strip: Simple symbol ideas

## Guided Practice — My symbol idea

You will make a simple picture of a symbol idea. It can be a real symbol you know or an invented one.

1. Think of one symbol type: a flag, a flower, a bird, a hall, or a simple mark.
2. On your page, draw the symbol idea. Keep the picture simple.
3. Add one or two short words next to it such as "flag", "mark", "color", or "song".
4. Under the picture, write or trace one sentence: "This is a symbol idea." or "This mark stands for a group."
5. Read your sentence aloud to an adult. Explain that symbols stand for a country or group, but no symbol is "best".
6. Listen while the adult talks about some national symbols they know, if they want to share, without saying that one country is better than another.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Practice — Talk about symbol cards

This activity helps you talk about symbols in a kind and neutral way. It does not judge or compare any country.

1. An adult shows or describes three simple symbol cards, for example: a flag, a flower, and a bird.
2. For each card, say what you see using short words like "flag", "color", "bird", or "mark".
3. Then say: "This could be a symbol for a country." or "This stands for a group."
4. Talk with the adult about how different countries can choose different symbols. Do not say that one is better.
5. At the end, tell the adult which type of symbol you like to draw (for example, a flag, a flower, or a bird) and why.

## Quick Check — National symbols

Answer each question about symbols, countries, and kind language. These questions do not judge any country. They only help you think about what symbols are.

1) What is a symbol?

A snack to eat. A picture or mark that stands for something. A toy that makes noise only.
A symbol is a picture, sign, or object that stands for something.

2) What is a national symbol?

A symbol that stands for a country. A symbol for one toy only. A symbol only for food.
A national symbol stands for a country.

3) Which of these could be a national symbol?

A random sock. A pencil you lost. A flag with shapes and color.
Flags are common national symbols.

4) Which short word fits with national symbols?

snack flag sock
"Flag" is a common national symbol.

5) How many countries can share the same symbol type?

Many countries can choose a bird or flower symbol. Only one country is allowed symbols. No country can have symbols.
Many countries can choose similar symbol types, like birds or flowers.

6) Which sentence is kind when talking about symbols?

"My country symbol is best." "Your flag is bad." "Different symbols are special for each country."
We speak kindly and do not say one country is better.

7) Which thing could be drawn as a symbol idea?

A messy scribble with no meaning. A bird with bright color. A broken toy.
A bird is a common symbol idea.

8) What should you remember about national symbols?

They are different and no symbol is better. Only one country may have a flag. We must laugh at other symbols.
We respect symbols and remember that no symbol is "best".

9) A song that people sing for their country can be…

a snack a national symbol a toy box
Some songs are national symbols too.

10) Why do people use national symbols?

To say other people are not welcome. To fight about whose symbol is best. To show they belong to a country or group.
Symbols help people feel that they belong to a country or group.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Student can say that a national symbol stands for a country. Student can name at least two symbol types (for example, flag, bird, flower, song, or hall). Student uses short words such as flag, symbol, mark, color, or bird when talking about symbols. Student understands that different countries have different symbols. Student talks about symbols in a kind and neutral way without saying one country is better.

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can explain what a national symbol is and give examples. 🙂 I know a little about symbols but want more practice. 😅 Symbols and countries still feel a bit tricky.

#### Next time I will practise…

Naming different symbol types Using kind words when talking about symbols Drawing simple symbol ideas
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