Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
Kindergarten Social Studies Unit 07 Exemplar Lesson 01: Celebrating National
Holidays
This lesson is one approach to teaching the State Standards associated with this unit. Districts are encouraged to
customize this lesson by supplementing with district-approved resources, materials, and activities to best meet the needs
of learners. The duration for this lesson is only a recommendation, and districts may modify the time frame to meet
students’ needs. To better understand how your district may be implementing CSCOPE lessons, please contact your
child’s teacher. (For your convenience, please find linked the TEA Commissioner’s List of State Board of Education
Approved Instructional Resources and Midcycle State Adopted Instructional Materials.)
Lesson Synopsis
Students learn about what makes a celebration. They brainstorm celebrations they have experienced and classify them
into categories. They focus on national holidays and learn about two holidays celebrated in our national community:
Veterans Day and Independence Day.
TEKS
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) listed below are the standards adopted by the State Board of
Education, which are required by Texas law. Any standard that has a strike-through (e.g. sample phrase) indicates that
portion of the standard is taught in a previous or subsequent unit. The TEKS are available on the Texas Education
Agency website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148.
K.1
History. The student understands that holidays are celebrations of special events. The
student is expected to:
K.1A
Explain the reasons for national patriotic holidays such as Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, and Independence
Day.
K.1B
Identify customs associated with national patriotic holidays such as parades and
fireworks on Independence Day.
K.11
Culture. The student understands similarities and differences among people. The student is
expected to:
K.11A Identify similarities and differences among people such as kinship, laws, and religion.
K.11B Identify similarities and differences among people such as music, clothing, and food.
Social Studies Skills TEKS
K.14
Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use
information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. The
student is expected to:
K.14A Obtain information about a topic using a variety of valid oral sources such as
conversations, interviews, and music.
K.14B Obtain information about a topic using a variety of valid visual sources such as pictures,
symbols, electronic media, print material, and artifacts.
GETTING READY FOR INSTRUCTION
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 1 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
Performance Indicators
Kindergarten Social Studies Unit 07 PI 01
Illustrate people celebrating Independence Day and Veterans Day as national patriotic holidays. Explain, orally or in writing, why and how
each is celebrated.
Standard(s): K.1A , K.1B , K.14A
ELPS ELPS.c.3H , ELPS.c.5A
Key Understandings
Holidays are celebrations of special events.
— How do celebrations, customs, and traditions define us as a country?
— Why do we celebrate Independence Day?
— How do we celebrate Independence Day?
— Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?
— How do we celebrate Veterans Day?
— Why do people in our country participate in displaying symbols and/or participate in celebrations?
Vocabulary of Instruction
community
celebration
vote
patriotic
nation
Materials
Refer to Notes for Teacher section for materials.
Attachments
All attachments associated with this lesson are referenced in the body of the lesson. Due to considerations for
grading or student assessment, attachments that are connected with Performance Indicators or serve as answer keys
are available in the district site and are not accessible on the public website.
Teacher Resource: Celebrations Matrix
Teacher Resource: Celebrations Matrix Example KEY
Resources
Library of Congress Local Legacies link: http://www.loc.gov/folklife/roots/
Advance Preparation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Become familiar with content and procedures for the lesson.
Refer to the Instructional Focus Document for specific content to include in the lesson.
Select appropriate sections of the textbook and other classroom materials that support the learning for this lesson.
Preview websites according to district guidelines.
Locate a variety of information sources about celebrations.
Prepare audio clips for day 1 and also select books to read aloud.
Create Celebration Matrix on chart paper.
Collect photographs to go with the Celebration matrix for day 2.
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 2 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
Background Information
Traditions – are developed from the process of sharing knowledge and practices through generations with and
without written instruction
Customs – create a bond based on common experience and shared values
Voting – an expression or preference for a particular person or issue that needs to be resolved or validated;the
majority vote wins
Celebration – a day or event with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing; a joyful occasion for special
festivities to mark some happy event
Holiday(s) – A holiday is a day when one is free from work or school. Legal holidays at the state or national level
pay respect to the accomplishments of historical figures (Martin Luther King or Presidents George Washington
and Abraham Lincoln) or to groups of people (Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and Labor Day). Holidays also
commemorate significant events (Fourth of July, Texas Independence, and Juneteenth). These are secular
holidays as distinct from religious holidays or holy days, examples of which include Christmas, Hanukkah, and
Passover. Thanksgiving is a legal holiday recognized by the U.S. government as the official day to give thanks for
the good things in life.
Veterans Day – honors military veterans, citizens who have served in the military. (National holiday observed on
November 11. Originally commemorated when the fighting during WWI ceased in 1918 – the 11th hour of the 11th
day of the 11th month. Later expanded to recognize all veterans of foreign wars and then all veterans)
Independence Day – commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. (National
holiday first celebrated in 1777)
Patriotic – inspired by love of country
Nation – a country; a self­governing political entity whose people share a common culture
History – a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an
explanation of their causes; events of the past
Social Studies Center [defunct]. (2000). Glossary. Austin: Texas Education Agency.
GETTING READY FOR INSTRUCTION
Teachers are encouraged to supplement and substitute resources, materials, and activities to meet the needs of
learners. These lessons are one approach to teaching the TEKS/Specificity as well as addressing the Performance
Indicators associated with each unit. District personnel may create original lessons using the Content Creator in the
Tools Tab. All originally authored lessons can be saved in the “My CSCOPE” Tab within the “My Content” area.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
Instructional Procedures
Notes for Teacher
ENGAGE – What is a celebration?
NOTE: 1 Day = 30 minutes
Suggested Day 1 – 10 minutes
1. Play and/or sing short clips of songs about celebrations for
students. These may include the school song, various holiday
songs, patriotic songs, songs that reflect the heritage of
students in the class, etc. Ask:
When do we play songs like these? (at a party or a
celebration)
Why do we play songs? (music is fun to listen to, it
makes us feel good)
How do songs like these make us feel? (they make us
feel happy or excited)
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
Materials:
audio clips of various songs used for
celebrations
chart/butcher paper
Purpose:
Use music to introduce the concept of celebrations
TEKS: K.11B; K.14B
Instructional Note:
page 3 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
2. Write the word “celebration” on a piece of chart paper and
read the word to the students. Say:
A celebration is a party or other special event that
people have for an important occasion or holiday.
3. Next, play different music clips that are easily recognizable to
your students, such as “Happy Birthday,” “The Star Spangled
Banner,” a college fight song from a local college, a popular
song among an ethnic group in your community.
4. Students identify at which specific celebration this particular
song might be heard.
5. Lead students to draw conclusions such as:
An Internet search for websites with
songs for young children can yield
appropriate songs. Review websites
to assure compliance with the
district’s Acceptable Use Policy. They
are not required for instruction.
Center Idea: Place items at centers
to allow students to participate in
make-believe celebrations. Items
might include music CDs, costumes
and hats, decorations to hang or
place in the home center. Include as
many items from as many of the
celebrations on the Matrix as
possible.
Music is often used in celebrations because it can
make the celebration festive. It often makes us feel
happy, excited, or proud. The kind of music played
at a celebration is decided by the kind of
celebration being observed.
EXPLORE- Celebrations We Know
Suggested Day 1 (continued) - 15 minutes
1. Provide students an opportunity to, individually, brainstorm kinds of Materials:
celebrations they have participated in within their family,
sticky Notes
neighborhood or community.
chart paper
2. After thinking for a minute or two, students pair up and share their
ideas with one other.
Purpose:
3. Provide students an opportunity to share their responses with the
group. (As an example, share your own experience celebrating
Independence Day and/or Veterans Day.) Each time a student
responds to what they think of when they think of celebrations,
write the response on one sticky note and write the student’s first
name or initials at the bottom of the note. Continue to accept
responses until all students have shared at least once.
Brainstorm celebrations they have attended or know
and group them into categories.
TEKS: K.11B; K.14B
Instructional Note
The key academic term history could be introduced
here. (Example: Veterans Day commemorates
events important to our nation’s history.)
4. After students have shared their ideas on celebrations, reread the
responses and ask students if they notice any ideas that are similar
or that might be grouped together. If necessary, assist in grouping
sticky notes with common characteristics. For example, ideas that
are all focused on the school community might go together while
ideas that relate to local festivals might be in another group and
ideas that are national celebrations would be in a different group.
Move sticky notes to form groups or categories on the chart paper.
5. After the class has grouped ideas based on common
characteristics, decide on an appropriate label for each group.
EXPLAIN – Share with a partner
Suggested Day 1 (continued) – 5 minutes
1. Students discuss with a partner their ideas about the following
topics:
Purpose:
Verbalize the meaning of celebrations.
TEKS: K.11B; K.14B
What is a celebration?
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 4 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
What makes an event a “celebration?”
What words describe a celebration?
How do celebrations make you feel?
2. Monitor students and ask questions, correct misinformation,
provide additional information, etc.
ENGAGE – Recall prior learning
Suggested Day 2 – 5 minutes
1. Display categorized chart of holidays generated during Day 1.
Materials:
2. Read labels of categories aloud to students and invite students to
recall the celebrations they shared with the group.
3. Ask if they can think of other celebrations to add to the categories.
Categorized chart of holidays from Day
1
TEKS: K.11B; K.14B
EXPLORE – Learn about Celebrations
Suggested Day 2 (continued) – 25 minutes
1. Display the Teacher Resource: Celebrations Matrix. As
discussion continues, add information from students as
appropriate. (See Teacher Resource: Celebrations Matrix
Example KEY)
Materials:
Library of Congress Local Legacies
link: http://www.loc.gov/folklife/roots/
2. Read and/or share information (possibly with a video) about
Attachments:
customs, celebrations and traditions in different communities from a
Teacher Resource: Celebrations
variety of sources.
Matrix
3. As students are learning about celebrations from these sources,
Teacher Resource: Celebrations
ask questions, such as:
Matrix Example KEY
What kinds of clothing are the people wearing at the
celebrations?
Are the clothes similar or different from one celebration
to another?
What kinds of food do you see in the pictures?
Is the food similar or different when comparing different
celebrations?
Purpose: Expand students’ knowledge of
celebrations and organize their new knowledge on a
graphic organizer.
TEKS: K.11B; K.14B
ENGAGE – Recall Celebrations Matrix
Suggested Day 3 – 5 minutes
1. Display Celebrations Matrix.
Materials:
2. Read the list of celebrations aloud to help students recall
discussion from Day 2.
3. Show photographs and ask students to describe the kind of
celebration is illustrated in each picture.
4. Ask questions that help focus on music, clothing, food that might be
used in the celebration.
Photographs/pictures of celebrations
Teacher Resource: Celebrations
Matrix (added to on Day 2)
Instructional Note
Choose photographs that go with the
celebrations listed on the Celebrations
Matrix. Photographs/pictures can be
from books or found by conducting an
Internet search using key words that
relate directly to the celebrations on the
matrix.
EXPLAIN – Celebrations Quilt
EXPLAIN – Celebrations Quilt
1. Students choose one of the celebrations from the Celebrations
Materials:
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 5 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
Matrix and prepare to use the terms celebration, history, to
summarize the purpose of the celebration and the customs and
traditions related to it.
2. Distribute to each student a square of paper to be used to make a
paper quilt square.
Paper, white drawing paper cut into 8x8
squares (or a size that will work well for
display)
Butcher/chart paper(to glue finished
quilt squares)
3. On the square, students illustrate and label a picture based on one
TEKS: K.1A, K1.B; K.11A, K.11B
celebration that their family participates in within the community.
4. With a partner, students take turns sharing their quilt square and
summarizing the celebration represented. Partner A listens while
Partner B talks; then Partner B listens while Partner A talks.
Purpose
Provide students the opportunity to express what they
have learned about celebrations by illustrating a
picture.
Instructional Note
Create a class Celebrations Quilt by gluing the
students’ pieces together on a large piece of butcher
paper. Use a black marker to outline each square
and create marks to represent the thread between
squares.
ENGAGE – Focus on national holidays
Suggested Day 4 – 5 minutes
1. Play short clips of patriotic music. Use the academic vocabulary
terms patriotic to describe the music.
Materials:
2. Access prior learning by encouraging students to recall Unit 3,
Celebrate Freedom Week.
• clips of patriotic music
Instructional Note
The key academic vocabulary can be discussed in
this section.
3. Extend the discussion to review learning, reminding students that in
the past few days they have talked about celebrations. Ask
students to name the national holidays we celebrate.
EXPLORE – Veterans Day and Independence Day
Suggested Day 4 (continued) – 20 minutes
1. Introduce Veterans Day by stating:
Materials:
We celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th.
Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those
people who served well in the military – when our
country is at war or during times of peace.
Veterans Day is intended to thank living Veterans for
their service and to recognize that their service to our
country to keep us safe is appreciated. Emphasize the
fact that all those who served – not only those who died –
have sacrificed and done their duty. Veterans are
important to us so we celebrate them.
Books to read aloud about Veterans
Day and Independence Day
Purpose:
Focus on Veterans Day and Independence Day as
celebrations that are important to our community and
nation.
TEKS: K.1A; K.11A, K.11B
Instructional Note
Reinforce academic vocabulary.
2. Ask students if they know how we celebrate Veterans Day in the
community.
3. Read aloud a book that describes how communities celebrate
Veterans Day.
4. Shift discussion to Independence Day, another patriotic
celebration. Remind students about Celebrate Freedom Week.
Use words such as
We also celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.
Independence Day honors the signing of the Declaration
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 6 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Independence Day was celebrated in 1777 with parades,
music, and fireworks displays and has become one of the
most cherished celebrations in the United States.
Our independence and freedom are important to us so
we celebrate them.
5. Ask students if they know how we celebrate Independence Day in
our community.
6. Read aloud a book that describes how communities celebrate
Independence Day.
EXPLAIN
Suggested Day 4 (continued) – 5 minutes
1. Students prepare a sentence that summarizes the purpose and
traditions around Veterans Day and/or Independence Day.
Instructional Note:
2. Student partners take turns sharing their summary statements,
using academic vocabulary (e.g., history, nation, celebration,
patriotic).
Create a word bank for students to use in their
summary statements. Include academic vocabulary
from discussions from Days 1-4.
Suggested Day 5 – 5 minutes
ELABORATE
1. Facilitate a discussion so students can focus on the big ideas from
the Key Understandings and Guiding Questions:
Celebrations, customs, and traditions define us as a
country.
Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?
How do we celebrate Veterans Day?
Why do we celebrate Independence Day?
How do we celebrate Independence Day?
How do celebrations, customs, and traditions
define us as a country?
Why do people in our country participate in
displaying symbols and/or participate in
celebrations?
EVALUATE
Kindergarten Social Studies Unit 07 PI 01
Illustrate people celebrating Independence Day and Veterans Day as national
patriotic holidays. Explain, orally or in writing, why and how each is celebrated.
Standard(s): K.1A , K.1B , K.14A
ELPS ELPS.c.3H , ELPS.c.5A
1. Distribute white construction paper.
Suggested Day 5 – 25 minutes
Materials:
White drawing paper, 8 ½ X 11
Purpose:
Demonstrate understanding of Independence Day
and Veterans Day.
TEKS: K.1A; K.11A, K.11B
2. Students fold the paper in half.
3. On one half students illustrate people celebrating Independence
Day; on the other halve students illustrate people celebrating
Veterans Day.
4. Under each illustration, students write a sentence explaining the
picture. (The explanation can be made orally.)
5. Allow time for each student to explain their illustrations, including
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 7 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07
Lesson: 01
Suggested Duration: 5 days
why those particular celebrations are important to their community
and what the celebration represents.
6. Refer once again to the Key Understanding posted: Celebrations,
customs, and traditions define us as a country.
7. Each student explains his/her illustrations, including why those
particular celebrations are important to the community and what the
celebration represents.
Last Updated 05/01/13
Print Date 06/17/2013 Printed By Karen Johnson, MIDLAND ISD
page 8 of 10 Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07 Lesson: 01
Celebrations Matrix
Name of Celebration
©2012, TESCCC
Purpose of Celebration
08/24/12
Description of
Celebration
page 1 of 1
Kindergarten
Social Studies
Unit: 07 Lesson: 01
Celebrations Matrix EXAMPLE KEY
* Note that the contents of the matrix will be determined by the information sources selected during
the first part of the lesson.
Name of Celebration
Purpose of Celebration
Homecoming
To honor people who
attended a high school or
college.
Veterans Day
Independence Day
©2012, TESCCC
To honor the veterans who
have served our country to
help keep it free.
To honor the anniversary of
the signing of the Declaration
of Independence in 1776.
05/01/13
Description of
Celebration
-parade, Homecoming King
and Queen honored during
half time of football game,
dance
- parades and festivals
honoring the men and women
who have served our country
-parade, picnics, fireworks,
concerts,
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