Lesson Plan - Kids Make State History

View a Slideshow: State Symbols

Discuss: What are some examples of state symbols? How do you think these symbols are chosen?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• accomplish 
• legislature

Set a Purpose for Reading

As students read, have them notice how the kids used teamwork to get their idea turned into a law.

1. What is a state symbol, and what are some examples?
A state symbol is something that represents, or stands for, the state’s values and traditions. Some types of symbols are flags, birds, flowers, and fruit.

^{(RI.3.4 DETERMINE MEANING)}

2. Why did students at Sabetha Elementary decide to get more kids involved with their idea?
The students at Sabetha Elementary decided to get more kids involved because they thought that might give their idea more power.

^{(RI.3.1 DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING)}

3. Based on the sidebar, “Steps to a State Symbol,” how did the students turn their idea into action?
The students chose four fruits native to Kansas, had kids at 24 schools vote on a favorite, and then wrote letters and spoke to lawmakers to try to convince them to make the sandhill plum the state fruit.

^{(RI.3.3 SEQUENCE)}

FEATURED SKILL: Opinion Writing

Use the Skill Builder “Plan a State Symbol” to have students propose a new symbol for your state.

^{(W.3.1 OPINION WRITING)}