Shelley MasonFebruary 8, 2016

American Celebrations - Presidents' Day

TEKS: TEKS.b.1.A, TEKS.b.18.A, TEKS.b.18.B, TEKS.b.18.C, TEKS.b.19.A, TEKS.b.19.B

Words to Know this Week: celebration, harvest, Wampanoag, national, Great Britain, patriot, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Veterans Day, custom, Presidents' Day.

Objectives: The student will be able gain knowledge and understanding on American celebrations and traditions. The student will also learn about the upcoming Presidents' Day and accomplish activities centered around this holiday.

Procedure:1. The teacher will begin this lesson on American Celebrations, by passing out the Texas Studies Weekly newsletter, and exploring the front page with the students. The teacher will ask students of any American celebrations they can think of.

2. We will walk through the magazine briefly discussing important aspects of the words to know this week section, explain how our country was created by fighting for independence from Great Britain.

3. The teacher will ask the students if they know a soldier who has or is currently fighting for our country.

4. The teacher will ask questions about the pictures seen in the magazine.

5. Students will view a video on Presidents' Day. https://youtu.be/B_8yQ2plaAE

Activities/ Assessment: 1. Students will fill in the activities located on the back of their handout which includes a fact and opinion section, and a drawing section.

2. The students will get a flag handout and will be required to write a few sentences describing "what freedom means to me." (History and Writing)

3. The students will view a short video over Presidents, Independence, and the liberty bell. The students will be given a liberty bell handout and will be required to draw what freedom means to them by using symbols of their freedom in America. (Art)