Oklahoma Social Studies 1.C.1.5

1.C.1.5 is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• 1.C.1.5.A

  Explain the purpose and meaning of The Pledge of Allegiance and the significance of the phrase “under God”.

• 1.C.1.5.B

  Explain the purpose and the meaning of the Salute to the Oklahoma Flag.

• 1.C.1.5.C

  Describe appropriate flag etiquette for both the national and state flags.

• 1.C.1.5.D

  Explain appropriate ways to show respect during the playing of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, by Francis Scott Key.

• 1.C.1.5.E

  Examine ways citizens can demonstrate patriotism, including military service, honoring veteran cemeteries, and celebrating Independence Day.

• 1.C.1.5.F

  Explain how we celebrate our nation and its history through patriotic songs (e.g., “My Country ‘tis of Thee”, “God Bless America”).

01

What Students Need to Do

Students explain that the national pledge expresses loyalty to the country, while Oklahoma's flag salute speaks of peace and unity. They explain that “under God” reflects a belief many Americans hold, not a belief everyone must share. They show respect for both flags and the national anthem, and describe ways people honor the country.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can explain the difference between the two pledges in their own words. They keep either flag off the ground and stand facing the flag, hand over heart, during Francis Scott Key's “The Star-Spangled Banner.” They can explain why people honor veterans' graves, celebrate Independence Day, or sing patriotic songs.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think the Oklahoma salute and the national pledge refer to the same flag. Some think “under God” means everyone must believe in God or say the pledge. Others think flag etiquette matters only during a pledge, or that it is fine to talk through the anthem.

04

How to Assess It

Show the U.S. and Oklahoma flags and ask, “What does Oklahoma's salute say about people, and what would you do if the national anthem started now?” Listen for peace and unity, standing, facing the flag, and a hand over the heart.

1. 01

   Give pairs paper U.S. and Oklahoma flags; have them practice carrying each upright, keeping it off the floor, and facing it during a ceremony.

2. 02

   Read both pledges, then ask, “What does ‘under God’ mean to some people, and what do Oklahoma's words about peace and unity mean?”

3. 03

   Play Francis Scott Key's “The Star-Spangled Banner”; students practice standing, facing the flag, and placing a hand over the heart.

4. 04

   Show photos of an Independence Day parade, a service member, and flags at a veterans cemetery; ask how each honors the country.

• K.C.1.4

  Identify the importance of United States of America symbols, such as the Statue of Liberty, which represent common ideals and unite people across the nation.

• 1.C.1.6

  Using biographies from early United States of America’s history, explain historical examples of patriotism and civic virtue as exemplified during the early Amer...