Virginia SOL 1.3.d

Social Studies1st Grade

The Standard

explaining why people use symbols and have traditions

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify familiar symbols and traditions. They explain that symbols stand for ideas or groups, while traditions are repeated actions that help people remember, celebrate, or feel connected.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a picture or example, students can tell whether it is a symbol or a tradition. They can explain its purpose using a complete sentence and a specific reason.
Common Misconceptions: Students may call any picture a symbol, even when it does not represent something else. They may think a tradition is a rule that everyone must follow. They may also assume every family or group has the same traditions.
How to Assess It: Show a flag and a photo of a child blowing out birthday candles. Ask students to identify the symbol and tradition, then explain why people use each one.

Lesson moves

Give pairs picture cards to sort under “stands for something” or “done again over time,” then have them explain one choice.
Ask students to draw a tradition from home or school and complete, “People do this because...”
Play a matching game where students pair symbols with meanings and traditions with reasons, such as remembering, celebrating, or belonging.
Make a class chart of family and school traditions, then record what each practice helps people remember or celebrate.

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