Virginia SOL K.2.l

Social StudiesKindergarten

The Standard

Independence Day

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify the Fourth of July as a national holiday that celebrates the United States becoming an independent country. They recognize common traditions and symbols, such as flags, parades, and fireworks.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name the holiday, point to July 4 on a calendar, and explain why people celebrate it. The student can identify at least two related traditions or symbols.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think the holiday celebrates fireworks, the flag, or the president’s birthday. They may also confuse it with Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
How to Assess It: Show pictures of a flag, fireworks, a birthday cake, and a turkey. Ask students to circle two linked to the Fourth of July and explain one choice.

Lesson moves

Give students picture cards of flags, fireworks, parades, pumpkins, and hearts, then have them sort cards by whether they fit the holiday.
Ask, “Why do people celebrate the United States’ birthday?” and record student answers on chart paper.
Play a picture bingo game using flags, fireworks, parades, July calendars, and other familiar holiday images.
Find July 4 on a classroom calendar, then have students draw one way families or communities may celebrate that day.

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