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The Great Seal and Bald Eagle: Symbols of American Identity

American Symbols and Patriotism

Day 157of 180
Week 32of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the symbolism in the Great Seal of the United States

2

Learn about the bald eagle as a national symbol

3

Explore how national symbols represent shared values

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 29:2

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

— Proverbs 29:2 (WEB)

Demonstrates how leadership and national values matter to God

📦 Materials Needed

  • Great Seal picture
  • Colored pencils
  • Worksheet
  • Bald eagle images
  • Scissors
  • Glue
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Show students the Great Seal and ask what they notice about its design and symbols

💭 Review Question: What makes something a symbol?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain the meaning behind the Great Seal's elements: the eagle, shield, olive branch, and arrows

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • The bald eagle represents strength and freedom
  • Thirteen stars and stripes represent the original colonies
  • Motto 'E Pluribus Unum' means 'Out of Many, One'
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you think the different symbols on the seal represent?
  • How does the bald eagle show American values?
3Activity: Create Your Own National Symbol (10 min)
worksheet

Students design a personal seal representing their own values and dreams

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a shield divided into four sections
  2. In each section, draw something important to you
  3. Choose a motto that represents your beliefs
  4. Color and decorate your seal
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-drawn template

Challenge: Include symbolic meanings for each design element

4Closing (5 min)

Share personal seals and discuss how symbols tell stories

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about the Great Seal?
  • Why are national symbols important?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for giving us the freedom to express our values and dreams. Help us use our freedoms to honor You.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 33:12

“Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.”

— Psalm 33:12 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Create a poster with the verse and national symbols

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

National symbols help children understand abstract concepts of national identity

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creative thinking
  • Discuss symbols as representations of shared values
  • Connect symbols to biblical principles of community
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find abstract symbolism challenging

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Thoughtful symbol selection and ability to explain their choices

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research other national symbols around the world
  • Create a 3D model of the Great Seal
  • Write a short story about the bald eagle

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 158 →Back to History & Social Studies