5 Instructional Videos for Your American Symbols Unit

Blog post with video ideas for teaching American Symbols

American Symbols are a great Social Studies topic for cross-curricular integration! As we consider technology integration within our classrooms, we should think about videos. Not only are videos a way to present information without increasing our workload. But also, they will allow your students to practice important listening and comprehension skills. There are loads of videos out there! However, I have done some narrowing and am going to talk about 5 of the best instructional videos for teaching American Symbols!

1- GeoBeats Science (via YouTube)

GeoBeats Science Video for teaching American Landmarks and Symbols

Firstly, you can head to GeoBeats Science. GeoBeats Science has an informative (and FREE) YouTube channel. This quick, 2-minute video shows pictures and videos of America’s Greatest Landmarks! Some of the landmarks included are The National Mall, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and more! Lastly, the information is clear and concise, and students will leave the video with a better idea of the important landmarks around the United States.

Subsequently, you can include a video like this one in your American Symbols Unit. Students could choose an American Landmark that they think should be included in the video. Then, they will research and create their own video, defending why the landmark should be considered!

Link: America’s Greatest Landmarks

2- BrainPop Jr. US Symbols Video

BrainPop, Jr Video for teaching U.S. Symbols

So, we all know that I love BrainPOP, Jr! This U.S. Symbols video has all the elements of a thorough lesson addition. The video, like all BrainPOP videos, helps students connect to the topic and is easy to understand. These videos will prompt student interaction and thinking! Annie and Moby always highlight and explain important vocabulary, too.

Certainly, one of the best parts about BrainPOP videos is the additional features. Have your students complete the quiz, create a graphic organizer, play a game, draw or write about the topic at the end! I highly recommend adding BrainPOP to your usual lesson planning!

Link: U.S. Symbols with BrainPOP, Jr

GET AN AMERICAN SYMBOLS MATCHING ACTIVITY

Get an American Symbols matching activity.

For more, download this American Symbols matching activity. When you sign up, this activity will be sent directly to your email inbox.

Click HERE to download the activity.

3- Symbols of the United States (via Red Cat Reading on YouTube)

RedCat Reading on YouTube, video fro teaching American Symbols

Similarly, RedCat Reading has helpful videos for your younger kiddos. This video is more like an audiobook, that highlights the words as they read. Not only is this instructional, but will be easy for beginning readers to understand. The video covers U.S. Symbols and Landmarks with clear pictures. This video also explains key vocabulary and can be added to your virtual or hybrid instruction easily!

Link: U.S. Symbols with RedCat Reading

4- Reading A to Z Read Aloud (via YouTube)

Reading A to Z Read Aloud on American Symbols

Did you know that Reading A to Z has its own YouTube Channel? Many of their texts have been converted to audiobooks for students to read for FREE! This Level G video is all about American Symbols.

Similar to the previous video, this audiobook will highlight the words as it is read. Which, is great for your student readers! The book describes what symbols are and which symbols represent the United States. Likewise, it is read at a slow, clear pace, and could be used for small group, independent reading time, or even at home reading!

Link: Reading A to Z- American Symbols (Level G)

5- Use eBooks as an Instructional Video Alternative

EBooks about American Symbols with GetEPIC

Finally, if you are looking for books to include in your digital or virtual instruction, consider using GetEPIC! They have a variety of E-books that can be easily accessed by your students from wherever they may be! For this link, I went ahead and sorted the shelves to include any books about American Symbols. So, your students can read more about each symbol individually.

Use this resource to assign specific symbols to your kiddos. They could create and present reports on their symbols, helping the rest of your class learn about each!

Link: GetEPIC American Symbols E-Books

Add Some No-Prep Reading Materials Into Your Unit

Additionally, if you’re looking for more traditional American Symbols resources, I have a no-prep product for you! This American Symbols unit comes in both printable and digital formats. There are Graphic Organizers, Reading Passages, Fold and Snip Books, Writing Pages, and more. This resource covers American Symbols both collectively and individually. Both formats are ready-to-go. Simply print or share the link!

Click the links below to buy!

Want a FREEBIE?

I have a matching game that is perfect for review time! This game provides the name of the American Symbol, a real photograph, and a graphic representation of the symbol. Students will match all three. This review activity has 10 different symbols.

  • Click HERE to download that freebie!

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