National Symbols
📖 Learn
A symbol is something that stands for something else. The United States has many special symbols that represent our country. Let's learn about some important American symbols!
What is a Symbol?
A symbol is a picture, object, or sign that stands for something else. American symbols help us remember important ideas about our country, like freedom and bravery.
Important American Symbols
- The Bald Eagle: Our national bird - stands for strength and freedom
- The Statue of Liberty: A gift from France - stands for freedom and welcome
- The Liberty Bell: An old bell in Philadelphia - stands for freedom
- The White House: Where the President lives and works
- Uncle Sam: A character who represents the United States government
Why Symbols Are Important
National symbols help us:
- Remember our history
- Feel proud of our country
- Understand what America stands for
- Feel connected to other Americans
💡 Examples
Let's learn more about each American symbol.
Example 1: The Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
- It has brown feathers on its body and white feathers on its head
- It has a yellow beak and yellow feet
- The bald eagle stands for strength, courage, and freedom
- You can see the eagle on coins and on important documents
Example 2: The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a very tall statue in New York Harbor.
- It was a gift from France
- She holds a torch in one hand and a book in the other
- The torch lights the way to freedom
- For many years, it was the first thing people saw when coming to America by ship
Example 3: The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a famous old bell in Philadelphia.
- It rang when America declared independence from England
- It has a big crack in it
- It stands for freedom and liberty
- People can visit it in Philadelphia
Example 4: The White House
The White House is in Washington, D.C.
- It is where the President of the United States lives
- It is painted white, which is how it got its name
- The President works in an office called the Oval Office
- It stands for our government and leadership
Example 5: Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam is a character who represents America.
- He is shown as an older man with a white beard
- He wears red, white, and blue clothes
- He wears a tall hat with stars
- He is often shown pointing and saying "I Want You"
✏️ Practice
Answer these questions about American symbols.
Problem 1
What is a symbol?
Show Answer
A symbol is something that stands for something else.
Problem 2
What is the national bird of the United States?
Show Answer
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
Problem 3
What does the bald eagle stand for?
Show Answer
The bald eagle stands for strength, courage, and freedom.
Problem 4
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
Show Answer
The Statue of Liberty is in New York Harbor.
Problem 5
What country gave us the Statue of Liberty?
Show Answer
France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States.
Problem 6
What does the Statue of Liberty hold in her hand?
Show Answer
She holds a torch in one hand and a book in the other.
Problem 7
Where is the Liberty Bell?
Show Answer
The Liberty Bell is in Philadelphia.
Problem 8
Who lives in the White House?
Show Answer
The President of the United States lives in the White House.
Problem 9
What colors does Uncle Sam wear?
Show Answer
Uncle Sam wears red, white, and blue - the colors of the American flag.
Problem 10
What do American symbols help us remember?
Show Answer
American symbols help us remember our history and what our country stands for, like freedom and bravery.
✅ Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you learned.
Question 1
Name three American symbols you learned about.
Show Answer
Answers may include: The bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, the White House, Uncle Sam, the American flag.
Question 2
Why do countries have national symbols?
Show Answer
National symbols help people remember their history, feel proud of their country, and understand what their country stands for.
Question 3
Which American symbol is your favorite? Why?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Think about what each symbol means and why it is special to you.
Question 4
Where might you see American symbols in your community?
Show Answer
On coins and money, on stamps, at government buildings, at schools, in books, and during patriotic holidays.
🚀 Next Steps
- Look for American symbols on coins - can you find the bald eagle?
- Draw a picture of your favorite American symbol
- Ask a family member which American symbol is their favorite
- Return to American Symbols Unit to review