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America’s Special Days

A study of the holidays in the United States

Grade Levels:: Primary
Length:: 15 minutes
Taping Rights:: School year
MARC Record:: Downloadable
Teaching Materials:: See Below
Program Schedule:: See Below

America’s Special Days helps students understand and appreciate why we celebrate certain days as “holidays.” The series uses an interdisciplinary approach that combines language arts, reading, science, math, and the fine arts around a social studies framework. The interdisciplinary content is included at appropriate, naturally occurring points in the programs; not all disciplines are included in every program.

Program of Studies:
Social Studies: Government and Civics, Cultures and Society, Historical Perspectives

Episodes in this Series

101. New Year's Day(s): The celebration of the new year is investigated as we follow Earth around the sun, explain the calendar, and experience several New Year activities, including the making of New Year's resolutions. 15 minutes.
102. Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Black History Month: Fairness and equal rights and the goals of Dr. King are depicted in visits to important historical sites in Memphis; Atlanta; and Washington, DC. 15 minutes.
103. Presidents' Day: A tour of historical monuments honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC; Mount Vernon, VA; and Springfield and New Salem, IL. 14 minutes.
104. Women's History Month: Reenactments of events in the lives of famous women celebrate their contributions to American society. Florence Nightingale and Amelia Earhart visit classrooms and talk with children. 15 minutes.
105. Arbor Day/Earth Day: Explorations of the origins of Arbor Day and the Australian rainforest shed light on environmental conservation and the roles of trees in the survival of ecosystems. 15 minutes.
106. Memorial Day/Veterans Day: Visits to several memorials honoring America's veterans, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, explore how the nation shows its respect for the men and women who serve or have served in its defense. 15 minutes.
107. Flag Day/Citizenship Day: Respect for the flag and flag etiquette are demonstrated as we visit the birthplace of Flag Day (Wisconsin), a flag factory, and America's largest Flag Day celebration. 15 minutes.
108. Independence Day(s): This holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
109. Native American Day: Celebrates the contributions of Native Americans to America's development, including their influence on food and the workings of government. Successful Native Americans share their feelings about living in two cultures. 15 minutes.
110. Thanksgiving Day: Past and present celebrations from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic settings illuminate the true meaning of Thanksgiving. 15 minutes.

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Teaching Materials

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE: http://www.ket.org/education/guides/amerspecdays1-10.pdf
PDF format
KET Online

Kentucky Academic Expectations

This program relates to the following Kentucky Academic Expectations.

2.14	Democratic Principles
2.16	Social Systems
2.20	Historical Perspective

Kentucky schools may tape and retain programs according to the rights listed above. For further information, contact the KET Education Division.

U.S. Geography: From Sea to Shining Sea

America’s Veterans

Education | P-12 On-Air | ITV Videos Home

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 09-Feb-2010 03:12:50 EST