Lesson 1 – What is Alaska Day?

Students share what they already know about Alaska Day and look at symbols like the Alaska flag, Castle Hill, and the parade. They learn that Alaska Day is celebrated in Sitka because the transfer from Russia to the United States happened here.

Lesson 2 – Our Community Celebrates

Students explore how Sitka celebrates Alaska Day today, focusing on the parade. They identify groups like bands, dancers, Coast Guard, and schools, and learn that each group has a reason for being in the parade. Through sorting and role-play, they connect parade groups to history and community pride.

Lesson 3 – Symbols of Belonging

Students learn that symbols tell stories about people and places. They explore symbols connected to Alaska Day, such as flags, drums, canoes, and Castle Hill, and then create their own classroom symbols to show what makes their class a community

Lesson 1: What Is Alaska Day?

• Prepare lesson 1 slides

• Print out the All About Alaska Book

• Set up chart paper labeled “What We Know About Alaska Day.”

• Optional: Have crayons/paper ready for students to draw

Lesson 2: Our Community Celebrates

• Collect a short slideshow or photos of Sitka’s Alaska Day parade or use the Lesson 2 Slides.

• Print the "My Alaska Home" template

• Prepare coloring/drawing materials

Lesson 3: Symbols of Belonging

• Print or project examples of Alaska Day symbols (flag, canoe, drum, Castle Hill, Russian dancers). Or use Lesson 3 slides

• Print the Alaska Day Sorting Game (optional)

• Prepare construction paper shapes and blue paper OR print out the Alaska Flag template

• Gather art supplies: markers, crayons, glue, scissors.