Alaska Day Mini Lessons
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
In kindergarten, students are introduced to Alaska Day through the lens of community, celebration, and belonging. They learn that Alaska Day is an important holiday in Sitka because the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States happened here. Students begin to notice symbols, parades, and celebrations that connect people to history, while also reflecting on their own place in the community.
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
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
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
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.
LESSON HOW-TO-GUIDE
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