Photograph of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressing the crowd during the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in Washington, D.C.

In the second grade, the student will examine the lives of notable Americans who expanded peoples’ rights and freedoms in the American system of government. Students participate in shared and individual research using biographies and informational text historic examples of honesty, courage, patriotism, self-sacrifice, and other admirable character traits seen in citizens and leaders including Abigail Adams, Francis Scott Key, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Chief Joseph, Eleanor Roosevelt, Fred Korematsu, Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, César Chávez, and Senator Daniel Inouye. Students analyze the significance of historic places including the White House, the United States Capitol, the United States Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, and The Lincoln Memorial. Students commemorate months designated to the contributions the American nation of significant groups to the history of including National Hispanic History Month, Native American Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Students understand chronological sequencing and the connection between historic events and individuals through the creation of basic timelines.

The main purpose of government, its rules, and laws including the concept of consequences for one’s actions when a law or rule is violated. Patriotic traditions including the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of My Country ‘Tis of Thee, and demonstration of appropriate flag etiquette and proper behavior during the playing of the national anthem. Important American symbols and their meanings including United States Flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and the Liberty Bell. Historic figures display character traits of fairness, respect for others, stewardship of natural resources, courage, equality, hard work, self-discipline, and commitment to the common good. Relationships between people and events of the past which are commemorated on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Birthday, Flag Day, and Independence Day.

Students summarize the five key individual rights and liberties protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Students identify the basic roles of national leaders including the President of the United States and the members of the United States Congress. Students identify important American symbols and explain their meanings including United States Flag, the Bald Eagle, the Statue of Liberty, Lady Justice, and the Liberty Bell. Students participate in patriotic traditions including the recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance and singing of The Star Spangled Banner, and demonstrate proper flag etiquette and appropriate behavior during both. Students describe relationships between people and events of the past which are commemorated on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Birthday, Flag Day, and Independence Day.