Hey there, little learners! Did you know that Tennessee has its very own set of special symbols? Every state in the United States picks certain animals, plants, and objects to represent what makes it unique. And let me tell you, our Tennessee symbols are some of the coolest around.

Our State Bird: The Mockingbird

The mockingbird became our official state bird in 1933. If you have ever heard a bird outside your window singing a whole concert of different songs, that was probably a mockingbird! These clever little birds can copy the sounds of other birds, frogs, and even car alarms. Next time you are outside, listen carefully. Can you hear one switching between songs? Try counting how many different sounds it makes.

Activity: Go outside for 10 minutes and sit quietly. Draw every bird you see. Can you spot a mockingbird? They are medium-sized, gray and white, and they love to sit on high perches and sing their hearts out.

Our State Flower: The Iris

The iris is a beautiful purple flower that blooms in the spring. Tennessee adopted it as our state flower in 1933 (the same year as the mockingbird!). You can find irises growing in gardens all over Maryville. They have tall, straight stems with big, soft petals that look almost like butterfly wings.

Activity: Draw and color an iris. Use purple, blue, and yellow crayons. If it is spring, take a walk around your neighborhood and see if you can spot real irises growing in someone is garden.

Our State Tree: The Tulip Poplar

The tulip poplar is one of the tallest trees in eastern North America, and it is our state tree since 1947. It gets its name from its flowers, which look like little tulips growing right on the branches. In the fall, its leaves turn a gorgeous golden yellow. You can find tulip poplars all through the Smoky Mountains and right here in Maryville.

Activity: Find a tulip poplar leaf. It has a very unique shape, almost like a cat face with two ears on top. Press it between two sheets of wax paper to preserve it.

Our State Animal: The Raccoon

Tennessee is called the Volunteer State, but our state wild animal might be the most recognizable critter around - the raccoon! With their black mask markings and ringed tails, raccoons are clever, curious, and sometimes a little mischievous. They became our state animal in 1971. You have probably seen raccoons in your own backyard. Remember, we look at them from a distance. They are wild animals, not pets!

More Fun Symbols

Tennessee has tons of other symbols too: - State insect: The firefly (lightning bug). You know those magical summer nights catching them in jars? - State rock: Limestone, which is found all over our state. - State gem: Tennessee river pearls, found in our freshwater rivers. - State fruit: The tomato. Yes, it is officially a fruit here!

Coloring Page Ideas

Grab your crayons and try these: 1. Draw a mockingbird sitting on a branch, singing with musical notes around it 2. Color a big iris with purple petals and green stems 3. Draw a raccoon with its black mask, holding a Tennessee flag 4. Create a Tennessee collage with all the state symbols together

Wrap Up

Our state symbols tell the story of what makes Tennessee special, from our singing mockingbirds to our glowing fireflies on summer nights. These symbols connect us to the land, the wildlife, and the history of our beautiful state. Next time you see a raccoon waddling through your yard or hear a mockingbird singing, you will know - that is Tennessee saying hello!