Labor Day
On Labor Day, Americans celebrate the contributions that workers have made and continue to make in the United States of America. Each Labor Day, USCIS pays tribute to those workers, both native- and foreign-born, who have given their talents and time to make this country better.
Prospective citizens may see Labor Day in several places on the naturalization test. “Labor Day” is one answer to the civics test question, “Name two national U.S. holidays.” Labor Day is also one of the holidays that applicants may be required to read or write as part of the English test.
For Labor Day, we want to highlight some of the resources USCIS offers for learners and teachers that are related to this important day.
Learners
USCIS has educational materials to help you learn about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process. Here are several products that talk about Labor Day:
- Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship (2008 version of the civics test)
This web resource has online videos and activities on the 100 civics questions from the naturalization test. It highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the “Symbols and Holidays” theme for information on Labor Day. - 100 Civics Questions and Answers with MP3 Audio (2008 version of the civics test)
This is the official list of civics questions and answers on the naturalization test in MP3 audio format. - Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test (2008 version of the civics test)
This study booklet will help you prepare for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview. It contains the 100 civics questions on the naturalization test with background information and vocabulary from the English portions of the naturalization test. - Civics Practice Test (2008 version of the civics test)
Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government. - Writing Vocabulary Flash Cards
These easy-to-use flash cards contain vocabulary words to help you study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. - Reading Vocabulary Flash Cards
These easy-to-use flash cards contain vocabulary words to help you study for the English reading portion of the naturalization test.
Teachers
In addition to the products highlighted above, USCIS offers free online tools and materials for educators and volunteers. Some examples include:
- Lesson Plans and Activities
Visit this page to find lesson plans, student handouts, and answer keys on a variety of topics, including one on American Symbols and Celebrations (Beginning Level). - Famous Americans on the Civics Test
Downloadable 8.5" x 11" portraits and flash cards of 12 Americans highlighted on the civics test with teaching strategies for supplementing your lessons. - Adaptable Teaching Tools
Activity ideas to help students practice what they learn in class. - Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
This web resource, described above, also has a “Teachers” section with teacher guides. The guides provide strategies and handouts for each theme. For Labor Day, be sure to visit the teacher guide on “Symbols and Holidays”. - Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills: A Framework for Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum
This guide provides content and progress standards for the Pre-Interview, Interview and Test, and Post-Interview phases of the naturalization process. It assists program administrators and teachers in developing a citizenship curriculum and thematic lessons, choosing textbooks, and creating effective learning activities.
For more information about Labor Day, visit: dol.gov/general/laborday/history.