Tennessee has some really cool state symbols, and what better way to learn about them than coloring? These pages pair simple, kid-friendly illustrations with fun facts that even I did not know until I started researching them.

What is Included

This set includes coloring pages for four Tennessee state symbols:

• Northern Mockingbird (State Bird) - A detailed but kid-friendly illustration of our state bird perched on a branch, with space to color and a fun facts box. Did you know mockingbirds can learn up to 200 different songs? They are the ultimate playlist makers of the bird world.
• Iris (State Flower) - A beautiful iris in bloom, ready to be colored in purple (the most common wild color in Tennessee). The fun fact box explains that the iris was adopted as our state flower in 1933.
• Tulip Poplar (State Tree) - A branch with the distinctive tulip-shaped flowers and broad leaves. Kids learn that tulip poplars can grow over 100 feet tall and are one of the tallest hardwood trees in eastern North America.
• Raccoon (State Animal) - Everyone's favorite masked critter. The illustration shows a raccoon in a natural pose, and the fun facts explain why raccoons were chosen (they are found in every county in Tennessee).

How to Use These Pages

These work great as a standalone coloring activity, but they really shine when paired with a Tennessee state symbols lesson or unit study. Color the pages while reading about each symbol. Talk about why Tennessee chose these particular animals, plants, and trees. Look for the real things outside, because y'all, we live in East Tennessee and every single one of these symbols is right in our backyard.

• Spot mockingbirds at your bird feeder
• Find irises blooming in spring gardens
• Identify tulip poplars on your next hike (they are everywhere in the Smokies)
• Keep an eye out for raccoon tracks near creeks and streams

Tips for Coloring and Learning

• Read the fun facts aloud before your child starts coloring. Give them something to think about while they work.
• Use realistic colors. Talk about what colors the real bird, flower, or animal is. Pull up a photo on your phone for reference. This is observation practice disguised as art.
• Display the finished pages. Hang them on the fridge or create a "Tennessee" section on your homeschool wall. Kids take more pride in their work when it is displayed.
• Pair with a nature walk. After coloring the mockingbird page, go outside and listen for one. After the tulip poplar page, go on a tree-identification walk. Connecting the coloring to real-world observation makes the learning stick.
• Layer the learning. For older kids, have them add their own fun facts or write a sentence about each symbol on the back of the page.