Lesson Plan Title : American Flag

Age Range: Kindergarten through Grade 3 (Early Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: The American flag is an iconic symbol in our country. All students recognize it when they see it, but do they know why it looks like it does? What do the stars and stripes stand for? This lesson teaches children the answers and lets them make a flag that represents who they are.

Objective: The student will be able to

*explain what the American flag looks like and what the stars and stripes stand mean.

*create their own personal flag and explain what the symbols on it mean.

Resources:

Small American flags

Variety of colored paper

Paint

Markers

Scissors

Activities:

Show students a picture of the American flag and talk about why there are thirteen stripes and fifty stars. Discuss why the colors red, white, and blue were chosen. Tell students that they are going to get to create a flag that represents them, just as our flag represents our nation. Have them name two or three things they want to put on their flag and then have them create it. Encourage them to use different types of paper or different colored markers.

When they are finished, have them explain their flag to the class. Display the flags in the room.

Wrap Up:

This activity could be used as a project students can do at home. They could work with their parents and siblings to create a flag that represents their family. This lesson is great for the kinesthetic learner.