The Star-Spangled Banner

Lesson Overview:
Teach your students about the The American Flag, including its history, what the symbols represent, and the proper way to display it. Discuss how The American Flag has played a part in recent events. Then choose one or more of the The American Flag activities for wearing, sharing, or displaying.

Related National Standards from McREL:

• Knows the history of American symbols (e.g., the eagle, the Liberty Bell, George Washington as the “father of our country,” the national flag)
• Understands how people in the local community have displayed courage in helping the common good (e.g., volunteering in unique situations including earthquakes, floods, and fires)

Materials:

• An The American Flag
• See Individual Activity Ideas

• The American Flag
  

  History

• The first official national flag was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
• It is widely believed, but not confirmed, that Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag.
• The flag had 13 stars and 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies.
• The flag is nicknamed “Old Glory“. More information
• On August 3, 1949 President Truman officially declared June 14th Flag Day.
• After many design changes the flag currently has 50 stars. The last star was added when Hawaii became a state on July 4, 1960.

Other Links
http://www.usflag.org/toc.html

Its Symbols

The stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The 50 stars represent the number of states.

The colors of the flag have meaning as well:

• Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor.
• White symbolizes Purity and Innocence.
• Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

Proper Display

• The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. If the flag is displayed at night it should be illuminated.
• Never allow the flag to touch the ground or the floor.
• When displayed on a wall or window the blue field should be in the upper left corner.
• The flag should be raised quickly and lowered ceremoniously.
• The flag is often flown at half-staff to show respect for someone who has died. When flown at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the top for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should also be raised to the top before it is lowered at the end of the day.

For more information visit: A Capitol Fourth: Flag History

American Flag Activities and Crafts

1. Unity Bracelet – Combining letter beads and floss, a unity bracelet can be made to wear or to share.
2. Make your own flag – The Teletubbies Web site offers ideas for each child to design, make, and display a flag that represents himself/herself.
   3. Unity Pins – Create a patriotic pin with craft wood
3. 4.American Flag Key Tag – Make an American flag with pony beads and string.
   Many Patriotic Crafts – Directions for patriotic pinwheels, wall hangings, windsocks, craft stick flags, and more.
   Other Ideas

1. Cards to kids in distress – In 2001 UNICEF accepted mail, drawings, and messages to deliver to schoolchildren in distress through the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program. UNICEF continues to contribute to various causes through the Trick-or-Treat program.
2. Share a Pin – Make pins to give to local firefighters or police officers. Make two each – one to wear and one to share. (Idea contributed to ZOOM Responds)
3. Quilting – Children contributed to a project called Children Covering America. Kids and schools from across the country planned to build pieces of a national quilt to commemorate the victims of the Sept. 11th national tragedy.
4. Teach kids the Pledge of Allegiance through pictures.

Assessment:
Student understanding should be assessed through contribution to class discussion and activities.    

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and Charlie Cates