Raise Your Flag

Social Studies Activity

WHAT YOU NEED

• Reference books with pictures of flags, preferably in color
• Miscellaneous art materials, including scissors, scraps of paper and/or cloth, paints, and glue
• Construction paper

WHAT TO DO

1. Displaying at least one real flag, discuss with students what the various colors, stripes, and shapes on it stand for. The flag can be representative of a country, state, local municipality, or organization. Lead the discussion toward why flags are considered important.

2. Ask students to use reference materials to develop a glossary of symbols. Remind students that the colors used in flags are often symbolic.

3. After students have completed their research, have them design and make their own personal flags. Suggest that as they make their preliminary sketches, they consider what kind of flag would best represent the kind of person they are or want to be. Point out that they are not limited to the symbols they included in their glossaries. They can also create their own logos or emblems, use their initials, make silhouettes of themselves, and employ their favorite colors.

4. Set aside time for a flag day celebration for students to display and explain their personal flags to invited guests.

TEACHING OPTIONS

Students who enjoy needlework could use cloth instead of paper, utilizing an applique method, that is, making the individual parts and sewing them onto a larger piece.