Skip Navigation

I Am American!

Summary

Students will learn about the importance of the flag and flag etiquette.


Materials

Websites

  • Enchanted Learning
    Patriotic crafts, art projects, and worksheets. (This is a paid subscription site. However, there are many ideas and activities you can get for free.)
  • Free Kids Crafts
    Paper chain flag instructions.

Literature

  • The Flag We Love, by Pam Munoz Ryan ISBN: o-88106-844-6
  • Red, White, Blue, and Uncle Who? The Stories Behind Some of America's Patriotic Symbols, by Teresa Bateman ISBN: 0823417840
  • Our American Flag, by Mary Firestone ISBN: 1404822186
  • This Land is Your Land, by Woody Guthrie ISBN: 0316042722
  • O' Say Can You See, by Sheila Keenan ISBN: 043942450X
  • This Land is My Land, by George Littlechild ISBN: 0892391847

Other Materials:

  • Red Construction Paper
  • White Construction Paper
  • Blue Construction Paper
  • 50 White Sticker Stars
  • Glue


Background for Teachers

Teachers to need have a background and basic understanding of our nations history. They should know and show respect for our national symbols.


Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Function positively as a member of a family, class, school, and community.

2. Use visual art, dance, drama, and music to communicate.


Instructional Procedures

Teacher Preparation:

Cut the colored construction paper into strips (according to the directions on the website for making the paper chain flag).

Day of Lesson:

Begin by reading the book The Flag We Love. After reading the story, talk with the students about the importance of the flag and flag etiquette. As a class, work on creating the paper chain flag that can be displayed on a bulletin board, or in the hall.


Strategies for Diverse Learners

While recognizing customs and events in our nations history, also include and talk about how different countries around the world might celebrate in a similar or different manner.


Extensions

Attachments

  1. Learn and sing state and U.S. patriotic songs.
  2. Learn and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
  3. Talk about the importance of respecting the flag (i.e.: stand for the flag, remove hats and placing your hand over your heart when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the Star Spangled Banner, and when the flag passes by).
  4. Talk about the different Presidents of the United States. When talking about Abraham Lincoln, you can create a log cabin using stick pretzels (representing his childhood and upbringing) with a penny in the window (heads side showing).
  5. Teach the children to draw a simple picture of a bald eagle (using the attached directions) after talking about patriotic symbols.


Created: 06/18/2010
Updated: 02/05/2018
22516
/>