How to Teach Kids About the History of the American Flag

Since the Pledge of Allegiance is no longer allowed in schools, your kids may not be learning about the history of the flag as they once did. Take an opportunity on the Fourth of July to teach your kids a bit of American history.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Parchment Papers
• American Flags
• Glue Or Glue Sticks
• White Star Stickers
• red, white and blue kraft papers

1. Buy a children's picture book about the American Revolution, or a songbook that includes "The Star-Spangled Banner." This book can serve as a learning tool or a jumping-off point for your discussion about the history of the flag.

2. Explain the facts behind the American Revolution. Include details about the establishment of the 13 colonies, the colonies' quest for independence from England, and the ride of Paul Revere; consider holding a mock Boston Tea Party just for fun.

3. Make your own Declaration of Independence on a piece of parchment paper. Explain that the colonies' break with England meant that the new United States was no longer allowed to fly the flag of England, and the Americans had to make a new flag for the new nation.

4. Tell the kids how the Continental Congress established an act providing for a flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The first flag had 13 white stars on a field of blue (to represent the 13 original colonies) and 13 stripes - seven red and six white.

5. Relate the old story about Betsy Ross' involvement in the sewing of the first flag, but let them know this is likely only a legend. Written records show that Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore, Maryland, was contracted to sew the first flag for Major George Armistead, to be hung at Ft. McHenry, Maryland.

6. Describe the account of the British bombardment of Ft. McHenry during the 1813 Battle of Baltimore, and mention Francis Scott Key's writing of the poem, "O Say Can You See?" Explain how the flag's nickname, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was taken from this poem.

7. Remember that in 1818, the Congress established an act to add a new star to the flag on the first Fourth of July after each new state was admitted to the Union.

8. Show kids what the flag looks like today, with 50 white stars arranged linearly on a field of blue, and 13 stripes that alternate between red and white.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up a flag in your house or yard so the kids can get a firsthand look.
• Help smaller kids understand by making a construction paper American flag. Explain the history of the symbol while they're creating it with their own hands.
• Visit the Star-Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., on your next vacation.
• Make sure you know the facts before trying to teach them to your children. If you're uncertain about the events, check a book out of the local library or read up on the topic on the Internet.

[sarahlynnknows]

on 12/5/2008 Great suggestions to teach patriotism and pride in the flag! Another idea that would go well with step 6 is to teach children to sing the national anthem. There are some great children's books out there about the flag and the national anthem.

Good news: in the school districts that I have taught in, which include Utah and CA, the students recite the pledge of allegiance every morning and sing the national anthem as a school!

[kylesadler]

on 6/27/2008 I think this is a great idea and plan on doing it with my children. I believe that families have slacked in this area...country pride. However, I do not agree with the statement that students cannot state the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. All the schools in my state start the day with the Pledge and a moment of silence.