Things You'll Need:
- Flag themed books
- Patriotic music and song lyrics
- Flag fact handouts
- Red or blue Jello
- Blueberries and strawberries
- Star cookie cutter
-
Step 1
Read your class a book such as "Red, White and Blue: The Story of the American Flag" by John Herman, which is a simple history of the flag. You can also try "The Flag We Love" by Pam Ryan, which includes both a flag poem and interesting facts about the flag. Older children can take turns reading from the book if in a small group setting.
-
Step 2
Prepare a handout with basic facts about the American flag. Include interesting facts, such as the meaning of the stars and colors of the flag and the dates and historical figures involved in its creation.
-
Step 3
Prepare a flag themed craft for students to complete. Young children can be provided with coloring sheets, which can be found on the Preschool Coloring Book website (see Resources below). Older children can use colored construction paper to make their own flag.
-
Step 4
Eat a flag inspired snack. A simple one to make is red or blue Jello cut out into star shapes with a cookie cutter. Serve with blueberries or strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream to create a red, white and blue snack. If eating at home, kids can help cut out the stars or make cookies and cut out stars in the dough. Just put some red and blue sprinkles on top and you have a very festive and patriotic desert.
-
Step 5
Play patriotic music in the background during the lesson. CDs such as "Wee Sing America" and "Sing America" include many simple songs perfect for children. Print out the lyrics for several songs such as "Star Spangled Banner," and "You're a Grand Old Flag" and help your class learn the words. It's also a good time to reflect on the meaning behind the words of our favorite patriotic songs that we sing on such days as Memorial Day.
