National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Students will be able to identify symbols and colors of the American flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem.

Details
The Lesson
Resources
Creative Tools

The American Flag – Adopted December 3, 1775

Grade Level: Pre-kindergarten – Kindergarten
Time requirement: 1 class period (45 minutes)

Ohio’s Learning Standards: Heritage – Symbols and practices of the Untied States include the flag, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 – With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-lITERACY.RL.K.2 – With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 – With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

Objective: Students will be able to identify symbols and colors of the American flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem.

Research Statement: The American flag is symbolic to the freedom, justice, liberty and independence of our country. As American citizens it is important to understand and be able to identify the meaning of the colors and shapes of the flag.

Introduction

The American flag is one of the nation’s most recognized symbols. A symbol is something used for or regarded as representing something else, an emblem, token or sign. The American flag represents our shared experiences as citizens of the United States of America.

SUPPORTING IDEA I

The American flag was adopted on December 3, 1775 as the Grand Union flag. Betsy Ross (b. 1752-d. 1836), an upholsterer, has been credited with making the first American flag. On June 14, 1777, the 13-star version was adopted; on July 4, 1960, the 50 stars version was adopted.

SUPPORTING IDEA II

The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies.

SUPPORTING IDEA III

The colors of the American flag are red, white and blue. Red represents hardiness and valor. White represents purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

Procedure

Have students identify the American Flag in the classroom.
Teacher will read “Why Are There Stripes on the American Flag?” by Martha E.H. Rustad. Following the reading, ask students about the history of the flag and the symbolism of the flag.
Have students view video of signing of the National Anthem.
At the conclusion of the lesson, ask students to identify the stars, stripes and colors of the American Flag.

Conclusion

The American flag is a symbol that is very important to citizens of the United States. It represents the values and ideals of American culture.

Assessment

At the conclusion of the lesson, ask students to identify the stars, stripes and colors of the American flag.

“The History of the American Flag” by PBS
Book: “Why Are There Stripes on the American Flag?” by Martha E.H. Rustad

Imagery

Title: “Ice Cold Pop” sign and American flag advertised on Route 66, Seligman, Arizona

Contributor Name: Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer

Created/Published: 2009 May 3

Format: Digital photographs–Color-2000-2010.

Title: The American flag-bearer at a large outdoor rode that’s a feature of the annual (in this case 75th anniversary) Jubilee Days festival in Laramie, Wyoming

Contributor Name: Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer

Created/Published: 2015 July 12

Format: Digital photographs – Color – 2010-2020