Discuss the U.S. Flag!

There have been attempts to pass laws that would make it illegal to publicly burn or destroy the United States flag. Explain whether or not you agree with this movement and why.

There are many rules governing the proper use and display of the United States flag. For instance, you cannot fly the flag at night or in bad weather, hang it upside-down, let it touch the ground, wear it as clothing, or use it in advertising. Do you think flag rules are necessary? Explain why or why not.

Imagine that you are an American colonist during the Revolutionary War. General George Washington has just asked you to design a flag for the new country. Draw a picture of your American flag and write a persuasive paragraph explaining why your flag is a good symbol for the new nation.

ONLINE RESOURCES for other Flag Activities!
(Click on the links below)

US Patriotic Activities!

More Information about the US Flag!

Flag Facts!

Lesson Plans for the Flag!

Astronaut Activities!

Statue of Liberty Downloadables

Go here to get your FREE COPY of The Flag We Love!

Comprehension Activities for THE FLAG WE LOVE!
1. Who made the first stars and stripes? (According to the legend, Betsy Ross did, but no one knows for sure.)
2. How did James B. Upham encourage the collection of money to buy flags for schools in the late 1800s? (He asked the children to save their  pennies.)
3. Why was the Pledge of Allegiance written? (The pledge was written to honor the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America.)
4. During which war did Francis Scott Key write the poem that would become the Star-Spangled Banner? (He wrote the poem during the British bombing of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812?
5. What places of exploration have been marked with the American flag? (The North and South poles and the moon have been marked with the flag.)
6. What do the colors on the flag represent? (White stands for innocence and purity; blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice; red symbolized hardiness and courage.)
7. Why are there six American flags on the moon? (There is one flag for each Apollo mission.)
8. What are some of the different places the flag is flown? (The flag is flown at ports of entry, schools, public events, exploration destinations, national and state parks, public buildings, monuments and sport arenas.)
9. Why do you think many of the paintings have a brownish color over them? (It gives paintings an old look; it reminds the reader of old black-and-white etchings or photographs.)
10. Do you think the author is trying to write persuasively? If so, what is she trying to persuade you to think or feel? (The author wants her readers to appreciate the many meanings of the flag and to honor and respect it for those meanings.)

FLAGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
Brainstorm with students for a list of interesting questions about flags from around the world. Questions might include the following:

• How many flags use the color red? Blue? White? Green?
• What is the most popular color?
• What percentage of flags feature astronomical symbols such as the sun, moon, stars?
• How many square flags are there?
• How many flags use three colors or more?
• Which flag uses the most colors?
• Which flag uses the most symbols?
  Divide the class into small groups and assign one question to each group. Have them research the questions on the Web or in books, and then report their findings to the class.

MEMORIAL DAY LINKS!
(click on the links below)

Fun facts, activities, suggestions for films!

Cool online scavenger hunt for info. on Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Puzzles!

Downloadables for teachers!

More activities and info!

Celebrate other American holidays!

• Imagine that your school needs a poster to advertise a Fourth of July bake sale. Create a poster and sales pitch that will encourage customers to buy food.
• What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean? Rewrite each part of the pledge in your own words. People argue about whether or not saying the pledge in the classroom should be mandatory. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper arguing for or against a mandatory pledge.
• What does "The Star-Spangled Banner" mean? Rewrite each line of the song in your own words.
• Some people want to change the national anthem from "The Star-Spangled Banner" to a different song like Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land." They claim that "This Land is Your Land" is easier to sing, more popular, less violent, and more inclusive. What song do you think should be the national anthem? Write a speech to convince your classmates.