Megan+Lum

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A Lesson Plan for Kindergarten Social Studies


Click HERE for a kindergarten lesson plan that teaches the symbolism of the United States flag.

**My Thoughts ** At the completion of this lesson plan, young students will understand the symbolism of the American flag. To start off the lesson, students will create a collage of the flag. The teacher will then lead a discussion about what the stars and stripes represent. The fifty stars each symbolize a state and the red and white stripes represent the thirteen original colonies. Students will also go over the shape of a star and together as a class, cut out fifty stars. The classroom will watch a video and read a book about the flag. This lesson plan suggests the text - //Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the American Flag// by John Herman. To complete this lesson, all students will work together to create a large flag that can be displayed either in the classroom or in the halls throughout the school. I recommend hand-painting to create this large flag, because students will have fun getting their hands messy in the paint. Because the students are so young, it is hard to evaluate what they've done. The lesson plan suggests the teacher observe the children while they are making their flag. 

Josephine's Response This lesson seems very interactive and easy to follow. I would recommend that the teacher do an extension exercise were the class is separated in to groups.Each group research the meaning of the flag or meaning of part of the flag (colors, stripes, stars). The class could then come together and make a list of what they found. That would make the activities more academic but the students are more likely to remember the meaning behind the flag. It would also give the students practice in research and the teacher can review all the important facts to make sure everything is covered.  Sarah's Response I also think that this lesson plan seems appropriate for the ages that it is being taught to. I think that it would be a good idea to have a follow up lesson or an extension exercise to further their thinking. At the same time though, if you think about the age of the students this lesson is being taught to it might be too much for them to break off into groups and talk about it or research it. I like the idea of each of the students writing their name on a star, it makes it more engaging for the whole class and kind of ties it all together.  Jamie's Response I think this American Flag lesson plan is great for second graders because this lesson is both intellectual and hands on, so all students can have fun participating and learning about the significance of the American flag. This project is extremely beneficial because the United States flag is a symbol of American history. I would recommend that this lesson be divided into sections. I would first give simple facts and dates about the American Flag. Secondly, I would explain the stripes and how they represent the thirteen colonies and then explain the fifty stars and their significance. Instead of having the students first design a collage of the flag, I would have that be the ending project. I like that the students are working in groups to make one big collage-that’s a great idea. Also, I think it’s important that the students watch and read books while learning about the American flag. Overall, this lesson is very engaging, interactive, and provides differentiated learning for all students.  Rachel's Response This lesson is very appropriate for younger age children. I agree with Josephine that there should be an extension exercise to ensure that the students truly understand the details of the American flag. To make the lesson more interactive the teacher could also suggest for students to write their names on the stars so they could each represent one of the 50 states. It would help the students to recognize the meaning behind the stars. I love the idea of a collage to start off the lesson. It seems like a perfect way to get the students engaged and ready for the lesson.

Home PLN 8 Main Page Megan Lum Josephine Pacheco Sarah Randall Jamie Palmer Rachel Beck