Proudly It Waves

This resource from ODE is really a series of lessons involving the identification of the American flag as a symbol of the United States. The children begin their study of the flag by going on a pre-planned neighborhood walk (by many US flags) where they can spend time spotting and discussing the US flag. The teacher also facilitates a variety of activities where children explore and experience the colors, shapes, and movement of the flag. After the children have had multiple interactions with the flag, they write together a class book or chart about the US flag. The lesson pages offer alternative and extension activities, a vocabulary list, ideas for assessment, and more. (author/nmb)

This lesson provides an opportunity for children to see the American flag and associate it with the American government over a period of several short sessions. The lesson also touches on flags of other countries, too, as well as the shapes, colors, and patterns on the American flag. It is most appropriate for an inclusive classroom in which children are talking about and noticing the flag in the room or when out and about the area. The differentiated instruction section outlines ideas for a variety of situations, as does the extensions section.

It may be that some children could address items from their IEP’s during this lesson by moving to the music, exploring the environment outside of the classroom, identifying letters of their name, naming shapes and colors, counting, staying with the group on a walk, using scissors to practice cutting paper, and so on.

If you want more ideas for your inclusive classroom, you may find what you are looking for on the Planning Options pages of the REC. (author/nmb)