EDRG 3520
Language Arts Group

3rd Grade Center for THE ARTS

Theme: American Patriotism

(4 activities provided)

1. Creating Personal Flags.

Have a large American flag hanging at this center. Have written to the side what each part of the flag stands for. For example: The stars stand for the 50 states, the stripes stand for the original 13 colonies, etc.

Students will construct their own personal flag. It will represent their beliefs, their abilities, talents, etc.

Provide many different kinds of materials: colored paper, glue, fabric, scissors, paint, crayons, etc.

2. The American Flag

Before letting students use this center, teach them how to fold the American flag and the meaning of it. Give each student a speaking part. Let them practice their part and help them to develop expressive use of the voice. Record their voices onto an audio tape.

How to fold the Flag

Step 1

To properly fold the Flag, begin by holding it waist-high with another person so that its surface is parallel to the ground.

Step 2

Fold the lower half of the stripe section lengthwise over the field of stars, holding the bottom and top edges securely.

Step 3

Fold the flag again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.

Step 4

Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open (top) edge of the flag.

Step 5

Turn the outer (end) point inward, parallel to the open edge, to form a second triangle.

Step 6

The triangular folding is continued until the entire length of the flag is folded in this manner.

Step 7

When the flag is completely folded, only a triangular blue field of stars should be visible.

The script is as follows:

1. The first fold of your flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks and who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

 
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother for whom it flies on mother’s day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
11. The eleventh fold in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of Kind David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of Christian citizens, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

For the center:

Provide many American flags, the directions to folding the flag, and the tape recording of the script. Students will practice folding the flag as they listen to their own voices on tape.

3. Listening, Feeling, and Writing.

Provide an area where students can listen to different patriotic songs by using head phones. As they listen, have the students write what they are feeling. Their writing could be in the form of a poem, short story, essay, or simply their feelings. Send their writings to the American soldiers who are fighting in Iraq.

4. Dramatizing Literature.

Provide an area where students can read short stories about famous past Americans. Have costumes for the students to dress up in and act out the stories. They can even make up their own charact.