Lesson Plan #: AELP-ARA0206
The Emotive Flag
An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan
Submitted by:
Margaret LaDue
Email:
mladue@paulsboro.k12.nj.us
School/University/Affiliation:
Paulsboro High School, Paulsboro, NJ
Date:
November 20, 2002
Grade Level:
Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subject(s):
-
Arts/Visual Arts
-
Social Studies/Current Events
-
Language Arts/Writing
Duration:
Four 40-minute sessions
Description:
Students will learn the symbolism of the colors of the American flag and then create their own flags using colors symbolic of 9/11.
Goals:
New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (Visual and Performing Arts)
:
-
1.1 - All students will acquire knowledge and skills that increase aesthetic awareness in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.
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1.2 - All students will refine perceptual, intellectual, physical, and technical skills through creating dance, music, theater, and/or visual arts.
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1.3 - All students will utilize arts elements and arts media to produce artistic products and performances.
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1.5 - All students will identify the various historical, social, and cultural influences and traditions which have generated artistic accomplishments throughout the ages and which continue to shape contemporary arts.
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1.6 - All students will develop design skills for planning the form and function of space, structures, objects, sound, and events.
Objective:
Students will commemorate 9/11 by identifying three feelings or emotions associated with the attack and assigning colors that symbolize those feelings to color a flag.
Materials:
-
American flag
-
handouts of the American flag (see
Internet
site below)
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pastels (or markers/crayons)
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glue sticks or rubber cement
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scissors
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fishing line or string
Vocabulary:
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Symbolism
- The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meaning or significance to objects, events, or relationships.
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Pastels
- Sticks of compressed pigment that blend easily.
Procedure:
Discuss how color can be used symbolically and the symbolism behind the colors used in the American flag: red for valor and heartiness; white for purity and innocence; blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Then each student colors in two flags: one with the traditional three colors of the American flag and the second using three symbolic colors. For instance, one color could symbolize the victims of 9/11, the second color could symbolize the student's feelings about the attacks of 9/11, and the third could symbolize hope for the future. Students will also write a paragraph explaining their three color choices. The paragraph will be turned in with the completed flags. Once completed, the two flags are glued together back to back and strung on nylon line.
Presentation/Installation:
[
Author's Note:
I hung 3-4 flags on each length of string across the ceiling of a school hallway. Multiple rows of flags were hung with all American flags facing one direction and all "emotive" flags facing the other. A description of the activity was hung at each end of the hallway to explain the objectives of the installation to the viewer. It creates a visually powerful display. Sample photos:
Photo 1
;
Photo 2
;
Photo 3
;
Photo 4
]
Assessment:
Evaluate explanations of colors chosen and their symbolism. Impact of totality of display.
Useful Internet Resources:
*
The Betsy Ross Homepage
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy
*
EQ.org - 9/11 Memorial
"Sites and articles with tips and tools on commemorating the tragedy; and especially resources for working with children."
http://www.eq.org/9-11_Memorial/
*
American Flag Coloring Book Page
http://www.familycrafts.about.com/library/blcolorbk.htm
*
9/11 Theme Page
http://www.trumbull.k12.oh.us/teachers/resources/themes/9-11.htm
*
New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/cccs/
Special Comments:
This lesson can be adapted to any holiday or event that promotes patriotism -- with a positive or negative connotation.