Divide the Pledge of Allegiance into four sections and assign each section to a group. Every member in group one will be working on the same section of the pledge. In each group the students will receive the same phrase from the pledge. For example, each member in group one would have the phrase, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America." Use the same procedure for groups two, three and four. For homework each student will take home the phrase from the pledge and interview two adults about the meaning of the phrase.
Each member of the group will have the opportunity to share information from the interviews. The students will need additional resources, such as books, websites or articles, about the pledge and time to conduct research. The members of the group will share their information from the interviews and research then collaborate about the meaning of the phrase. One member from each group reports to the class about the research and collaboration.
Each group will rewrite the phrase in everyday language. Then they will make a two column poster with the original words from the pledge on the left and the new language on the right. An illustration on the bottom half that expresses the meaning of the phrase completes the poster. This activity provides an excellent resource for visual learners and an opportunity for artistic students to express their creativity. Each group can also create a page for a class book about the Pledge of Allegiance.
For a concluding activity, each group learns to sign their phrase in American Sign Language (ASL). Interpreting the phrase with ASL adds another layer of meaning to the Pledge of Allegiance and provides a kinesthetic learning opportunity for tactile learners. Record each group as they sign their phrase. Add interviews of students explaining how their understanding of the Pledge of Allegiance has evolved. Edit the footage to create a class movie. The final product is an impressive project that parents and administrators will enjoy.