State flags tend to illustrate important references in a state's history, so teachers must go over the history of the state before children can fully understand the meaning behind their state flags. For example, the California state flag depicts a bear, a red star and the words "California Republic." Teachers would explain the history of conflict between Mexico and California, and the bear and red star symbolized the bear flag revolt in 1846. Once children learn about the state's history, the fourth graders will better comprehend the symbolism and meaning of their state flag.
Assign fun activities to learn about state flags. Fourth graders respond well to learning games and songs about their state history and flags. Field trips to local government offices, or even a watching the school's own flag raising in the morning, create experiential learning. History museums or reenactments from the state's history would also work well for fourth graders. Once students have a good overall understanding about their state's history and flags, teachers may show them educational videos or films.
A craft project is a tactile learning method that is ideal for fourth graders, who benefit from hands-on learning experiences. An introduction to their state flag could include a printed state flag coloring handout for students to fill in with the correct colors. Hand-making a state flag blanket or quilt is a craft for the entire class to work on. State symbol dioramas with state flags is another idea for smaller groups or individual students.
Teachers need to make state history live for fourth graders, who may see history as an abstract concept. Field trips and other hands-on activities bring the lessons to life. Making a video documentary as a class about a day in the life of early settlers of your particular area may help get students exited about history. Assign different roles for students. Some could work on the filming, while others could act in early settler roles. Everyone can help make props and costumes. Document how the state flag was designed, or depict the history of its symbols.