Flags are patriotic symbols. Everything from the symbols to the colors are purposefully chosen. Explain to students the white in the American flag represents purity and innocence. Blue was chosen to represent vigilance, perseverance and justice. Red represents valor and hardiness. Each star represents one of the 50 states. The stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Nothing appears on the flag without reason. Instruct students to design a flag representing their family or school. Choose colors to indicate an emotion or idea. Add symbols to represent important aspects of home or school. Each student should construct their flag from colored paper and explain the symbolism behind his design.
While the Pledge of Allegiance is still recited in many classrooms, some students don't comprehend the meaning of the words. Write each word on a separate card. Place the words in a pocket chart or stick them to an area of the wall with poster putty. Read through each line and ask the class to repeat the lines after you. Place a symbol or illustration next to each line to aid in comprehension for visual learners. Read the Pledge of Allegiance together. Ask volunteers to read the pledge aloud. Assign each student to practice the pledge at home and recite the Pledge of Allegiance independently.
Engage your students, with their ideas and their bodies, in a debate. Pose a current problem that affects the citizens of the country or your state or city. Explain the argument on both sides of the issue to the class. Ask students to develop their own opinion about what they think is the best outcome. Tell the class to imagine a line in the shape of a U around the classroom. The center of the U is the spot where a student can stand if he cannot decide which side is best. Branching to the right, students stand on the imaginary line to indicate one opinion. The line to the left is for students to stand on indicating the opposite opinion. When students have chosen their position to stand, ask for volunteers to defend their opinion.
Soldiers on active duty are putting themselves in harm's way to secure our freedom and the safety of others around the world. Though kindergarten students are young, they are able to express gratitude to these soldiers by drawing pictures or writing simple letters. Create a membership with an organization like Tell Them Thanks. Commit to sending a soldier one package of your students' letters each month. Indicate on a map where your adopted soldier is stationed. Instill pride in your students for helping this soldier feel appreciated for the sacrifices she is making.