Have the children sit at tables and put a bowl of blue paper squares, white paper squares and red paper squares on each table. Ask each child to draw an American flag on a piece of computer paper. Then, let the children "color in" their flags by gluing the pieces of colored paper onto the flag. While the children are putting their flags together, talk to them about how small pieces can be used to create something bigger. Tell them America is made up of 50 states that are part of one united country.
Diversity is a key part of the American story. On a large sheet of banner paper, outline an American flag. Talk to the children about how America is a melting pot of cultures and ideas and that each person contributes something to the American identity. Ask the children to line up by the flag. Paint all their hands blue and have them press their hands to the blue area of the flag. Wash their hands and then repeat this process for the red sections of the flag. For the stars, have each child place one hand print of white paint in the blue area of the flag. If you need more hand prints, let students have a second turn or ask a neighboring class to chip in.
Pass out a printed outline of a flag to your students. Show them an American flag and explain the meaning of the different colors and what the symbols represent. Ask the students to think about what America means to them and what symbols they would like to use to represent America. Ask each child to design her own "American flag" and share the flag with the group. After everyone has shared, hang the flags on the wall alongside the traditional American flag.
Have the kids bring plain white shirts to class. Let them use fabric markers to color flags on their shirts. While they color, tell them the story about Betsy Ross sewing the original American flag. When the kids are done coloring, have them wear their shirts to display their work.