Name: Dixon, Chadwick

E-mail: cdixon@bobcat.dmsc.k12.ar.us

Topic: Writing with Symbols, Arkansas State and U.S. Flag

Grade: 3rd Grade

Time: One to Two class times

Ark. Hist. Framework: K-3 6.1.2

Objective: The Student will be able to recognize and explain the symbolism of the Arkansas and the United States flag.

Set: Begin by showing students the Arkansas and United States flag. Lead a brainstorming section with the students on what        they think the symbols in the flags might mean.

Materials: An example of the Arkansas and U. S. flags

                Copies of: Arkansas Flag Color Sheet, Arkansas Flag Note/Quiz Sheet, United States Flag Color Sheet, United                 States Flag Note/Quiz Sheet

Key Terms: Colony, state, symbol

Key Facts: (Arkansas Flag): When the U.S.S. Arkansas was soon to be commissioned, the Pine Bluff Daughters of the American Revolution voted to present a state flag to the ship. They were surprised to learn that Arkansas didn’t have a flag. So they have a statewide flag contest. A committee selected Miss Willie Hocker’s entry.

        Symbols and Means: (Arkansas State Flag) Blue diamond ­ only state where diamonds are found; 25 stars ­ 25th state in Union; Top star ­ Arkansas was a member of the Confederate States; 3 bottom stars ­ the countries that ruled the land of Arkansas (Spain, France, and U.S.); the colors of Red, white, and Blue ­ Reminder of being part of U.S.

        (United States Flag) 13 stripes ­ 13 original colonies; 50 stars ­ 50 one for every state; Colors ­ Red ­ Hardiness and valor; White ­ purity and innocence; Blue ­ Vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Stars in general ­ symbol of heavens and divine goal of man; Stripes in general ­ rays of light from the sun.

Activities: After brainstorming, pass out note pages. Lead a discussion on the symbolism of the flag by jointly completing the worksheet. After notes are taken, pass out the flag coloring sheets to be colored to represent the flags.

        Extension: Have students create a flag using symbols to represent themselves.

Closure: Review lesson with oral quiz.

Assessment: Note pages can double a quiz.

Resources: bensguide@gpo.gov

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