2 Gather children in a circle on the rug. 3 Show children the flag vocabulary concept card. ⢠Explain that there are 5
Stars and Stripes Materials
• flag vocabulary concept card • Stars (p. 100) • “Stars and Stripes” song (p. 79)
• U.S. map • seven 6’ pieces of red yarn • six 6’ pieces of white yarn • crayons • scissors
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Prior to teaching this lesson, prepare 25 copies of Stars. Either color and cut out the 50 stars at this time or allow children to do so later. Gather children in a circle on the rug. Show children the flag vocabulary concept card. • Explain that there are 50 stars on our flag, one for each state. • Ask children to count the stripes. • Tell them that the stripes represent the original 13 colonies. • Show children the location of the original colonies on the map. Tell children that they will learn a song about what the stars and stripes on the flag represent. Play “Stars and Stripes” for the children. Encourage them to sing along.
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Show children the red and white yarn. • Remind children that the stripes on the flag represent the 13 colonies. • Arrange the yarn in stripes that are wide enough to walk between, placing them near the stars. Play “Stars and Stripes” again. • When singing about the states, have children walk around the stars. • When singing about the colonies, have children walk between the stripes.
Refer to the Audio CD track #4.
Review the number of stars and stripes with children.
Extension
Show children the 50 stars you have prepared, or have children color and cut out stars at this time.
If possible, create a large flag outdoors on a playground with chalk. Outline a rectangle and allow children to draw 50 stars in the rectangle. Have children draw 13 stripes to make the flag. Sing the song and walk around the outdoor flag.
Have children help you arrange the 50 stars in a rectangle on the floor.
