Students’ history curricula, from kindergarten through high school, tend to focus on the events in American history, but sometimes don’t make mention of certain civic observances that are part of history, too. For example, the significance and proper display of and care for American flags is seldom taught in classrooms. However, there are activities that you can do, especially with young children, to teach about the flag. Most educators and citizens know that the stripes represent the original 13 colonies and the stars represent the states, but did you know that red symbolizes hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice?

 Here are the basics for proper flag display: 

• The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset; if it is displayed at night, it should be illuminated
• The flag should never be allowed to touch the floor
• The blue portion should be in the upper left-hand corner if the flag is mounted on a wall or window
• The flag should be raised quickly and lowered ceremoniously
• When flown at half-staff, the flag should be raised to the top for a moment and then lowered to half-staff; it should also be raised to the top before lowering at the end of the day

This lesson can go along with teaching about the Pledge of Allegiance and how to recite it while demonstrating appropriate respect. For young children, it’s helpful to teach the meanings of the words in the Pledge, rather than using rote memorization. For example:

I [promise] [to be loyal] to the flag of the United States of America and to the [country with elected leaders] for which it stands, one [country] under God, [cannot be divided] with [freedom] and [fairness] for all.

Contest: Win this Flag

There are lots of activities you can do with young students to teach them about the American flag, and I’d love for you to share your ideas. Please comment below with your ideas for teaching students of any age about the flag and how to use it. One commenter will be chosen at random to receive a Patriotic World Flag for your classroom (pictured below). The flag was donated by Gettysburg Flag.