Symbols of America

Curriculum Area: History (Key Stage 2 – Year 3)

Learning Objective:
Students will explore the history and symbolism of the American flag, understanding its significance in the context of the nation’s founding.

National Curriculum Links:

• History – Key Stage 2
  • Develop an awareness of the past and how it fits within a chronological framework.
  • Identify different ways in which the past is represented.
  • Understand the significance of historical symbols in different cultures.

---

Lesson Structure (60 Minutes)

Starter Activity (10 Minutes) – Flag Exploration

Objective: Get students thinking about flags and their meanings.

1. Discussion Starter: Show images of different flags (UK, USA, and a few others). Ask:

   • What do you notice about these flags?
   • Why do countries have flags?
   • What do you think the American flag represents?

2. Mini Quiz: Provide three quick facts about the American flag, two are true and one is false. Students guess the false one.

   • The American flag has changed 27 times.
   • The colours were chosen because they were George Washington’s favourite. (False)
   • Each star represents a state in the USA.

---

Main Teaching (20 Minutes) – History & Meaning

Objective: Teach students the historical context and symbolism of the American flag.

1. The Story of the Flag:

   • Explain that the first American flag was designed in 1777, during the American Revolution.
   • Ask: "Why do you think early Americans wanted their own flag?"
   • Discuss how the flag evolved as new states joined the country.

2. Symbolism Breakdown:

   • Stars: Represent each state in the USA.
   • Stripes: Represent the original 13 British colonies that became independent.
   • Colours:
     • Red = Courage and bravery
     • White = Purity and innocence
     • Blue = Justice and perseverance

3. Quick Reflection:

   • Can students think of symbols important to the UK? (e.g., Union Jack, royal crest)
   • How do symbols help people feel connected to a country?

---

Activity (20 Minutes) – Designing a Personal Flag

Objective: Encourage students to think about symbols and identity by designing their own flag.

1. Creative Task:

   • Each student designs a flag that represents them or their family.
   • They must choose three symbols or colours and explain their meaning.

2. Guiding Questions:

   • What colours will you use, and why?
   • Will your flag have shapes or patterns?
   • What symbols represent things that are important to you?

3. Sharing Time: Students present their flags and explain the meaning behind their choices.

---

Plenary (10 Minutes) – Reflection & Wrap-up

Objective: Reinforce learning and link back to key historical ideas.

1. Quickfire Recap: Ask students:

   • What does the American flag represent?
   • How has it changed over time?
   • Why do symbols like flags matter?

2. Personal Reflection:

   • What did you learn about how nations use symbols?
   • How would you feel if your designed flag was seen by millions of people?

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative: Observe student discussions and flag designs to assess understanding.
• Summative: Students verbally explain their personal flag’s meaning, linking back to the lesson themes.

Resources Needed

• Printed images of various flags.
• Paper, coloured pencils, markers for flag design.

Differentiation Strategies

• For students who need extra support: Provide pre-drawn flag templates to colour.
• For more able students: Challenge them to design a flag for a new imaginary country and write a short description of its values.

---

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

• How engaged were students during the flag discussion?
• Did they grasp the historical significance of the American flag?
• Were students able to articulate the meaning of their own flag designs?

---

This lesson immerses students in the history and symbolism of the American flag, tying it to wider discussions about identity and national symbols. The creative element allows them to personalise their learning while reinforcing key historical concepts.