Flags establish communication in symbols for country, family honor, religion and goals. Personal flags are expressions of a student's own life in symbols and serve as a link between the student and his or her environment.

Grade Levels

3–8

Objectives

• Students evaluate the important parts of their lives through self-discovery and goals
• Personal discovery is transferred into interpretation and communication

Procedure

1. Design on paper, labeling colors.
2. Slip design under the white napkin or handkerchief and trace with a pencil. If fabric is colored, use white transfer paper on top.
3. Stretch fabric on a cardboard using pins to secure or tape fabric to a tabletop
4. Color in the design with the Pentel sticks. Blend as a pastel.
5. Place finished flag fabric between two pieces of Baker's parchment. Cut about 4" larger than flag. Iron top to set. Sets quickly.
6. Carefully brush glue on top section of dowel. The length of the flag side to be attached. Gently lay the fabric on the glue and press evenly to secure around the rod.
7. Top off the flag with a ball or cord and tassel.

Variations

• Students work on a patch, size 6" x 6" or 10" x 10" and sew together for a class flag or camp flag
• Paper flag, use Blick 12" x 18", 80-lb construction paper (11409-1006) and crayons or paint
• Felt flags (63201-)
• Canvas banners (08932-1010)

Topics for Discussion

1. International applications as in United Nations and the Olympics.
2. Religion, history and honor for countries and groups
3. Development of American flag and state flags
4. Personal experiences

National Standards

Content Standard #2 — Using knowledge of structures and functions

K-4 Students use visual structures and functions of art to communicate ideas

5-8 Students select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas

Content Standard #3 — Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas

K-4 Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning

5-8 Students use subjects, themes and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of contexts, values and aesthetics that communicate meaning in artworks