The sixth grade students of Linwood Middle School will partner with the VFW to present “Flags of Our Fathers” to the ELL students to foster an understanding of the history and meaning of the American Flag.
Students from S.L.I.C.E. Club will facilitate the design and construction of a “Show of Hands” American Flag made from the handprints of all sixth grade students. The flag will be proudly displayed in the school cafetorium and presented to the Township Council for display in the council chamber. Sixth graders will attend a program about the American Flag presented by the Middletown, NJ VFW in early May and use the knowledge learned to prepare their patriotic presentation for ELL students and to honor our flag and invited guests.
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Social studies visual and performing arts; language arts literacy; technology
Flags of Our Fathers
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By: Marj Spangler Teaching Team: Linwood Staff
School: Linwood Middle School, Sixth Grade Team Grade Levels: 6th
Academic Focus/Core Curriculum Standards:
The Arts(Visual and Performing): 1.1, 1.2 Language Arts Literacy: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
Social Studies: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
Technology: 8.1A
Core Ethical Values:
Caring; Respect; Citizenship |
Project Description:
The sixth grade students of Linwood Middle School will partner with the VFW to present “Flags of Our Fathers” to the ELL students to foster an understanding of the history and meaning of the American Flag. Students from S.L.I.C.E. Club will facilitate the design and construction of a “Show of Hands” American Flag made from the handprints of all sixth grade students. The flag will be proudly displayed in the school cafetorium and presented to the Township Council for display in the council chamber. Sixth graders will attend a program about the American Flag presented by the Middletown, NJ VFW in early May and use the knowledge learned to prepare their patriotic presentation for ELL students and to honor our flag and invited guests. Target Audience: English Language Learners; the Linwood community Timeline:
The project will be scheduled to begin the first week of May and conclude with an assembly and reception on Friday, June 13th. Project Scheduling:
During Social Studies class
Materials Needed:
Construction paper, scissors, glue, flag pins, computers Academic Focus:
The Arts (Visual and Performing): Students will create artistic representations of the 25 different variations of the flag through history. Sixth grade chorus and concert band will prepare and perform patriotic songs during the assembly program. Language Arts Literacy: The sixth graders will enhance their speaking skills when giving their patriotic presentations to ELL students. Students will complete a writing exercise on the topic of freedom, as well as reflections following the presentation. Social Studies: Students will learn the history of the United States flag, from its inception to its current design. The sixth graders will also explore the symbolism of the flag, and various issues that revolve around it. Technology: Students will apply their computer skills to design invitations and programs for the assembly. |
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Hurdles Encountered: Hurdles: One hurdle common to most middle schools is that they tend to be small schools within a larger school. A “team” or “house” structure often isolates students by group and denies them the opportunity to interact with a variety of pupils throughout the course of a day. Solution: Working towards a common goal can foster a senseof community among diverse groups. Reaching that common goal connects them with a sense of achievement and the knowledge that their efforts are valued and helped make a difference along with all stakeholders in the project. |
Educational Strategies:
Performance-based Education:
Students will reinforce their understanding of the American flag when they create their own flag and give presentations to ELL students. Cooperative Learning: Students learn the history of the American flag together, and work together when they create the “Show of Hands” flag. Interdisciplinary Approach: Teachers and community partners combine social studies, language arts, and visual/performing arts performance to teach and reinforce the lessons of the history of the American flag. Personal Growth Outcomes:
As the project progresses the central theme will focus on the role each individual has in their community and how each individual’s contribution, no matter how large or small, can make a difference. |
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Celebration: A reception for students and invited guests will be held following the presentation. Recognition:, Press releases, feature articles and interviews are being distributed to the local media, school and district newsletters. Presentations are also being made at PTSO and Board of Education meetings. |
Community Involvement:
The community will be involved through partnership with the Middletown VFW and inviting our local VFW, Township Council and Board of Education and PTSO members to attend the presentation. Parents and Volunteer Involvement:
The PTSO will be asked for volunteers to assist with the assembly and reception. Reflection Activities: (Link with core ethical values)
Follow-up lessons will be completed as the project comes to a close, involving all stakeholders, focusing on the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals to benefit the community. Means of Assessment:
Student involvement on the house, grade and team level. Completion of academic focus activities. Reflective writing.
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