Literacy/PAR Lesson Plan

State Standard(s) addressed:

K C2.0.1 - Identify our countrys flag as an important symbol of the United States.
RL.K.4 Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
RF.K.4 Read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding.
Learning Outcomes:

I.

Students will be able to explain what the American flag represents

Pre-reading Activities

1. Set historical/geographical context

Long ago on June 14, 1777, the flag was chosen to represent the United States of
America. I will ask students if they can tell me some examples of things that have
happened in their lives, in the past. I will have picture cards with events that
happened long ago and more current events that are appropriate and that
kindergarteners will recognize and will ask the students if this was a recent event
or if the event happened long ago.
2. Activate background knowledge
Before reading I will active prior knowledge by asking students to tell me what
they already know about the American Flag. I will pass around a picture of a flag
to get students thinking if struggling to come up with ideas.
3. Teach essential vocabulary
Using the context of the text, I will pull out ahead of time what words I want the
students to know. The students will be expected to know these words and I will
have pictures of these words for students to visualize the meaning. The words are:
five-pointed stars, American, flag, field, salute, star, hope, canton, union and
patriotism. I will have pictures of the words that match to the vocabulary word

they need to learn in this lesson. I will have students make predictions about what
the text is going to be about based on the pictures and their vocabulary words.
II.

During Reading (Assisting Reading)

5. State purpose for reading
The purpose of reading F is for Flag, will be to show in simple terms how one
flag can mean so many things to so many different people. I will tell students that
the flag is an important symbol of love and hope for some, but a symbol of
controversy for others. I will ask: Why do you think that is?
6. Read
I will read aloud the book F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison. I will have
an Elmo in the classroom that will be used to project the pictures of the book so
the whole class can view them since the pictures in the book are small.
III. Post-reading Activities (Reflection or Response to Reading)
7. Emphasize essential info
I will ask the students the following questions:

What did the author say about the flag?

Why does the flag stand for hope?
Why is the flag a symbol of patriotism?
Why do you think the flag could symbolize controversy to some people?
What do you think a symbol means?

8. Follow up
Students will go back to their seats and will make a model of the American flag.
As students are making their model of the American flag we will discuss why the
flag is a national symbol in our country. I will call on students at random to tell
me where the vocabulary words are on their flag. For example, where is the field
of the flag? The canton or union?

IV. Assessment and Evaluation

I will assess the students on their participation in the follow up activity. As a closure
to the lesson we will be bringing our flags to the community circle to share with our
peers. Here I will assess that they followed directions and were able to create their
own flag.

Resources and Materials

F if for Flag by Wendy Cheyette

www.atozkidsstuff.com/colorpages/states/myflag.html

Elmo to project pictures from book

Picture word cards for key vocabulary