Grade Level:    Third

Subjects:    Social Studies, Language Arts and Art

Learner Outcomes:     Students will be able to :

• Follow the writing process to complete an essay on the American flag.
• Use a paint program to design an American flag.
• Orally  present their thought and feelings concerning the American flag.

• 5 sessions of 45-60 minutes each

• writing paper
• chart paper
• markers
• dictionary (as needed)
• pencils

• computer access with word processing program and paint program
• printer (color preferred)

• This lesson is best done after students have been researching and discussing the American flag.
• Having a flow chart of the writing process on the wall will help the students monitor their progress of their writing.
• If you do not have a word processing program for your students, you may want to check out Microsoft's Creative Writer .

Session 1

1. Label the first piece of chart paper " Description of Flag".  As a whole group have students brain storm various words to describe the flag.  List the student's responses.
2. Label the second piece of chart paper " Feelings About the Flag".  Have students give their thoughts and feeling and list on the chart paper.
3. Label the third piece of chart paper "Meaning of the Flag". As a whole group have students brain storm ideas of what they believe is the meaning of the flag.  Write their responses on the chart paper.

Session 2

1. Review the charts from  the first session.
2. During this session each student will write a five paragraph essay using the information from each chart.  The body of the essay will be derived from the three chart headings ( one paragraph per heading).  Then the  student will go back and add the introductory paragraph and the conclusion paragraph.
3. Have students read and discuss their written paragraphs to the whole class or in small groups.  Discuss how they all need something to introduce their writing by adding an introductory paragraph.  Introduce main idea and topic sentences as outlined in the writing process.  Give students ideas of interesting ways  to introduce their writing.
4. Once the students have written  their  introductory paragraph talk about how you summarize your writing in an ending conclusion  paragraph.  Then the students will write their conclusion.
5. This session is complete when all students have their introductory, body, and conclusion of their essay written in rough draft form.

Session 3

1. Students will use their rough drafts and write their essay in sequential order.
2. Edit with the teacher to check spelling, grammar , and order or flow of the essay.
3. After editing with the teacher  students will write the final copy of the essay.

Session 4

1. Using word processing program on the computer students will type their essay.

Session 5

1. Use the paint program on the computer to create an American flag.
2. Copy the picture of the flag to the top of their essay and print.
3. Share stories with the class.

• Students with written language deficiencies can tape record their essay.
• Assignment may be shortened to only include one or two topics.
• Special needs students can partner with another student.
• Students who need additional time can take their work home for parental support.

Enrichment:

• Students can read their essay to another classroom.
• Students can read their essay during a  patriotic assembly.
• Students can add their essays to school web site.
• Send essays to local newspaper to be published.
• Let students try their eye at working a flag puzzle online.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

• Social Studies   3.54      3.5
• Language Arts  3.68     3.67     3.64      3.44        3.45

National Standards:

 Language Arts

• Uses general skills and strategies of the writing process.
• Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written composition.
• Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.

History

• Understands how democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events and symbols.

Authors:

Tammie Miley
Becky Miller
Brenda Smith
Andrews Heights Elementary, PO Box 340, Tornado, WV  25202