September 11th Children's American Flag Craft

Discussing September 11th with your child or students could be difficult and will spawn a series of intense to inquiring questions and comments. Depending on your child's/students age(s) the discussion will most likely turn into a sad conversation about their most recent loss of, Goldie, the pet goldfish.

As an educator I believe that these discussions are very important to have with your child. The best message I like to give to my students is that we are one nation filled with many different people, beliefs, colors, shapes, and ideas. This one nation is united and the safest place to be living.

After your discussion, try this fun and easy Torn American Flag Craft with your elementary schooler.

Supply List:
-White construction paper (8x11")

-Red construction paper (8x11")

-Blue construction paper (roughly cut to 4x5")

-White hole punched stars (alternative-cut out your own white stars or use a regular circle hole punch for the stars on your flag)

-glue

Plan:
1) Tell your child/student they will be making an American Flag. Show them pictures of American Flags on the Internet or refer to the flag you are flying on your flag pole in the front yard.

2) Give your child/student all the supplies on the list. Try not to instruct them on how to assemble their flag (depending on the age you may need to help with the gluing and tearing).

3)Have your child/student tear their red construction paper horizontally into strips. For children 4 and under you can precut the construction paper into strips.

4)Using the pictures you have shown them, have your child/student assemble the American Flag with glue. Depending on your child's/students' age you will get some varying results of their rendition of the American Flag. The less you assist the better the result.

5) Fly you new construction paper American Flag loud and proud.