Red, White, and Fingerpaint

Materials

8" x 10" outline of

the United States

fingerpaint paper

red and blue

fingerpaint

metallic silver paint

shallow containers

sponges cut in star

shapes

newspaper

smocks

scissors (adult use

only)

Instructions

1. Display the American flag for the children and
lead them in a discussion about its colors and
shapes. Explain that the flag is a symbol of our
country.
2. Ask the children what part of the flag these
riddles describe:
My color is white and I rest on the blue.
I have five points and I shine brightly, too. (star)
I am a rectangle on the far left side.
My color is blue and I'm built with pride. (blue field)
I am a stripe the color of snow.
I go from side to side on our flag, you know. (white stripe)
Courage is my color and I'm bright and strong.
I run across the flag: I'm short AND long. (red stripe)
3. Set out the paper, crayons, and glue and invite the children to try making
copies of the American flag, or simply try making up new kinds of flags using
these materials.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Can the children identify the American flag as a national symbol?
l Can the children name the colors on the flag, as well as its other components
(stripes and stars)?