Celebrating Flag Day
Did you know that not only do we celebrate Flag Day but there is a whole week dedicated to it? Flag Day is observed on June 14th, which is the beginning of Flag Week, that lasts until June 20th.
Your child might ask why we are celebrating a big striped cloth. Well, it’s not so much the flag that we are celebrating but what it stands for. It represents our freedom and all the people that have been injured or died to give us our freedoms. Not all countries get to go to church and worship God the way they want to. In some countries, people would be put in jail for speaking out against their government. We are a blessed nation and we need to remember and teach our children about the sacrifices made to get us here.
Pledge of Allegiance
A great way to celebrate Flag Day and Week would be to learn the Pledge of Allegiance. The pledge is not recited in schools like it was when I was young. We started each day with the Pledge of Allegiance. There is a good chance that your child is not learning this in school so this is something you can work on together.
If you don’t remember how it goes, here it is:
(Place your right hand over your heart)
“I pledge allegiance to the flag,
Of the United State of America,
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.”
Craft
I usually like to create my own crafts but I found this cute American flag dot craft on the Meaningful Mama blog.When I taught preschool, the kids loved Do-A-Dot paints. I can’t wait to try this one with my 2 year old grandson. There is a free printable included. Click on the picture and it will take you to her website, where you will find the printable.
Snack
I found this great appetizer plate, on The Better Mom. It would be great for celebrating Flag Day.
I recreated it, on a smaller scale, with different fruits, for my grandson. Berries upset his stomach so I used purple grapes, apples and cheese. You could also use watermelon and banana.
Story Time (affiliate links included)
I read and reviewed these books myself.
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8 yrs old
This is a simple little book that would be great to introduce your young child to Flag Day. It shares what the stars and stripes, on the flag, represent. Your child will also learn a little about what the flag means to different people. I love the way the kids bring the community together to form a big flag made of people.
Reading Level: Ages 3 to 8 yrs old
Although this is a good book to introduce young children to Flag Day, I wish it had a few more details. This book doesn’t cover what the stars and stripes represent but it does talk about proper handling of a flag. Even though it doesn’t have a lot of detail, I would still use it with a younger child.
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 10 yrs old
This book is for a little older child and is crammed full of information about Flag Day. Your child will learn some of the history of our flag and the first Flag Day. They will learn about the different designs of the flag, over the years. The Pledge of Allegiance and other ways to celebrate Flag Day are included.
Reading Level: Ages 5 to 8 yrs old
There is a lot to learn in this little book but it is written in a fun, picture-book style. Your child will learn some of the history of the flag and why flags were invented. I learned that, in the beginning, a star AND a stripe were added with each new state. The flag started looking too crowded so they went back to having thirteen stripes and just adding a star with each new state. Your child will also learn about some of those early celebrations. How will you celebrate Flag Day?
Thomasina says
Such good ideas! This would have been so fun. Sorry I didn’t see it sooner. But could probably still do for the 4th of July!
Mama Carmody says
I thought the snacks and crafts would work well for the 4th also. Have fun and thanks for stopping by.
Kaitie says
I love this! Great snacks and crafts… Really makes it a full day event and themed out well with simple instructions 🙂 very fun idea!
Mama Carmody says
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope your family has fun with some of the activities.
April Rutherford says
I love the book recommendation and the great dot flag print. What fun ideas, and I had no idea it lasted a whole week! Thanks for the ideas (lvoe the fruit tray too, what a healthy alternative)!
Mama Carmody says
I absolutely love books. I introduce all new concepts, to my little ones, with books.
Six Pack Mommy says
I love Flag Day! I think I’m sentimental about it because it’s my birthday, but honoring the American flag always seemed special to me. I love the food ideas you’ve included here- good for the 4th of July as well.
Mama Carmody says
Yes, these activities would be good for the 4th of July as well. Thanks for stopping by.
Holly says
I love that fruit and cheese plate! I might have to do that for the 4th of July…. My son learned the Pledge of Allegiance at preschool this past year and it is so cute to hear a four year old say it. I love that they’re teaching him this already!
Mama Carmody says
I am so glad to hear that some places are still teaching the Pledge of Allegiance. I know a lot of schools have stopped.
JcCee B says
Nice craft, yummy snacks, and interesting books! Participating in crafts and reading are great ways to help kids and even parents remember flag day.
Mama Carmody says
I had a lot of fun doing the activities with my young grandson. He is just learning about flags and Flag Day. (He’s almost 2)
Amy @Planning Playtime says
I love these flag day ideas. The fruit tray made my tummy rumble. Thanks for sharing!
Mama Carmody says
I know…didn’t that fruit tray look delicious!
karyl henr says
Thanks for this post! I feel like Flag Day gets kind of lost in the shuffle, especially since it falls during the summer. I do love the craft idea. Great for little kids to have some fun and learn at the same time
Mama Carmody says
Yes, Flag Day usually slips up on me and I miss it. I read one of the books to my almost 2 year old grandson tonight. My son-in-law is in the military so patriotism is an important part of our lives. Glad I could share with others.
Yanique says
These are great ideas, especially for preschoolers. it’s hard sometimes to find crafts appropriate for their age and attention span! I love the fruit flag it looks great. My daughter is big into the dots craft so she will love working on the dot flag.
Mama Carmody says
Thank you for stopping by. The little ones are what I really enjoy so I love coming up with fun things for them to do.
Leslie says
What great ideas for Flag Day! I’m going to pin these.
Mama Carmody says
Thanks so much for pinning this. I’m glad you enjoying what I share.
Leah says
Love the American flag craft and snacks! Great ideas to share with my kiddos!
Mama Carmody says
Thanks, I would love to hear how they enjoyed it. Please come back and let me know.