¿Qué puede decirnos una bandera? ( PDF file)

Objectives:


As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. identify the elements of the Nicaraguan and U.S. flags.
  2. analyze how these elements represent the country.
  3. draw conclusions about the country based on these elements.

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Materials:

  1. Student Handout: ¿Qué puede decirnos una bandera? (for Spanish language classes)
  2. Student Handout: What Can a Flag Tell Us? (for Social Studies classes)
  3. U.S.A. and Nicaraguan flags (or pictures thereof)
  4. Student Handout: Vocabulario
  5. Student Handout: Flag Research

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Activities:

  1. Display the U.S. and Nicaraguan flags where all students can see them.

  2. Distribute the student handout entitled ¿Qué puede decirnos una bandera? and Vocabulario (or What Can a Flag Tell Us? For Social Studies classes). Direct students to read the dialogue. Ask comprehension questions, such as:

    a. ¿Cómo se llaman los chicos?
    b. ¿Dónde están?
    c. ¿De dónde es Julia?
    d. ¿De qué hablan?

  3. On the chalkboard or overhead transparency, generate a list of characteristics of the Nicaraguan flag.

    a. 3 stripes, 1 white between 2 blue
    b. 1 triangle
    c. 5 volcanoes
    d. 1 rainbow
    e. 1 cap with rays coming out of it
    f. words: Républica de Nicaragua, América Central

  4. Ask students to explain the significance of each characteristic.

    a. 3 stripes, 1 white between 2 blue = land between two oceans.
    b. 5 volcanoes = 5 major volcanoes of Nicaragua and the 5 countries of Central America.
    c. 1 rainbow = peace
    d. 1 cap with rays coming out of it = freedom and liberty.

  5. Ask students describe what they know of Nicaragua based on this list. Student responses may include:

    a. Nicaragua has many volcanoes.
    b. The volcanoes have impacted the country and its history.
    c. Being a part of Central America has been important to Nicaragua.

  6. Repeat the activity for the U.S. flag.

    a. 13 stripes in red and white = 13 original colonies
    b. 50 stars on a field of blue = 50 states
    c. Teacher's Note: Although there are theories as to why red, white, and blue, were chosen for the U.S. flag, authoritative sources indicate that there was no official meaning.

  7. Ask students to explain which flag, in their opinion, provides more information about the country.

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