It's interesting to
note how many T.V. quiz programs ask questions about the colours
of a country's flag.
What is the
definition of a flag? It's an emblem usually consisting of a
rectangular piece of cloth with a distinctive design. The word
"flag" is derived from the Old Saxon word "fflaken" which means
to fly or float in the air.
Let's take advantage
of this interest and involve our students in recognizing
international flags.
They can find pictures
of these flags in internet. They can form a booklet by copying
the picture of the flag and next to it write a description.
Ex. Austria......................red and
white horizontal stripes
Belgian.....................black,
yellow and red vertical stripes
France......................blue,
white and red vertical stripes
Greece......................pale
blue and white horizontal stripes with a white cross
United
State..............red, white stripes and blue squares with 50 white
stars
Many flags have
symbols or representations of animals. Let them vote on
- The most
colourful flag
- The most
original flag
- In their
opinion, the most famous flag
The historical origin
of flags dates back to about 1,000 BC when the Egyptians used
primitive versions of flags, some made in wood or in metal. Flags were used for the purpose of identification or signalling
to others.
Today flags are used to
identify countries of the world and they were not commonly in
use until the 18th century.
The study of flags is
called Vexillology.
What do the colours
on a flag symbolize?
Red............bravery,
strength
White.........peace and
honesty
Blue...........truth and
loyalty
Green........hope, joy and
love
Black.........reflects the
ethnic heritage of the people
Yellow.......generosity
Learn more about your
Italian flag:
See if the students
can find the name given to the Italian flag.
When was the first
version of the Italian flag created?
When was the flag
adopted officially?
As a research class
project they can look up the flags for each region. They can
add these pictures too to their flag booklet.
A Nice thought
"I like to see a man
proud of the place where he lives. I like to see a man live
so that his place will be proud of him."
Abraham
Lincoln