Fun with Flags in the Library
Do you teach vexillology in your library? Are you sure? Maybe it’s time to revisit those library dictionary lessons? Vexillology is the scientific study of the history, symbolism and use of flags. My students LOVE flags! We not only have the American flag prominently displayed, but I have some flags of the world by the country books (just as I have stuffed animals by the mammals, tonka trucks by the vehicles, dinosaurs….well, you get the idea). I also have a display of the flags of the 50 U.S. states, as many students do not realize that each state has its own flag, too.
During our reference book lessons, flags pop up in the atlas of course, but also in the almanac. Kids are fascinated by flags around the world. There are also specialized books on the history and symbolism of flags (in the vexillology section of course: 929.9). Do you know which country does not have a square or rectangular flag? Answer: Nepal. Do you know which country’s flag was designed by a 15-year old schoolgirl? Answer: Papua New Guinea. Do you know which country’s flag was modeled after the flag of the United States? Answer: Liberia.
Flag Books: Read All About It
Many of our classes study countries around the world, or immigration. They do projects on where their ancestors came from. Every year, fourth-graders stampede into the library, wanting to know what the flag of Croatia looks like. Or El Salvador. Or Pakistan. Or Sweden.
In addition to books, we have a subscription to Maps 101, an online geography database. It has maps, flags, articles, and more.
Fun Flag Activities
You can also try some fun flag activities. I have a PowerPoint game called Fun with Flags. Students view a flag and a clue and try to guess the country.
I have printable task cards on Flags of the World, as well as BOOM Card™ versions. Have you used BOOM Cards™? They are digital task cards played on the BOOM Learning website.
Finally, I have a set of cards for the U.S. State flags. In this deck, students need to identify the state capital, because the state name is often visible right on the flag.
So, have fun teaching vexillology! Why not post a teaser outside your library: Coming soon, vexillology for all!
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