By: Viraj Shah

Setting up your classroom each year is an exciting time. Whether you’re a first-time teacher or have many years under your belt, it’s fun to put up decorations that teach and inspire your new students. Flags have long been a part of classroom decor, and you can use these ideas to enhance your students’ learning environment.

Use String Flags As a Border

The traditional flag often holds a prominent place in a corner of the room where every student can see it. Yet, you can use flags in more ways by looking for strings that serve as a banner-style decoration. Hanging a string of international flags across the chalkboard is perfect for social studies teachers. Or, you might opt to hang a string of American flags for your U.S. history class.

Choose Flags to Represent a Theme

Teachers with younger students can use flags to reinforce learning themes. For instance, you might choose to put up a pirate flag when you’re teaching about the ocean. Or, you might want to put a flag out in the community garden area of your classroom. Adding a flag helps students visualize common concepts you’re teaching, and changing them out with each theme stimulates curiosity.

Add Bunting Flags to Tables and Desks

Sometimes, you want to make a big visual impression. Flags come in bunting styles that you can hang from your classroom’s desks and tables like you might from your front porch at home. You can find bunting flags in the classic American flag design that are ideal for putting out around Memorial Day, Labor Day, and other important holidays. Or, you could choose to put out bunting for a Fall or Halloween display.

Give Students Flags for International Studies

Mini flags give students a tangible way to learn more about other countries. These small flags are affordable enough to put out on each desk, and you can use them in multiple ways. Try offering each student a flag as you assign them a country to study for their research project. Or, you could put a new international flag out each day to create a full line of countries you’ve studied.

Hang Celebration Flags

Planning celebrations makes teaching fun, and you can use classroom parties as an educational opportunity to help students learn social skills and common traditions. Putting up a celebration flag helps to heighten anticipation about upcoming events. You can also use party flags as a springboard for discussions and to remind parents about special parties throughout the year. For this idea, you’ll want to buy a few flags in advance. This way, you’ll always have the next one ready to put out when a celebratory season or day ends.

As you shop for flags to include in your classroom, don’t forget the traditional state and national flags. Making sure to include a wide range of flags in your classroom helps kids understand the importance of symbolism as a method for celebration and making your values clear.

Published By: Aize Perez