TEACHERS TAKE NOTE

A Gift for Gita

Rachna Gilmore

Illustrated by Alice Priestley

Paperback, $7.95, ISBN 978-0-88448-151-1

8.5 x 8.5, 24 pages, color illustrations

Children / Multicultural; Grades 3-6

In the increasingly complex society in which we live, it is crucial for children to have opportunities to discuss "who belongs here" and to discover what makes a place "home." Tilbury House has a tradition of publishing titles on the complex subject of immigration today. The Gita books join Shy Mama's Halloween and Who Belongs Here? as outstanding resources for children on this important theme.

A Gift For Gita will help inspire classroom conversations about:

• Indian cultures and traditions
• Job relocation
• Immigration experiences
• Family heritage

Activity: Flags—An Immigration Awareness Activity

Adapted from: Who Belongs Here? Activity Guide by Margy Burns Knight and Thomas V. Chan (Tilbury House).

Objectives: Students will be able to:

• Identify a variety of flags from different countries
• Explore the reasons why countries and states have flags
• Create a flag of their own design, to symbolically portray what is important to them

Background:
There are hundreds of nations which are officially recognized in the world today. Every one of these nations has a flag and an anthem. Discussions about the symbols of nations provide teachers with the opportunity to talk with students about what brings people together so they become "one nation." Teachers may want to emphasize that while individuals may be citizens of just one nation, they can still remain connected culturally to a variety of different groups and religions.

You Will Need:

• A U.S. flag, your state flag, pictures of flags from different countries.
• It might also be beneficial to have a UN flag available as well.
• Construction paper and markers will be needed for students to create their own flags.

What to Do:

• Ask children why states and countries have flags.
• Have students describe familiar flags.
• Have students research a variety of national flags (India should be included to tie in with the story of Gita.) Ask the students to learn about how each flag was designed and if there have been any changes made to it.
• Have students create their own personal flags.
• Create a classroom or school flag as a group.

Classroom Conversations and Follow-Up Activities

• Discuss where and how flags are typically displayed and how they are traditionally cared for.
• Discuss why flags might inspire strong emotions from viewers or the people who display them.
• Discuss immigration and naturalization. (If possible, invite someone who has been through the process to speak to your class about their experiences.)
• Have students find out where flags are displayed in the local area. Consider inviting community members in to your class to talk about the flags they choose to display.