K-12 Education Project / Pre-K

Grade Level Pre-K

The American Flag and 10^th Mountain Division Emblem

Background:

This is the first activity introducing the student to projects and activities that will give them a better understanding and appreciation to the 10^th Mountain Division, past and present. As such, it is important that the student be introduced to symbols that reflect the heritage and richness of not only the 10^th Mountain Division but of our United States.

Objectives:

1) To introduce the student to symbols of the United States and of the 10^th Mountain Division.

2) To strengthen the appreciation of the student with their 10^th Mtn. Div. family soldier.

3) To color a template of the US flag and 10^th Mountain Division emblem using the appropriate colors.

Directions:

This activity will require the assistance of a parent or adult. The student will be asked to color the American flag and the 10^th Mountain Division emblem. But prior to coloring the downloaded templates it will be important that the adult give some background information about the flag and 10^th emblem.

The following is only a sample narrative. You will know best how to discuss the topics with your child!

Begin by saying something like, ‘You are going to be coloring the American flag and 10^th Mountain Division emblem. But before you begin coloring, I’d like to talk with you a little about each one. Can you tell me why the American flag is so important for us? Do you know why there are stars in the flag? Do you know why we have stripes in the flag? What are the three colors in the flag?”

For background information about the flag go to: https://nationalflagfoundation.org/history/

Some preschool students may recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school. If so, say the Pledge of Allegiance with your child just to reinforce the significance and importance of this pledge. If not, tell your child that soon he/she will be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school with all the other boys and girls in the class.

You certainly can discuss anything else about the flag that you believe is important.

Next, the student will be coloring the 10^th Mountain Division emblem. Again, it is very important that the child acquire an appreciation of the 10^th Mountain Division, past and present.

Begin by talking about your 10^th Mtn. Div. family member. It may be someone who served in WWII or with the modern 10^th Light. There are probably a lot of stories that could be told about the soldier but share just a few to help anchor the connection between the 10^th soldier and the student. Please show pictures of the 10^th soldier if available.

If the 10^th family member served in WWII tell the student that the 10^th Mountain Division is still with us today, protecting and serving our country just as the 10^th soldiers did during WWII. Tell them that all soldiers wear the patch of their Division and then show them the following pictures of the 10^th emblem and patch.

General information about the 10^th Mountain Division can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_Mountain_Division or https://snowbrains.com/10th-mountain-division-history-fire-mountain/

General information about the 10^th Mountain Division patch can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shoulder_sleeve_insignia_of_the_10th_Mountain_Division_(1944-2015).svg

After talking about the flag and 10^th patch give directions in coloring the two downloaded templates. Tell the student that they should color the flag with the appropriate colors. If the student prefers, he/she can draw and color the flag and emblem without using the templates.

Have the student print his/her name on each of the completed sheets. Then take a picture of the student holding their colored pages and send to:

Val Rios at vrios913@aol.com. Please also include the name and mailing address of the family to whom you wish the Certificate of Completion and award is to be sent. Or, if you prefer, you may mail the completed artwork to:

Val Rios 6816 S. Maple Ave Fresno, CA 93725

Encourage the student to tape the completed sheets on a window, the door of his/her bedroom or some other place where it can be seen.

We would like to include the picture of the student and completed art work in the next edition of the Blizzard but will need your permission. Please indicate your approval with submission of your child’s artwork.

We hope you and the student enjoyed this activity and would welcome any comments or suggestions.