Do you love watching flags fly in the breeze? When you see a flag, do you wonder what the colors and designs mean? Do you have your a flag collection or own flag-related items? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you just might be a “flag fanatic” which means that this class is definitely for you! 

In this ongoing class, learners will explore flags from around the world using a thematic approach while discovering the meaning and symbolism behind them. For example, some flags are strikingly similar in design and even result in groups known as flag families. Others have unique charges or uncommon shapes. As leaners begin to thematically identify flags, their questions and interests will help to drive the lesson. While most weeks will focus on national flags, those of other manmade entities (states, provinces, territories, cities, etc.) may be incorporated. Varying weekly, class activities will include a mixture of engaging tasks such as scavenger hunts, identification games, sorting challenges, mapping, video clips, and more. 

While the first three classes will provide a foundation for future meetings, these concepts will be reinforced throughout the course. Learners are welcome to join any or all classes based on compatibility with their own schedules. I hope to see you on a weekly basis! 

Topics, although subject to change, will include the following:
Week of June 12: History of flags and flag parts
Week of June 19: Common flag colors and their meanings
Week of June 26: Common types of flag designs
Week of July 3: No Class
Week of July 10: Flag Families--Cross (Christian, Nordic, Greek)
Week of July 17: Flag Families--Crescent
Week of July 24: Flag Families--British Ensign (Union Jack)
Week of July 31: Flag Families--Stars and Stripes
Week of Aug. 7: Flag Families--Dutch and Pan-Slavic
Week of Aug. 14: Flag Families--French Tricolor
Week of Aug 21: Flag Families--Pan-African Colors
Week of Aug. 28: Flag Families--Pan-Arab Colors
Week of Sept. 4:  Flag Families--Red Banner 
Week of Sept. 11: Flag Families--Gran Colombia, Belgrano, and United Nations
Week of Sept 18: Astronomical symbols in flags
Week of Sept. 25: Flags with uncommon shapes
Week of Oct. 2: Flags with unique charges
Week of Oct. 9: Geography in Flags
Week of Oct. 16: Culture traits in flags--History
Week of Oct. 23: Culture traits in flags--Geography
Week of Oct. 30: Culture traits in flags--Economy
Week of Nov. 6: Culture traits in flags--Social Groups
Week of Nov. 13: Culture traits in flags--Arts
Week of Nov. 20: Culture traits in flags--Religion
Week of Nov. 27: No class
Week of Dec. 4: Culture traits in flags--Language
Week of Dec. 11:  Culture traits in flags--Daily Life