As K-12 teachers, it’s important to incorporate learning about different countries and their cultures in our lessons. One engaging way to do this is by teaching students about the flags of different nations. In this blog post, we will focus on the vibrant colors of Peru’s flag and how you can make this learning experience enjoyable for your students.
The Peruvian flag consists of two bold red bands separated by a white band. The red represents the bravery and sacrifices made during Peru’s struggle for independence, while the white stands for peace. Together, these colors form a symbol of national pride that captivates both children and adults alike.
To begin this engaging activity, bring some Peruvian flair into your classroom by providing printouts or images of the flag. Discuss the meanings behind each color and encourage students to think about how these colors tell the story of Peru’s history.
Next, organize an art activity where your students come up with their own representations of the Peruvian flag. Supply them with art materials like paint, colored paper, and scissors. Encourage creativity – they could create a collage, use origami to form flag shapes, or even recreate scenes from Peru’s history using these symbolic colors.
As a follow-up activity, divide students into groups and assign each group a Peruvian myth or folktale to research. Some good sources include stories about Pachamama (the goddess of Earth), Manco Capac (the founder of the Inca civilization), or Wiracocha (the supreme god in Incan mythology) who was said to have created light after emerging from Lake Titicaca.
Have your students present their findings to the class using visuals they have made related to their assigned story. This can include drawings, paintings, dioramas, or even performances that utilize the flag’s colors to represent themes from these myths and legends.
Lastly, incorporate a culinary experience to conclude this cultural journey! Invite your students to bring in Peruvian-inspired snacks and drinks for the class to try together. This can include dishes like causa, a potato-based dish typically served cold, or chicha morada, a delicious purple corn drink.
Teaching your K-12 students about Peru’s flag colors can be an engaging and interactive learning experience. Incorporating these varied activities will not only help them understand the significance of each color but also inspire them another way to view the world beyond their own borders.
