Dream Flag Project 1. Summary

a. What is the project?

b. Why is it a great Project for

students?

2. Requirements a. What do you need to do to be

part of the Project?

3. To Start a. Creating a Dream Flag Account

b. Focusing on Dreams

c. Focusing on Poetry

4. Creating Dream Flags a. Assign Poems b. Make Time to Create c. How to Make Dream Flags d. Sample templates schedules

5. Contact Information a. My contact information b. Contact information for the Agnes school

6. Worksheets / Printables a. Langston Hughes Poetry

b. Oral Presentation

c. Poem Options

d. Descriptions for the Clothesline

e. Sign Up Sheet

f. Dream Flag Reminders

g.

7. Relevant Links a. Links to the dream flag project,

past projects, and videos

Photo of Langston Hughes by Carl Van Vechten

Summary The dream flag project is an annual poetry / art / community connection project for

students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade started in 2003 by the Agnes

Irwin School in Pennsylvania. More than 40,000 dream flags have been made from

students worldwide!

To participate students read the work of Langston Hughes focusing on his poetry

about dreams. Then, they create their own dream poems and put them on a cloth

(8½ by 11 inches) which will be their dream flag. Dream flags are decorated different

ways depending on the students’ capabilities and desires. Finally the Dream Flags,

similar to Tibetan Prayer Flags, are attached to a line and displayed around the

school (or other public places.

This is a great project to encourage students to dream! Studies show that when

goals are visualized or written people are more motivated to accomplish them. This

is a chance to help out students get one step closer to accomplishing their dreams

while realizing that dreams are international. Regardless of location or age many

students have the same dreams!

For our English courses this also emphasizes the importance of English as poems

are done by students from many different countries, but all of them are in English.

Requirements This project has very few requirements. For your convenience the below could be considered

a checklist of what must happen to be part of the official Dream Flag Project.

Teachers should register (for free) at the dream flag website.

Students must be familiar with the works of Langston Hughes

Students must write a poem about their dreams

Students must transfer this

dream to a dream flag

o The dream flag is fabric 8 ½

by 11 inches in size.

o Their poem should be

written vertically as the

dream flag will be hung

vertically

Dream Flags should be

attached to a line and hung

around school

Dream Flags may be uploaded to the dream flag gallery.

OPTIONAL

Dream Flags may be part of your community! See if you can display the dream flags

locally! Malls, City Halls and Hospitals are great places to ask.

Two poems can be sent to be displayed at part of a brochure.

Two poems may be part of a video viewed at the ceremony.

Dream flags may be sent to the USA and displayed as part of a ceremony in April

(they must be mailed in March).

o If this is done label flags MUST be attached to the lines stating your school, its

location and location.

o They may also be “travel” flags which are displayed year round.

To Start 1. Go to

dreamflags.org/members/create

and find your school. In my case

it is Tecnológico de Monterrey

Campus Sinaloa. If your school is

not registered you can add it.

2. Once your school is registered,

you can add your name as a

member of the school group.

You’ll need to give some

information like your e-mail, the

grades you teach, and a phone

number.

3. Activate your profile for the current year.

4. That’s it! You’re ready to get

started! Before you delve into the

project you can look around the

site. To start, see the flag gallery.

You can use the drop down menu

to find other schools at your level.

That way you can find flags from

students similar to your students.

5. You may also like to check out the resources page. This is filled with ideas for

teaching poetry, creating the dream flags and putting it all together.

6. Get the topic of dreams and hopes in your class.

Personalization- Discuss their dreams. This can be done at MANY levels.

What jobs do they want? What schools do they want to attend? If they

won a million dollars what would they do with it? If they could change

anything about the world, what would they change? What solution do

they have to a problem with world has?

Characterization- When you are reading literature make sure to discuss the

characters dreams. What does Gordie from “The Body” dream about? In “The

Odyssey” what does Odysseus dream about? What are the dreams of the “Three little

pigs?” Etc. This works for nonfiction too! What were Ghandi’s dreams?

Note that while you CAN discuss literal dreams (flying, dying, going to

school naked) try to pull more from your students.

Symbols- If your students are stuck on the word dream meaning

something you have when you sleep then this Path in the Woods activity

may be helpful. Plus, it helps them practice symbols which is a needed

skill.

7. Get the topic of poetry in your class. Again, this can be done many ways

following are some examples

Introduce different types of poetry (acrostic, haiku, etc.) There’s an

assignment that works well here.

You can encourage a more free verse type of poetry (like Langston

tended to use).

8. Get the topic of Langston Hughes in your class

Read his short stories: Thank You Ma’m works wonderfully with most

classes as it is short and easy to understand.

Read his poems: There are two opportunities in the packet where

students can work with his poems. during an oral presentation, and

during an in class discussion.

Creating Dream Flags Again there are many different ways to do this, following is one technique I have

found works well.

1. Students write their poems and submit them to you.

a. Grade the students work and return it.

2. Return the poems

3. Give students time to work on their dream flags. There are many different

ways to do this.

a. Assign the dream flags as homework.

Doesn’t disrupt the flow of class

Allows students to work at their own pace

- Students need to have their own supplies

- Students need to be able to follow directions well on their own

b. Arrange to have the students work on the dream flags in class.

Supervise students to make sure they avoid errors and follow the

rules.

Students can help one another.

It is easier for students to share supplies with one another

Less space is needed.

- You will need LOTS of supplies as all students will be using them

at the same time.

- You must be very careful to keep the classroom clean

- If you are using sharpies be sure the space is well ventilated

c. “Cancel” a day of class and have students come in small groups for 30

minutes each.

It is easier to share supplies

The teacher can supervise and be sure that students are working

Since there are small groups the students and teacher really

interact which is great for the atmosphere of the class.

- This takes a LOT of teacher time. Normally I teach forty students

for 3 hours on Friday. When I do this I spend twice the time.

- It can be hard to schedule (I’ve never had problems, but it could)

4. Make the Flags

a. I encourage students to bring their

own but I do provide markers,

watercolors and puffy paints.

b. BEFORE they start remember to

make the flags vertical NOT

horizontal. Also that they leave

some room up top to hang.

c. Tape the fabric to the table. If you

plan on using sharpies be sure

paper or old newspaper is under

the fabric (or it will leak through

and stain )

d. Some teachers suggest putting

sandpaper under the fabric (to

make sure it stays in place). I’ve

always been fine with just tape, but

this may be something to consider.

e. Have students transfer the poem

BEFORE they start decorating (pen / marker first, then paint over if

they want)

f. If you have them in small groups use this time to talk to your students

and help them relax around you.

g. If students used paints or non-permanent markers and you plan on

displaying these outside consider “setting” the flag with hairspray or

by ironing it.

h. Once students have finished find a place to let them dry overnight

(at least) before you move them too much.

5. Make the holders.

a. Have students cut small holes in the top of

their dream flags.

b. Cut small strips of cloth (from the t-shirts)

c. Put these strips through the wholes and

tie them once.

d. Then use these holds to securely fasten

the dream flags to the clothes line.

e. There are other methods you can try seen

http://dreamflags.org/resources/connect-

attaching-flags-to-a-line1

6. Hang the flags!

a. For ease, I have the students attach their own flags

b. Be sure to knot the holders well so that the flags stay in place.

c. The flags are suggested to be spaced 2-3 inches away from one another.

d. Attach some sort of explanation to the line, otherwise visitors and other

students may not get it

e. Try to keep them up for at least a few day

7. Ship them / Store them

a. If you aren’t sending them off right away, it is easiest to store them

attached to the rope.

b. If you are shipping them off they MUST be attached to the ripe.

c. Make sure all the flags are securely tied and that each flag is about 2-3

inches away from the next.

d. If you are sending more than twenty flags you’ll need to send them on

different lines. More than twenty flags per line is hard to maneuver, so

they request a maximum of twenty flags before moving onto a new line.

e. Have a label flag on your line with the name, location and grades for

your students.

f. If you wish for your flags to be part of the “travel flags” those that visit

hospitals, city halls and other schools, give them a note saying you want

to be part of the travelling flag program.

g. A return label for your school

Contact Information The Dream Flag Project®

The Agnes Irwin School Ithan Ave. and Conestoga Road

Rosemont, PA 19010

USA

610-525-8400

info@dreamflags.org The main contact e-mail

jharlan@agnesirwin.org Jeff Harlan is the Director

Want to hear from a teacher who has done it before? You can contact me!

CarissaPeck@gmail.com

https://twitter.com/eslcarissa

https://www.facebook.com/mELTingIdeas

Worksheets / Printables There are so many different worksheets and printables out there that I couldn’t

possibly include them all. Following are some I have made that may be helpful to

you. Please adapt them to best suit your students.

Langston Hughes Poetry We have discussed Langston Hughes in class. Langston Hughes wrote these poems:

Dream Keeper

Bring me all of your

dreams,

You dreamer,

Bring me all your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud-cloth

Away from the too-rough

fingers

Of the world.

1. What examples of

figurative language do

you see in these

poems?

2. Do you see rhyme or

rhythm in the poems?

Where?

3. How many new words

do you see? What do

you think they mean?

Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream

deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

4. Judging from the

poems above what are

Lagnston Hughes’

dreams?

5. Do you think his

dreams have come

true today?

I, Too

I, too, sing America

I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the

kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh

And eat well,

And grow strong.

Tomorrow,

I'll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody'll dare

Say to me,

"Eat in the kitchen,"

Then.

Besides,

They'll see how beautiful I

am

And be ashamed --

I too, am America

What is a heart melody?

Why would you wrap a dream in a cloud-cloth?

How could a dream explode?

What would happen if a dream runs like a sore?

VOCABULARY

Sore ______________________________

Deferred ______________________________

Fester ______________________________

Rasin ______________________________

Rot ______________________________

Load ______________________________

Dare ______________________________

Ashamed ______________________________

Crust ______________________________

Run ______________________________

Oral Presentation You must prepare and present a 3minute speech on one of Langston Hughes’s

poems. Your presentation CANNOT be made up. Please be sure to attend class.

Your speech may include

A recitation of the poem

Background on the poem etc.

A PowerPoint, or poster providing a visual for your poem.

Your presentation MUST include ONE of the following:

1. How the poem makes you feel and WHY

2. If you think it is a good poem or not and WHY

or

3. Why this poem reminds you of something and WHY

Your speech should follow the following format:

Attention Getter: Say something that will get our attention

Thesis: Explain what you are trying to prove. Recite the poem if you like.

Refutation: Explain why others may disagree

Concession: Give evidence to the refutation

Refutation: Explain why the other people are mistaken

Thesis/ Topic Sentence: Restate your thesis OR get more specific with your

argument

Main Idea: Give support from the poem

Example: Explain why the support supports your main point

Main Idea: Give support from the poem

Example: Explain why the support supports your main point

Main Idea: Give support from the poem

Example: Explain why the support supports your main point

Conclusion: Restate your main ideas.

You may use notes as a reference ONLY. You should NOT them directly.

POEM OPTIONS This is a multistep assignment. Follow the directions carefully.

1. Look at the directions and the samples for the type of poem you were

given

2. Write that type of poem about anything you like!

3. When you finish raise your hand, your teacher would like to check

4. If your teacher approved your poem try to write one more.

5. When the teacher says stand up and find the other students with your

type of poem.

6. As a group make the best poem you can about your dreams. Remember

to use your assigned format.

7. Using your sample poem, create a short video (like here) about your

poem type.

a. It MUST include the rules of your poetry

b. Your example poem

8. Listen to your classmates discuss other types of poerty. Which do you

like? Which do you dislike? Why?

9. Your assignment is to pick one of the poetry types following (or write in

free verse) and write a poem about your dream. It can be anything

appropriate for class. Pay attention to the examples for inspiration.

NOTE. Your poem MUST

1. Have a title

2. Have your name

3. CLEARLY follow one of the poem

types (if needed add this information

to the back)

4. Be presented well (it should be typed

UNLESS it is presented artistically in

a way which is not typed)

5. Be your own!

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1. CINQUAIN DIRECTIONS Line 1: A noun which conceptualizes your dream Line 2. Two adjectives that describe your dream.

Line 3: Three verbs that relate to the topic. Line 4: Four-Six words describing your dream

Line 5: A synonym of your first word

Examples No Bang Silence

Peaceful, Fearless Playing, Enjoying, De-stressing

No explosions or gun shots Unarmed

Helping Doctor

Helpful, Smart Working, Curing, Fixing A man in a white coat

Healer

2. A DIAMOND POEM

DIRECTIONS

Line 1: Think of one noun which conceptualizes your dream to you.

Line 2: Use two words (adjectives) that describe the noun in line one

Line 3: Think of three actions (verbs) associated with your dream

Line 4: Write a four-six word phrase about your dream

Line 5: Use three actions

Line 6: two adjectives

Line 7: a renaming noun for the topic

NOTE: It may help to have the first half of the poem be words that represent the struggle,

while the last half of the poem represents the outcome.

Examples

To See it All Travel

Mind-Boggling, Shocking Exploring, Eating, Sampling A passport filled with stamps

Seeing, Speaking, Living Cultured, Aware

The World

A disappearance of blood Consideration

Sympathetic, Respectful Listening, Caring, Supporting A universal end to bloodshed

Talking, Celebrating, Enjoying

Better, Happy Peace

A Teacher’s Dream Triumph

Difficult, Time-consuming Learning, Inspiring, Trying

My students altering the world Adapting, Diverting, Improving

Contagious, Fruitful Change

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3. Haiku

Traditionally this Japanese form of poetry is about nature. In this case use it to express your feelings about your dream

Directions The first line contains 5 syllables

The second line contains 7 syllables

The third line contains 5 syllables

The Best Day

Waving her hand high

I see my mother’s large smile

As I graduate

Not mine

The chirping bird stops

Others let their dreams be

stopped

I won’t let mine stop

Possible

My dream is simple

Others like to say I can’t

My dream: show I can

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4. Acrostic Directions

Pick a word that adequately describes your dream. Using each letter of the word write a

poem about your dream.

Example: Where’s the heart without a home?

Hardly anyone deserves to sleep without a bed

On the other hand some people sleep without a nice place to put their head

Many people need a place to stay safe from rain and sun

Everyone should find a way to see that is it done

5. Catalog

Directions

Think of what your dream is? Why is it your dream? What would happen? A catalog poem

is simply a list of what something is composed of. These can be as long as you like, for the

sake of space, both of the examples below are only list four examples.

Drug Free Mothers returning

Jobs kept

Less illness

Less death

Souls No more cold feet No more tetanus from rusty nailed steps No more embarrassed stares Shoes for everyone

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6. Quatrain

Directions

Each line is about the same length. Lines one and three rhyme and Lines two and four rhyme. OR

Lines one and two rhyme and lines three and four rhyme.

Examples

Worldwide education

Every child should be in school

Some may think it isn’t fun or cool

Everyone should have a chance

To learn a bit and to advance

Traveling without leaving

Letters, words, sentences, & everything in a book

Everyone should be able to read them if they look

Those who can’t should get help & extra time

Learning how to read may be hard, but it surely worth the time

Sign Up Sheets

Name: ____________________________ Class Time: ________________

Please write THREE times that you would like to make your dream flag. Keep in mind it will need to be for 30 minutes!

For example: 1. Monday 8:30-9:00 2. Tuesday 9:00-9:30 3. Tuesday 10:00-10:30

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name: ____________________________ Class Time: ________________

Please write THREE times that you would like to make your dream flag. Keep in mind it will need to be for 30 minutes!

For example: 1. Monday 8:30-9:00 2. Tuesday 9:00-9:30 3. Tuesday 10:00-10:30

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name: ____________________________ Class Time: ________________

Please write THREE times that you would like to make your dream flag. Keep in mind it will need to be for 30 minutes!

For example: 1. Monday 8:30-9:00 2. Tuesday 9:00-9:30 3. Tuesday 10:00-10:30

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

Dream Flag Times What you need to know. Come prepared!

You need to have two pieces of material 8½ inches by 11 inches (about the size of a piece of paper).

o You may use any type of fabric, but the easiest is to cut an old t-shirt

o You may use any color, but the colors are light (pastels, or white) so that you can decorate it easily.

o If you want to bring more than two (in case you mess up) you are welcome! We can always save extras.

Bring your poem!

o OPTIONAL If you want to buy iron-on transfers, you can print your poem onto the special paper, iron it

to your material and peel it off. This works well if you have a long poem, or your handwriting is bad.

Bring any supplies you like

o We will have some markers for writing, some paints for dots / lines, and some watercolors, but you may

like to bring:

Feathers, Sequins, Thread, Markers (for coloring), paints (if you would like to paint large

sections), beads, ribbon, etc.

You will be showing up at the designated time below to prepare your dream flag. During this time you may also be asked

to help other students (not in our class) create their own dream flags.

You may show up early, but you don’t get to leave the table early.

You should NOT show up late. If you show up late you will be expected to stay later, or come back at a later time.

Tuesday

1. 2:30-3:00

2. 3:00-3:30

3. 3:30-4:00

4. 4:00-4:30

5. 4:30-5:00

6. 5:00-5:30

Wednesday

1. 11:30-12:00

2. 12:00-12:30

3. 12:30-1:00

4. 1:00-1:30

5. 1:30-2:00

6. 2:00-2:30

Thursday

1. 8:00-8:30

2. 8:30-9:00

3. 9:00-9:30

4. 9:30-10:00

5. 10:00-10:30

6. 10:30-11:00

7. 11:00-11:30

8. 11:30-12:00

9. 12:00-12:30

10. 12:30-1:00

11. 1:00-1:30

12. 1:30-2:00

13. 2:00-2:30

Hi Teachers I hope everything is going well with your classes! I just wanted to send a quick message to let

you know about an activity my students are doing. We are making Dream Flags to be displayed around

the school and shared online with other schools participating. A Dream Flag is a flag with poetry that

expresses the student’s hopes and dreams. In March some of these flags will be sent to Philadelphia

Dream Flag Celebration at The National Constitution Center in Pennsylvania where they will be linked

with other dream flags contributed from other students worldwide. Before that they will be uploaded

to the flag gallery where they can be shared with others.

Since this activity will be done in English, it can be a great activity for any literature classes. It

discusses dreams as well, so it could be suitable for a philosophy class. If nothing else, this will help

them put their dreams in writing which means we are helping them get one step closer to achieving

their goals! If your students would like to make a flag, they are welcome. I would be willing to sign

papers, have a signup sheet, or photograph the students if you choose to offer extra credit and want

proof they attended, just let me know!

We will be working on our dream flags from _______am-_________ Tuesday

________________ and from _______-_______pm Thursday ___________. We will be

_________________________________.

We will have sample poems, videos explaining how to write a poem, and some materials

(paints, markers etc.) to help your students make a beautiful flag!

If you need to know anything else feel free to contact me.

Kind Regards,

What are these? These are dream flags!

What are dream flags? Dream flags are inspired by Tibetan Prayer Flags as well as

the poetry of Langston Hughes. They have the students’

dreams on them in the form of poetry.

Who made them? These flags were created by the Advanced I English class,

but students worldwide make dream flags!

Why? Dream Flags encourage students to dream! As an annual art

and poetry event it is a great chance for students all over to

be part of something international.

What kind of dreams? Some of the dreams are for a better future for everyone

whereas others are a bit more personal. However, ALL of

them are as unique as the students.

You are invited to read the poems now and think about

your dreams. This April they will be sent to Philadelphia

to be part of the international Dream Flag celebration!

¿QuÉ son ÉstAs? ¡Estas son dream flags!

¿Qué son dream flags? Dream flags están inspirados por las banderas de oración

tibetanas, como la poesía de Langston Hughes. Tienen

sueños de los estudiantes en la forma de versos.

¿Quién lAs hizo? La clase Advanced I English hizo estas banderas, pero

estudiantes de todo el mundo las hacen de sus sueños.

¿Por qué? ¡Dream Flags estimulan a los estudiantes a soñar! Como un

evento de arte y poesía anual es una gran oportunidad para

conectarse a nivel internacional.

¿Qué tipo de sueños? Algunos de los sueños son para un futuro mejor para todos.

Hay otras que son un poco más personales, sin embargo,

todas son tan únicas como los jovenes.

Estás invitado a leer los poemas y pensar en tus propios

sueños. En abril 2014 los enviaremos a Filadelfia para ser

parte de la celebración internacional de Dream Flags.

Links The Dream Flag Project webpage: http://dreamflags.org/

Thank You Ma’m Quizlet vocabulary words

http://quizlet.com/30160045/flashcards

A video on the different types of poems (made by students!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N4dCq2CBXo

A post with the 2013-2014 ITESM Dream Flags including the video

http://eslcarissa.blogspot.mx/2014/04/the-dream-flag-celebration-is-

this.html