Free printable world flags: Flag coloring pages, geography lessons, printables | Examiner.com

United Nations Day is October 24. There is no more enduring symbol of a nation that the national flag. It 's a thumbnail, an icon for a country. The flag symbolizes pride and rallies people. The flag is flown or lowered to reflect national joy or sorrow. Here are free printable world flags from around the globe. Use these free printable flag coloring pages in geography lessons and social studies cultures units. Students should not be allowed to "free color" the world flags. They should be taught to color them correctly.  Free printable world flags: Flag coloring pages, geography lessons, printables | Examiner.com

Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets

 The story of St. Valentine has nothing to do with flowers and candy or Valentine's Day as we celebrate it on Feb. 14. Except in one way (we'll get to that). It has nothing in common with romance as we know it. But Valentine's story is spiritually romantic. Valentinius was a Roman Christian priest. In those days, this was not popular. In fact, it was downright illegal.



Then-Emperor Claudius II decided he'd make marriage illegal too--so men would give up women go fight his battles. Not exactly an even quid pro quo. But Claudius wasn't the most savvy guy. Anyway, Valentine understood human nature better. He performed underground marriages so people could keep sanctified romances and holy love. Valentine was jailed for his pains.



So, being a helpful and proactive kind of guy, Valentine wrote notes of encouragement to his fellow incarcerated. He signed them "Your Valentine." There grew the card-sending tradition--the only part of the real meaning of Valentine's Day that is practiced today. Valentine was martyred on Feb. 14. It became a holy day--holiday--in the Catholic church.



Predictably, the spiritual bits of the story are ignored for the commercial. True, Valentine's story is based on legend, but most stories of antiquity are oral tradition. Anyway, it seems a more fitting expression of the holiday than just flowers and candy. If you do too, here are free printable Catholic St. Valentine activities and lessons.  Free printable Catholic St. Valentine lesson plans, Valentine's Day worksheets | Examiner.com

Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation

 Black History Month, February in the U.S. is about three things: exploring black culture, grieving the struggles of African Americans and celebrate their triumphs. The U.S. Census Bureau released facts about black Americans--where they've been, are and are going--reports PR Newswire, Jan. 21. And while helpful, stats can only show just so much.  Black History Month movies: African American slavery, abolition, emancipation | Examiner.com