I really loved working with dream flags these past two semesters. Now that I am leaving, I put together a 20 page "Dream Flags 101" to pass onto the teach who will be taking over the project when I return to San Diego. I am posting it here in case other teachers may find it helpful. It is still a work in progress as I need to add links and make a few edits, so if you find any mistakes, please let me know.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 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.

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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 ______________________________

12. 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.

13. 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!
✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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

14. 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
✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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
✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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

15. 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
✂- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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

16. 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. ______________________________

17. 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

18. 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,

19. 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!

20. ¿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.

21. 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