Teaching Patriotism in Elementary Schools

Patriotism is a growing concern in our nation today.Constitution Day in September, Veterans Day in
One of the ways to teach children patriotism is toNovember, Election Day, in November, Pearl Harbor
have them be in an informative play or program. ManyDay in December, Columbus Day in October, Martin
schools and teachers are looking for programs to fitLuther King Jr. Day in January, Presidents Day in
this description that are easy to put on and take veryFebruary, Memorial Day in May, and of course July 4th
little practice time to present. With all the teaching andin July. All of these times are special events that call
testing that teachers are required to do for the "Nofor some patriotic program and it helps us appreciate
Child Left Behind" idea. It has left them with little time toour freedom more. Another more recent day is 9/11 in
do the creative programs for their students. EvenSeptember to remember those people who serve our
though these are the activities that children willcountry
remember they are the ones that are being eliminatedNothing instills patriotism more than a good patriotic
from schools.song. There are so many on the market today that it
Patriotic programs also need to teach and educateis not hard to find something to fit any patriotic
students in a creative way about their country. Theprogram. Another must for a patriotic program is a
programs or plays show them just what a pricelessgood power point presentation showing our flag, or
gift freedom is for them to celebrate and embrace.maybe even all the flags that have flown over the
Teaching them about respect for their flag, countryUnited States. A good power point can make students
and other patriotic symbols such as the Statue offeel how important that flag really is to them. One of
Liberty, The Liberty Bell, The Washington Monument,the things that I like in programs to teach patriotism is
and the Lincoln Memorial is important for patriotism toto always start the program with the scouts posting
take root in young children.the Colors of the United States of America. One
There are many holidays that students couldyears we had taps played and the students really
participate in patriotic programs. Just a few areenjoyed that, also.