Patriot Lessons

 

Q. My daughter says they never say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. She knows very little about American history. How can I make sure she grows up to love the USA?

 

n      At sporting events, teach her that whenever the flag is on the field of play, you should stand.

n      By age 5, children should know to put their hands over their hearts and take a pretty good stab at the words to "Star-Spangled Banner."

n      Teach your child patriotic songs and the stories behind them.

n      Read famous patriotic poems and stories together.

n      Have a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence in your home.

n      Check out biographies from the library about American founders.

n      Ask the teacher and principal for daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Most states have Americanism statutes that schools are supposed to follow.

n      Scan textbooks for Politically Correct distortions about America's past that put our country in a false, negative light. Discuss these with your child.

n      Suggest that your school have an American Heroes day instead of, or in addition to, Halloween.

n      Take your child with you to vote, discuss your choices, and check results together with the next day's newspaper.

n      Shield children from criticism about our country until they're old enough to think for themselves.

n      Watch your own speech; model respect for individuals who are in power.

n      Discuss censorship and oppression in other countries; compare and contrast.

n      On vacations, visit places that are important to American history or culture. Examples: Jamestown; the Statue of Liberty; Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields; Pearl Harbor, and Washington, D.C.

n      Have fun celebrating the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, but also have family observances for Presidents Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day.

n      Display a flag outside your home. Teach your child flag etiquette.

n      Pray with your child every night for our country and its leaders.

 

Homework: Help your child make a folder about your family's "military genealogy." Include facts about the countries and battles your ancestors fought in. Add pictures, letters and documents if you have them. These make a great school report.

 

Copyright 2005 • One in a series of educational advice columns by Susan Darst Williams, www.DailySusan.com, a writer, wife and mother of four who lives at the base of Mount Laundry, Neb.