“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” ~Benjamin Franklin
I believe it is crucial that we teach our children to love America. We need to pass on a respect for and a pride in our great nation. Patriotism may be included in your study of history or some instruction may come naturally through conversation. Other things may need to be specifically planned. Here are some practical ideas for teaching patriotism:
1. Participate in the Veteran’s History Project by interviewing a veteran.
2. Send a care package to a soldier in the military and/or write them a thank you note.
3. Write a letter to the President.
4. Teach your child the pledge of allegiance. Make sure they know every word by heart. Then display the American flag in your homeschool and pledge it often.
5. Teach your child how to respect and care for the American flag.
6. Teach your child the national anthem. Make sure they know every word by heart. Then sing the national anthem often in your homeschool.
7. Sing other patriotic songs.
8. Perform a patriotic play.
9. Attend a patriotic parade or organize one.
10. Watch a patriotic movie.
11. Attend a war reenactment or visit a battle site.
12. Teach your child about the five branches of the military.
13. If possible, plan a trip to Washington D. C. or another patriotic destination.
14. Read patriotic books.
15. Make a patriotic recipe.
16. Teach your child about our basic freedoms in America.
17. Throw a patriotic party.
18. Teach your child the history behind all of our country’s symbols.
19. Teach your child about America’s patriotic holidays.
