We are proud to be an American! Of course, religious beliefs of some frown on the idea of being patriotic. In addition to that, a fundamental understanding of the history of the American flag and the things that the stars and stripes represent make school districts feel they have met their obligation of teaching American history along with citizenship education and democratic values. It seems to me that questioning our government and its policies is part of the process of being patriotic. Some information on Flag Day and Independence Day are also in the packet. 525 West 120th Street It is showing that we are grateful to our ancestors who strived to make our country great. Youngsters in junior high tend to take away more from hands-on experiences in real-world contexts in order to understand to cause/effect relationships. This packet contains poems that are fun and tell a story. Well, after a great deal of thought about what was being said, I surmised that many of those no responses were because of the way people interpreted the meaning of the word “patriotism.” Others stated that patriotism means love for your country and countries aren’t appropriate objects of love and that you simply can’t teach love. Teachers can check knowledge gained through writing prompts, worksheets, a graphic organizer and fun activities. It contains anticipation guides to determine knowledge before and after the presented lessons. Our love for our country is our love of one another, no matter our differences. Heffner: what did you mean by it? There are many ways to show people that you love them. I thought that the answer to that question would be a resounding, “Yes!”   Yet, when I started to research online, I found out there are people out there, including educators, that would answer that question with a, “No.” Now why, you might wonder. It is important that students know that they can and should have a sense of pride in being an American. This packet contains poems that are fun and tell a story. Two social studies teachers, Amy VanEeuwen and Lori Langenderfer from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools’ West Middle School, know all about teaching kids about America, being that they teach U.S. history in their classrooms. The dictionaries that I checked (including children’s dictionaries) defined patriotism as love of one’s country. The two educators, who are also moms, have some suggestions for what parents should be ensuring kids in America know. What Patriotism is and What Should be Taught about Patriotis... A discussion of what patriotism is and it being taught in the school systems today. Tell them you voted on election day and discuss the election process. What do you think is the best way to teach citizenship and democracy? Some information on Flag Day and Independence Day are found in the packet. Make sure your students understand the meaning of the words in the Pledge and in patriotic songs. Why do some school districts feel obligated to push patriotism in their schools? As a former teacher, I completely agree that patriotism can and should be taught in our schools. Patriotism Should Be Promoted (rather than taught) in Our Classrooms, The Whimsical Corner Store presents “The American Flag”, Is Your Desk a Mess Again? 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When we teach our children about our country and our flag, we have opportunities to teach them respect, pride, commitment, and honor. How do you teach respect and patriotism? For example, gender roles (e.g., man, woman), occupational roles and religious institutions and beliefs. There is also a poem called “Betsy Ross, Was It You?”  It explains that Betsy Ross may or may not have been the maker of our country’s first flag. Patriotism should be taught in schools. Patriotism Should Be Promoted (rather than taught) in Our Classrooms There are many ways to promote patriotism in our classrooms. For the most part, elementary students do what you tell them to do. But there is a certain "bias" as I called it in the introduction to those who are talking about a particular kind of patriotism that I call "democratic.”, This article appeared in the July 21, 2007 edition of the WNET-TV (PBS)  CH 13 (New York), Teachers College, Columbia University When a California school principal called controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick an “anti-American thug” for his protests during the national anthem at NFL football games, passions were inflamed anew over whether patriotism should be taught in America’s schools. For example, when young people volunteer for a soup kitchen at Christmas or pick up trash surrounding their neighborhood school, they realize at a human level how their actions and attitudes have an impact on the community. Whether you learn about WASP culture in formal educational institutions (e.g., elementary schools, secondary schools) or citizenship classes, one has to be proficient in American history and culture to meet certain academic requirements to graduate from high school or become an American citizen.