How to Teach Patriotism to Kids
It’s up to us to teach patriotism to our children!
When it comes to patriotism, it’s often up to parents to help kids understand and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
Be sure to check out our other 4th of July activities!
Adorable 4th of July BOOKS
When you’re done playing, enjoy these patriotic 4th of July Books that are a great way to introduce young readers to the history and traditions of this important national holiday.
The Fourth of July StoryThe Night Before the Fourth of JulyThe Berenstain Bears God Bless Our CountryF Is for Flag
Story Of Americas BirthdayA Is for America: An American AlphabetApple Pie Fourth of JulyAmerica the Beautiful
Or enjoy these 4th of July Board Books with your toddlers. It’s the perfect way to tie in the holiday to your Independence Day activities!
From Veterans Day to Memorial Day, thanks to a bold new K-12 school program developed by Boot Campaign, parents around the country have help in teaching lessons of patriotism and the meaning of freedom to their children.
Diana Rambaldi, certified teacher and co-developer of Boot Campaign’s new Patriot League program, is as passionate about America as she is about teaching her class in Nutley, New Jersey.
She has infused patriotism and military support into her classes and her down-time for years, and today she shares the following 10 tips to help parents teach their children to love the red, white and blue.
Teach Patriotism to Kids
Each idea should be modified for a child’s age and can be experienced together as a family.
1. Define “freedom” and display the definition in your home for kids to see regularly.
2. Ask your child to list the freedoms he or she enjoys (playing video games, going to the movies, eating ice cream, etc.) and mention that not every child around the world has those rights.
3. Identify July 4th as our country’s birthday and the day we announced no other country could rule us; discuss America’s road to independence.
4. List ways we can show our patriotism (fly the flag, wear BOOTS!).
4th of July Decorations Outdoor Hanging Banners
American Flag Bunting Patriotic Pleated Fan Flag4th of July Decor,Set of 2 American Flag WindsocksAmerican Flag Lights with 420 Super Bright LEDs – Waterproof
5. Research and share the story of our national anthem and how we identify with it today.
6. Talk about the American flag and ask your child what the flag means to him or her.
7. Explain why we say the Pledge of Allegiance; identify keywords and their meanings including ‘liberty,’ ‘justice,’ and ‘indivisible.’
8. Talk about the troops as our protectors… today’s real superheroes! Discuss how they risk their lives defending our freedom.
9. Give your child positive, age-appropriate opportunities to interact with Military service members and veterans.
Rustic, Red, White & Blue Stars
4th of July Fireworks Celebration – Personalized Modern Farmhouse Wall DecorFourth of July Burlap Bunting Garland4th of July Garden Flag Oh My Stars Patriotic Red White Blue Garden Flag
10. List ways to thank, honor, and give back to those who defend our country.
Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Joey Jones, Boot Campaign’s chief operating officer and father of a six-year-old, believes that parents are essential for fostering patriotism in youngsters and uses Patriot League lessons with his son and the children he meets.
The former explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, himself wounded while deployed to Afghanistan, gives his son simple, age-appropriate, easy-to-digest examples that help him understand why his dad loves America.
“I tell my son to think about all the fun he has, the things he likes to do and places he likes to go,” Jones says, adding, “Our country is the greatest country in the world and very different from other places; I explain that kids in other countries don’t all have the freedom to enjoy the things he does.”
Describing freedom in terms he can relate to at his young age ensures he gets the message.
Jones also believes encouraging children to appreciate and honor military “superheroes” is integral for teaching patriotism, particularly on national holidays like Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day, when our nation’s heroes are remembered with reverence.
“Our Patriot League program is designed to provide educators and parents with tools to help teach and inspire our kids about patriotism and to better understand, appreciate, and value what it means to be citizens in the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave,” says Robyn Payne, Boot Campaign’s chief executive officer.
“Hopefully, parents will take advantage of these 10 Tips on Veterans Day to pass these important lessons on to the next generation of leaders.”
For information on Boot Campaign, please visit bootcampaign.org.
I agree that it is very important to make sure that our children grow up with a sense of love towards this country. Like you said it is important that they hear from their parents the importance of freedom. I think that the use of the pledge of allegiance is a good way for kids to start to develop patriotism. Also, celebrating holidays like the fourth of July will help them to know what this country stands for.