Category Archives: patriotism

Teaching Patriotism Begins With Singing

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Jennie

Today is Armed Forces Day. Teaching patriotism is something I do in my classroom, and I do it frequently. It is rarely a planned activity; it just happens.  Much like teaching kindness or giving, or even bravery, the learning comes from doing. … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, children's books, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, military, music, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

The Violin and Ice Hockey and St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Jennie

Tonight, St. Patrick’s Day, the Boston Bruins play the Tampa Bay Lightening.  Two great ice hockey teams.  The National Anthem always introduces the game with a variety of singers.  Not tonight.  Two musicians played “The Star Spangled Banner” – a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 44 Comments

How the Circus Brought Patriotism into My Classroom

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Jennie

Patriotism. I have always felt pride in America.  It was just part of my growing up, and that’s a good thing.  My fifth grade teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us to sing all the patriotic songs.  She sang with gusto, and … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, patriotism, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 39 Comments

Never Forget

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Jennie
Posted in patriotism, Peace | Tagged | 11 Comments

Remembering 9/11 and Teaching Goodness

Posted on September 10, 2017 by Jennie

How do we deal with 9/11?  How do we honor and respect those who risked their lives?  How do we face a tragedy, and find goodness and strength?  Most importantly, how do we do this with young children? The tragic … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, patriotism, Peace, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Rekindling American Pride

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Jennie

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Meeting our Sergeant Pen-Pal, At Last

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Jennie

Our pen-pal returned home from Afghanistan! It was quite a reunion.  After many months of corresponding with each other- sending giant letters, pictures, drawings, and care packages- Sergeant Curran walked into my classroom to meet the children.  They were so … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, military, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Making “The Star-Spangled Banner” Come Alive

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Jennie

Every year I make our country’s National Anthem ‘come alive’ for my preschoolers.  This is a hard song to sing, especially for children.  They know the tune, and thanks to baseball on television and sporting events, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, Peace, picture books, reading, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Memorial Day With Children

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Jennie

There’s nothing like greeting a soldier in dress uniform.  For young children, they are in awe.  That presence naturally commands respect.  I hosted our school’s Memorial Day Remembrance on Friday, with Army Sergeant First Class John as our guest speaker.  As John looked at … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Our Memory Garden

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jennie

As Memorial Day approaches, I think of our Memory Garden at school.  It is a place to host our Memorial Day Remembrance for children and families, and a place to celebrate the hero in all of us on Kindness Peace … Continue reading →

Posted in patriotism, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments