Tag Archives: “God Bless America”

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

Thanking Milly, Connecting Generations, and Quilting

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Jennie

Milly turned 88 today.  She has been a beloved friend to children in my classroom for years.  Her story is emergent curriculum on steroids, because everything she touched became a monument.  Really. It happened like this… Many years ago my … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 59 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

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

Singing the Books; From Francis Scott Key, to Irving Berlin, to Woody Guthrie

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Jennie

When I was in fifth grade my teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us songs. I remember her white blouse and black hair, and how she held her arms up in the air when she directed a song. She made us feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Singing “God Bless America”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children love to sing.  Over the years in my classroom a favorite song always emerges; “God Bless America”.  The tune is nice and the words are simple for children to sing.  I bring all types of music into my classroom.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Teaching Patriotism to Young Children

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Jennie

Today was “Red, White, and Blue Day”.  The day before Veterans’ Day is a perfect time to teach patriotism.  How do you teach patriotism to young children?  The best place to start is with singing.  We sang “God Bless America”.  … Continue reading →

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Teaching Patriotism and Singing, Part II

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Jennie

Singing and music are powerful and universal.  Is there a part of “The Star Spangled Banner” that gives you a lump in your throat?  When I sing, “…gave proof through the night”, that does it for me.  We all hold … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Teaching Patriotism

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Jennie

It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and ready.  The circus began with lowering a big … Continue reading →

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Quilting Art With Children: Milly Part II

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Jennie

This is the story of children, a quilter, and how they connected ideas to create art that hangs in national museums.  The first story (prior post) depicts the evolution of the Peace Quilt, and this story is the next chapter.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments