In the Schoolroom: America the Beautiful – Star Wreaths

May 14, 2022 1,215 Views

Summary

This simple craft for younger children can foster their love of country and pride for our nation, essential lessons for educating them well.

When I was a young elementary school student, every day began with announcements over the loudspeaker followed by a moment of silence for private prayer, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and My Country ‘Tis of Thee. I am not sure this kind of thing happens in schools anymore, but it can happen in our homeschool rooms.

Very few young people seem to know any of the patriotic songs I grew up with, and I find that tragic. It is the kind of thing that can get lost in the busyness of our full homeschool days but instilling this kind of civic pride in your children is an essential part of educating them well.

Fostering a love of country and pride in how our nation has evolved—imperfectly, but with good intentions—is a worthy endeavor.

I am fortunate to have had musical children, so the older piano-playing daughters taught the younger ones (at my request) to sing the national anthem. I taught the older ones with the Wee Sing CD. We would begin each day by saying the pledge facing a photo of the flag and singing the anthem. The Boy Scouts in the family would also give little lessons in flag etiquette, an important part of civic life.

Memorial Day is an opportunity to teach the children that the freedom to sing these songs, recite this pledge, and pray as we wish comes at the expense of countless lives, sacrifices, and honorable, dedicated service to something greater than self.

On a lighter note, here is a simple craft for your younger children to make to hang up and show appreciation for your country.