How to Teach Patriotism and Respect by Ben Johnson and posted on the Edutopia webpage.
I found this post to be rather dull, but that it did go into a very important issue that many Americans believe is occurring today, a loss of patriotism.
The author of the post describes how younger and older students act during the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance while at school. Younger students tend to recite the Pledge well, even if they are just emulating their teacher, while older students tend to not recite the Pledge when given the opportunity, or show a lack of respect while doing so (not standing up straight, not placing their hand over their heart, etc). The author then goes into how it is the teacher's role to teach patriotism to their students and that saying the Pledge of Allegiance is a way to showcase our patriotism.
I do remember attending elementary school and having to recite the Pledge. I am unaware if elementary schools in Michigan are still doing this (I teach secondary education) but I hope they still do. I agree with the author that the Pledge is a great was to show our patriotism. If anything else, saying the Pledge can lead to students thinking for themselves on what the Pledge is about and what it means to them.
However, I do believe that there is more to being patriotic than simply reciting essentially what are just words. I have seen many people waiving American flags, yet still do not believe in freedom (or individual rights) for all. I feel that a teacher needs to have students learn about our great country and what it means to be American, not just by learning a few words and reciting them daily. I would take a student knowing about the history of our country, and the various freedoms we do have, over them simply learning the Pledge verbatim without any meaning behind it.
Trevor,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I feel students just think reciting the pledge of allegiance is part of their day and go through the motions. I think patriotism is something that happens as we get older and have a better appreciation for our freedom and the cost of that freedom. I think there is a greater feeling of patriotism when kids and young adults learn about the wars we have fought in and the stories about the men and women who gave their lives so that we can live the way we do.
Trevor,
ReplyDeleteSuch an appropriate post. It can be hard to teach kids the value of patriotism but is essential. In some ways kids can have a hard time understanding the concepts making the teachers job even harder.