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.

For more patriotic fun, join us for these 4th of July activities and crafts.

How to teach patriotism to your children - 10 tips

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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.

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 Fourth of July StoryThe Night Before the Fourth of JulyThe Night Before the Fourth of JulyThe Berenstain Bears God Bless Our CountryThe Berenstain Bears God Bless Our CountryF Is for FlagF Is for Flag

 

Story Of Americas BirthdayStory Of Americas BirthdayA Is for America: An American AlphabetA Is for America: An American AlphabetApple Pie Fourth of JulyApple Pie Fourth of JulyAmerica the BeautifulAmerica 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!

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 Banners4th of July Decorations Outdoor Hanging Banners4th of July Decorations Outdoor Hanging BannersAmerican Flag Bunting Patriotic Pleated Fan FlagAmerican Flag Bunting Patriotic Pleated Fan FlagAmerican Flag Bunting Patriotic Pleated Fan Flag4th of July Decor,Set of 2 American Flag Windsocks4th of July Decor,Set of 2 American Flag Windsocks4th of July Decor,Set of 2 American Flag WindsocksAmerican Flag Lights with 420 Super Bright LEDs - WaterproofAmerican Flag Lights with 420 Super Bright LEDs – WaterproofAmerican 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.

american flag

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.

Patriotic 4th of July Garden FlagPatriotic 4th of July Garden FlagPatriotic 4th of July Garden Flag12 Pack Small American Flags12 Pack Small American Flags12 Pack Small American Flags12 Pcs Artificial Chrysanthemums Flowers12 Pcs Artificial Chrysanthemums Flowers12 Pcs Artificial Chrysanthemums FlowersUSA Banner Burlap Bunting 4th of July DecorationUSA Banner Burlap Bunting 4th of July DecorationUSA Banner Burlap Bunting 4th of July Decoration

10. List ways to thank, honor, and give back to those who defend our country.

rows of american flags

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.

July 4th Wreath Patriotic Americana WreathJuly 4th Wreath Patriotic Americana WreathJuly 4th Wreath Patriotic Americana WreathPatriotic Burlap WreathPatriotic Burlap WreathPatriotic Burlap Wreath22IN Artifical Patriotic Wreath22IN Artifical Patriotic Wreath22IN Artifical Patriotic WreathMemorial Day Door Sign Independence Day WreathMemorial Day Door Sign Independence Day WreathMemorial Day Door Sign Independence Day Wreath

“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.

roman candle fireworks

“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.

Easy 4th of July Printable Activities

Celebrate the spirit of independence and patriotic joy with these vibrant collection of 4th of July Printable Activities.

One Comment

  1. 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.

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