{"id":391,"date":"2008-11-19T18:58:37","date_gmt":"2008-11-19T23:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/archives\/391"},"modified":"2008-11-19T18:58:37","modified_gmt":"2008-11-19T23:58:37","slug":"teaching-civics-with-childrens-literature-the-pledge-of-allegiance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/openwidelookinside\/2008\/11\/19\/teaching-civics-with-childrens-literature-the-pledge-of-allegiance\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Civics with Children’s Literature: The Pledge of Allegiance"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"students063_3.jpg\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Saying the pledge of allegiance is something most children do every morning at school. \u00a0However, do they truly understand the meaning of these words, or do they simply have it memorized to their brain? \u00a0How many times have you heard a child say the words incorrectly?\u00a0\u00a0Scholastic’s The Pledge of Allegiance<\/a> both teaches students the words to the pledge of allegiance and connects it to the meaning behind them.<\/p>\n

The Pledge of Allegiance<\/em> goes through the pledge, from beginning to end,\u00a0displaying a phrase on each page. Accompanying this phrase, Scholastic shows a photograph(s) that represent it. \u00a0The first page begins, “I pledge allegiance.” \u00a0This page also displays four children who have placed their hands over their heart. \u00a0My favorite part of this book however, is the last few pages. \u00a0Here Scholastic includes two pages that describe the photos and why their importance to the United States and the pledge. \u00a0There is also a page that answers important questions about the pledge of allegiance.<\/p>\n

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What Does the Pledge of Allegiance Mean?
\nI pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…
\nWhen we “pledge” allegiance,” we promise to be loyal to our country.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There is also a section on the American flag. \u00a0This section lists a number of days that\u00a0citizens of the United States should especially display the flag. \u00a0Scholastic features pictures of the first United States flag and the flag today as well. \u00a0 Here students can learn about the differences and similarities between the flags and what each part of the flag represents. Finally, The Pledge of Allegiance features a Did You Know… section about the United States flag.<\/p>\n

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When a flag gets too old to display, it is burned in a special ceremony.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Through the use of bold photographs and their descriptions, The Pledge of Allegiance<\/em> will surely capture the attention of students.<\/p>\n

Curriculum Connections<\/strong>
\nThe Pledge of Allegiance<\/em> is a great book to introduce, teach, or reinforce the importance of the pledge of allegiance. \u00a0Students will learn how to respect the flag and our country by learning the pledge and understanding its meaning (VA K.9 and 1.1). \u00a0This book also shows many important American symbols. \u00a0Most importantly, students can gain an overall sense of their responsibilities as an American citizen. \u00a0The Pledge of Allegiance<\/em> truly fosters a sense of patriotism in the classroom.
\nAdditional Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n