Celebrating Patriotic Holidays
The United States celebrates many patriotic holidays throughout the year. On these days we pause to remember the values of liberty and justice that make our country great, and to be thankful for the remarkable freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America. As you prepare to celebrate these holidays, help your students learn the history behind the observance by taking a multi-faceted look at the meaning of patriotism.
“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” —Abraham Lincoln
Articles
Summer of Celebrations
Scholastic News Edition 2 |
May ,2007
Soon you will be seeing lots of stars and stripes! You may notice people dressed in red, white, and blue. That is because three big patriotic holidays are coming up: Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July.
Celebrate Constitution Day
Scholastic News Online |
September 15,2007
People across the country will honor the Constitution on September 17, Constitution Day. The day officially honors the ratification of the United States Constitution, which was signed into law on September 17, 1787.
Save the Flag
Scholastic Parents |
Find out how to keep yours in shape for summer's patriotic holidays.
From School to Supreme Court
by Tod Olson
The New York Times Upfront |
Three tales of students who spoke out and got the Supreme Court to listen.
Lesson Plans: The Star-Spangled Banner
Scholastic News Online |
Features a lesson plan on the Star Spangled Banner in which students, learn that our flag is a symbol of freedom, make flags, and sing the national anthem.
Activities
Democracy at Work
Stay up-to-date on American politics, explore the presidency through interactive activities, and learn how you can get involved.
Resources
The Flag We Love Extension Activity
by Tarry Lindquist
Instructor Magazine |
Patriotic holidays are great opportunities to reach students about how flags symbolize our national identity and history.
A Poem About the Flag
Complete each rhyme about the American flag by choosing words from a word box.
American Flag Timeline
Answer questions about the American flag based on the given time line.
The First American Flag
Read about the first flag in this reproducible. As you read, you'll find out how to color the flag!
Pledge of Allegiance Vocabulary
We say the Pledge of Allegiance daily, but do we really think about what it means? Review the definitions of important words from the pledge of allegiance in this worksheet and complete the following sentences.
Where Does the Flag Fly? Crossword
The flag flies in many places. Seeing the flag reminds us that we are Americans. Fill out this crossword puzzle with the correct flag-related words.
The Growth of a Nation
On this map of the United States, each state is marked with the year it joined the union. Consult the map to answer question.
Lesson Plans
by Marissa Ochoa
Students learn the significance of various American symbols, such as the U.S. flag, bald eagle, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Patriotism
by Bryna Watkins and Valeta Pafford
Introduces a patriotic lesson unit covering the accomplishments of our government, the courage of our veterans, and the freedoms we enjoy as a result of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Book Lists
Honor America's birthday with fiction and nonfiction that promotes patriotism, encourages reflection, and enlivens history.
Books
Betsy Ross
by Connie Peter Peter Peter Roop
This unique biography of Betsy Ross tells the exciting story of her life using real letters, speeches, and accounts from her family.
The Secret Soldier
by Ann McGovern and Harold Goodwin
The fascinating story of a young woman who disguised herself as a man and fought bravely for American independence during the Revolutionary War.
