Patriotic Symbols and Practices
Session 1: Pledge of Allegiance

Materials

• Chart of the Pledge of Allegiance
• An American Flag

Instructional Activities

1. Display the American flag. Discuss that the flag is a symbol of the United States of America. Point out that when people see this flag, they know it represents America. Ask students how we show respect for this symbol. Discuss the Pledge of Allegiance. A Web site that may be helpful with this activity is “The Flag of the United States of America”: <http://www.usflag.org/toc.html>. 
   
   
2. Recite the Pledge of Allegiance with students, pointing to the words on the chart as a guide. Remind students that this is a tradition. Review the definition of tradition: A custom or belief that happens over a long period of time. For information on the history of the Pledge of Allegiance, see the following Web site: <http://www.flagday.org/Pages/StoryofPledge.html>.
   
   
3. Discuss the words and meanings listed below. Have students relate the concepts of the Pledge of Allegiance to everyday situations in their lives.
   •     A pledge is a promise.
   •     Allegiance means loyalty.
   •     The word republic means a country with elected leaders.
   •     The word nation means one country.
   •     Indivisible means we cannot be divided.
   •     Liberty means freedom.
   •     Justice means fairness.