Introduction to "Patriotic Resources and Activities"
As Patriotic Moms, one of our most important priorities is to help our children grow up to be wonderful people who love America and are prepared to preserve our legacy of liberty.
This week, guest author and blogger, Laurie Cockerell has shared some great ideas about Raising Patriots.
We are in for a treat today as Laurie shares activities we can do with our families that are fun AND teach important principles of patriotism. Today's post is the third in a series of three:
Thank you again, Laurie, for sharing with us!
Please remember to check out Laurie's websites:
Patriotic Resources and Activities
by Laurie Cockerell
First, I would highly recommend you include the following books in your family’s library. Many of these ideas, as well as much of the information I reported in this article can be found in these three books.
- How to Raise an American by Myrna Blyth and Chriss Winston. Crown Forum, 2001.
- How to Raise an American Patriot by Marijo N. Tinlin. Morgan James Publishing, 2011.
- Don’t Let the Kids Drink the Kool-Aid by Marybeth Hicks. Regnery Publishing, 2011.
Through the Year
Grab that calendar off the refrigerator and schedule some of these activities far ahead of their actual dates. That way, you’ll be prepared and can enjoy the anticipation of your new traditions!
Martin Luther King Day
*Watch the original “I Have A Dream” speech at History.com.
*Write your own version of your personal dreams for America.
*Take a virtual tour of Mt Vernon at MountVernon.org.
*Learn about the First Ladies at FirstLadies.org.
*Write a letter to the president---he or she just might write back!
*Write an essay “If I were president….”
*Learn about Memorial Day at USMemorialDay.org.
*Print flags for military branches at EnchantedLearning.com.
*Learn about Medals of Honor at CMOHS.org.
*Support the troops through SoldiersAngels.org.
*Watch war movies together. (Try “Tora! Tora! Tora!”, “The Great Escape” or “The Patriot”)
*Learn flag etiquette at USA-Flag-Site.org.
* Regularly fly your flag, properly.
*Order a flag that flew over the capitol (write your congressman under constituent services).
*Take a virtual tour of Betsy Ross’ home at USHistory.org/betsy/flaghome.html.
*Find historical information about Independence Day.
*Consider holding a neighborhood parade with patriotic/historic character guests fully dressed in
*Line your street with small flags planted in front of each home.
*Discuss the careers of past and present relatives. Make a family “career tree."
*Think of jobs that begin with every letter of the alphabet.
*Take this opportunity to discuss business, economics, capitalism and the free market system.
*Look at the original Constitution at ConstitutionCenter.org.
*Check out the organization Constituting America at ConstitutingAmerica.org.
*Look at the Constitution resources at Hillsdale College.
*Make sure that Constitution Day is observed at your local school.
*Give away pocket Constitutions.
*Find many fun activities and crafts at EnchantedLearning.com.
*Take your kids with you when you vote.
*Hold an election night party.
*Interview a veteran (video or written).
*Write letters to veterans. Submit them to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.
*Make a family “War Heroes Tree.”
*Support active duty soldiers with letters/care packages.
*Thank soldiers in uniform - every day.
*Baby sit/cook for a military family.
*Make a “Thankful Tree” (individual, family and America).
Other Family Activities
Make family trips and visit historic trails, national parks and military bases.
Don’t forget war memorials, historic sites, children’s museums and state parks.
And of course visit your own state capitol and meet your representatives, if they are in session.
Courthouses also make a great rest stop and an opportunity to talk about their role in communities.
*See how your family performs on the Basic Citizenship Test.
*Find this day in history at History.com.
*Learn American songs at ScoutSongs.com.
*Keep a current list of your representatives with their emails and phone numbers handy.
Let your kids write to them with concerns.
*Learn how government works at BensGuide.gpo.gov.
*Read biographies and historical novels, like “Little House” and “American Girl” series.
*Keep a USA map on a wall in your home with travel routes, landmarks, geneology info, etc.
*Watch debates and campaign ads together, discussing promises and policies.
* Watch the news and read the newspaper, grading them on accuracy, objectivity and negativity.
* Discover national symbols at GreatSeal.com.
* Discuss economics with USDebtClock.org.
* Have a patriotic movie night (try “Apollo 13”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, or “1776”).
* Make a family book with your family crest, motto, mission statement, core values and family
* Have dinner table debate with the rule that debaters always use common sense and back up
their opinions with hard facts.
* Compare the United States to other countries by talking to immigrants from other countries.
* Find games and activities at AmericanGirl.com, Kids.gov, and AmericanHistory.si.edu.
* Compare textbooks HistoryTextbooks.org.
* Read William Bennett’s “The Educated Child” for curricula standards for preschool - 8th grade.
* Check out ConservativeChildrensBooks.com for a variety of patriotic and conservative children’s