20+ Ideas for Incorporating Patriotism in Your Home School Curriculum

One of the greatest aspects of homeschooling is your ability to instill values into your everyday routine. Patriotism is devotion to one’s country, and it perpetuates the idea that your family is part of something greater than themselves. Several home school curriculums have specific resources regarding this topic. Here is a list of 20+ simple ideas you can use to incorporate patriotism into your daily homeschool curriculum:

1. If you’re not already doing this, it is time to begin your day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. You can purchase a very affordable American flag to hang on the wall of your kitchen or classroom. Younger kids will love the Pledge of Allegiance printable that helps them memorize the pledge in a fun and simple way.
2. Add a specific element to your study of the fine arts. Spend time studying patriotic music by learning about writers, their historical background, and why they matter to America. There are plenty of resources that can give you ideas, printables, and musical downloads to help the National Anthem and other American tunes come to life.
3. You can find all kinds of free eBooks on the Internet that provide information about historical documents, poetry, and interesting facts about the Founding Fathers. Memorization is one of the greatest keys to educational success. Choose a patriotic reading once a month to keep patriotism part of your memory work.
4. Have a patriotic tea party that includes all red, white, and blue décor. Include a time of poetry recitation and have your kids chow down on American-themed cookies and snacks. This idea is a fun way to show them how to learn while they celebrate and have fun.
5. Plan a time to create patriotic crafts your kids can use as gifts for neighbors or nursing home residents. One amazing aspect of being an American is the spirit of giving. You can find lots of crafts that only cost a few dollars to create. This idea also gets the kids out of the house and thinking about others.
6. No matter your child’s age, you can still get them involved in what’s happening in America. During Presidential debates, have them sit and take notes about what is discussed. You can also have your own debate right at home. Find a news program that is discussing an important topic that affects American citizens. Ask your child what they think and how they would solve the issue if they were President.

1. Take your kids to the polls with you when it is time to vote. Be sure to discuss politics and stay involved in the local and national elections that are being held. Be a part of the process by displaying signs and doing research on candidates and pressing issues.
2. Hand out trivia sheets or play a trivia game with your kids to help them remember interesting facts about American history, presidents, and important events. This trivia is a fun and competitive way to incorporate patriotism into your home.
3. Post patriotic symbols throughout your home and school room. Have them do a research project on the American flag, the bald eagle, or the Statue of Liberty. For younger kids, there are plenty of printables that help familiarize your child with American symbols.
4. Ready to take art class to the next level? Study the men who are responsible for the portraits that have been painted of each American president. Challenge your students to attempt their own portrait by providing them with paint, brushes, and a canvas.
5. Celebrate presidential birthdays. Maybe you don't want to have a party for every president, and maybe you just want to stick to President’s Day. However, it can be fun for your child to pick a president they find most interesting and celebrate him every year.
6. Write letters to soldiers. One of the greatest ways we can help our kids connect with the reality of sacrifice is to get them involved in writing to those serving in the military. This activity can create a sense of respect and thankfulness for your child once they see that soldiers are real people.

1. Take field trips to government offices. You can visit your local courthouse or meet with a congressman to see how your local government works. Allow government employees to demonstrate how certain offices and processes work. This idea helps your child see things happening in real life and may also spark questions.
2. Visit national parks, landmarks, museums, battlefields, and our nation’s capital. Traveling is a great way to show your child the diversity of the United States of America. It will also help stories from their history books come to life.
3. Have your own flag ceremony. Teach your child the proper etiquette that is required when handling the American flag. Host your own ceremony with your family to teach them respect and honor for our nation’s greatest symbol.
4. Use online resources to help kids memorize patriotic tunes and the names of the 50 states. There are YouTube videos that provide eye-catching cartoons and catchy tunes so your child stays interested in repeating and learning the songs. Music is a great way to memorize.
5. If your budget is a little tight and traveling isn't an option, consider taking virtual tours of historical sites. These tours give your child the opportunity to see these places come to life even if you can’t physically travel there. Choose a tour that fits with the place or event you are currently studying in your history book.
6. Dress up in historical clothing. If you are part of a co-op or homeschool group, your child may have the chance to participate in a historical play or give a monolog of a historical character. If this isn't an option, you can always do this on your own. Dress up and live life the way the pioneers would have for a day. Ask your child what they learned from the experience.
7. Invest in patriotic books. Find story books that have a patriotic theme and teach important details about America. For younger kids, there are board books available to help them learn about the American flag, the Founding Fathers, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Older students may be interested in historical fictions that bring war and romance to life.
8. Keep up with current events and discuss them with your children. Have conversations and friendly debates about the happenings in America, foreign relations, and national tragedies. If it is a hot topic nationally, make your child aware of it. Teach them to have opinions that are based on truth and wisdom.