5 Ways to Embrace Patriotism in Your Classroom this Memorial Day

5 Ways to Embrace Patriotism in Your Classroom this Memorial Day

Spring has arrived, and so has another holiday: Memorial Day. Many of us can’t help but feel relieved when this three-day weekend comes around, signaling the unofficial beginning of summer, but Memorial Day can also be a fantastic way to learn about patriotism in our classrooms and honor those that gave their all for our nation, while also creating a day of rest and fun summer activities.

Memorial Day was founded in 1868 with the intention of remembering the lost soldiers in the American Civil War. Who originated the day of memorial is unclear, but one of the first times that Memorial Day was celebrated collectively was by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. He called for “Decoration Day” for soldiers lost in the Civil War. The World Wars in the 20th century generalized the day to be one of remembrance for all soldiers lost, not just one lost in the American Civil War. Congress officially named this celebration “Memorial Day” in 1971 while changing its observance to the last Monday in May.

Perhaps serving in the armed forces to protect our country and our values is one of the most patriotic acts we can do. This act absolutely deserves to be honored. Here are five ways you can easily embrace patriotism in your classroom this Memorial Day:

Design a Memorial. Have students observe and learn about other memorials we’ve created for soldiers from different wars. After this research, ask students to get creative and design their own memorial for lost military personnel and why they designed it the way that they did.
Study our American Flag. The American flag has history, and it’s fascinating to many of us at Mobile Ed. Dive into why a flag is important, who created it, and what each shape and color symbolizes. You could even have students recreate it using papers, paint, or candy—get creative!
Write a Poem. The Star-Spangled Banner was originally a poem by Francis Scott Key. The poem, originally called “The Defense of Fort M'Henry” was penned while watching the American victory over the Maryland fort during the war of 1812. Another way you can get creative this holiday is to let students write their own Star-Spangled Banner—or at least a poem that shows their appreciation for military personnel, freedom, and our incredible country.
Sing a Song. There are many patriotic songs out there you may have heard once or twice. The “Star-Spangled Banner”, “America the Beautiful”, and “God Bless the USA'' are just a few of them. Study some patriotic songs to help students better understand what these songs mean and why people sing them in the first place. Our Spirit of America program at Mobile Ed takes patriotic songs and uses them to help teach students when it means to carry the spirit of America.
Share a Story. Humans learn through stories. Sharing powerful stories with one another can create a closer community and inspire hope in others. Whether it’s a fascinating war story, a historical picture book, or your students’ family stories, create a space to share unique stories about what it means to be an American.

Mobile Ed’s Spirit of America program is one of our most popular programs this time of year. Our performer brings American values to life through music, humor, and audience participation. While explaining the importance of America’s servicemen and women, this program also expands on how music is a way to record and experience history, which your students will be personally introduced to!

The goals of our Spirit of America program are to: