I Pledge Allegiance

On September 11, 2001, I got up early because that was the only time my apartment of six was quiet. I read the entire New York Times and headed up to my early Economics class. When I got there, I learned of the attacks in New York.

How do I teach of this historic happening without causing my children undue fear? I am not sure yet. My son is only 6, and we talk about it a little more each year. This year, I’m focusing on what it means to be an American.

We’re going to study the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem today in honor of Patriot’s Day. What better way to learn about being an American than by declaring “I pledge allegiance” to this country!

I made a little booklet of the Pledge of Allegiance. If you too would like to study it today, print it out, glue the inside pages, and quarter-fold it to have your own simple booklet with the words.

There are vocabulary lessons enough in that for a week!

I hope this day of remembrance is a peaceful one for you, as you ponder what being an American means for you.