This weeks discussion is Patriotism and in what ways are we growing our love for our country during our homeschool lessons?

With my 2 older kids, we have studied American History and a little bit about how America was founded.  However, I think my kids have learned more through field trips and activities that we have been able to take part in.  We have taken the kids to Appomattox Courthouse, to several different forts and museums.  Showing the kids actually documents and items from the past help them see that it isn’t just a story, but that it was real. 

For the last several years, we have also helped organize a Memorial Day dinner for veterans.  We have had the honor and privilege of listening to first hand accounts of what they did to protect our country and our freedom.  Our son is in the Civil Air Patrol and has taken part in Veteran’s Day program.  Every 4th of July, we talk about why we celebrate this special day.  During the elections, we talk about how we vote and why we need to vote.

It is also important to show your children that you respect authority, like public elect officials, government elect officials, the President.  Even if we did not vote for them, or do not agree with what they do, we still need to show respect.

This 4th of July, we will talk with our children and explain it isn’t just a holiday for cookouts and fireworks.  It is a celebration of the independence of our country.  We will talk about the sacrifices that people made so that we can celebrate this holiday.  We will talk about the soldiers that are still fighting for freedom across the seas.

More importantly we will pray with our kids and thank God for the many men and women who have fought and are still fighting to make sure that we have the freedom.