Easy Explanation of the Pledge of Allegiance for Kids
Kids in many classrooms across the country recite the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. As young as prekindergarten age, kids recite the pledge from memory. However, some may have no knowledge of the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance or that laws exist that mandate how people must behave while reciting it. With a few simple explanations, kids can gain a deeper understanding of the words they recite during the Pledge of Allegiance .
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History
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Explain that a man named Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge of Allegiance for a magazine named "The Youth's Companion" in 1892. He wrote it as way to commemorate the 400th anniversary of America's discovery. Children have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools since the late 1800s, but it was not until 1942 that Congress passed an act making it the official pledge of the United States.
Meaning
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Children often recite the Pledge of Allegiance correctly before they completely understand the meaning behind the words. Help children make a chart, and have them think of simpler words for each line of the Pledge of Allegiance. For example, the line "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..." translated simply for children may read, "I promise to be loyal to my country."
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Etiquette
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Describe the rules of etiquette regarding the Pledge of Allegiance to children so they understand why people place their hands over their hearts, stand or remove hats. The actions people take while reciting the pledge are more than customs or manners. Tell children about the United States Code, in which laws about flag etiquette are written. The code states that all people must stand at attention, face the flag, place their right hands over their hearts and remove any hats when reciting the pledge.
Traditions
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Explain the traditions for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance so that children understand when the pledge is most commonly recited. One of the most well-known occurrences of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance occurs each morning in every classroom in many states. Some states however, have not adopted this tradition. Both the U.S. Senate and House recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each session.
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References
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