Will (6 1/2) and Christina (1 1/2) during an in-house parade in 1992.
Child-led learning is a natural part of Montessori education. Our family found that child-led learning also worked well for patriotism. Our child-led patriotism mainly consisted of following our children’s lead in choosing patriotic holiday activities.
It didn’t take a lot of observation to discover that our children loved fireworks and parades. We traditionally found the largest fireworks display that was accessible and attended parades whenever they were available for patriotic holidays.
I generally started holiday celebrations by reading a book aloud that described the background of the holiday. After that, we embarked on a family outing or Will and Christina created an activity based on the holiday.
When our children were little, in-house “parades” were popular. Will and Christina decorated a wagon or other parade vehicle, or they carried flags and paraded through our house with my husband and me as the audience.
Fourth of July parades in Vail, Colorado, are always a highlight.
Our Fourth of July outings were probably our family patriotic highlight each year. Vail, Colorado, became a favorite destination. The parade in Vail is both fun and inspiring. And we have yet to find a better fireworks display than the 4th of July fireworks choreographed to music over the lake in nearby Avon, Colorado.
As they grew older and were figure skaters competing internationally, Will and Christina gained a first-hand appreciation of countries and cultures around the world. Christina has even lived in England the past four years.
Still, our family’s child-led patriotism worked well for us. Our children ended up with the ability to appreciate other countries and cultures but with a deeper sense that, first and foremost, they are—and are proud to be—American.
Has your family experienced any child-led patriotism?
I think I'm going to try some child-led patriotism this weekend. Instead of coming up with all the ideas to celebrate the holiday myself, I'm going to ask my girls and see what they come up with! Thanks!
~Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer! The only difficult thing now is when we can’t all be together on a holiday. We have so many wonderful memories from our child-led patriotic holidays that it’s especially difficult to be apart. But this 4th of July, we’ll all be together. Yay!!
Awesome idea to let the kids lead the learning! 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Joy! I always love looking at the photos and reliving the memories of those wonderful child-led holidays!
how fun to compete at that level. Definitely does open our eyes to others around us in the same world! And pride for our own home!
great post
Stef
The Homeschool Village
Thanks, Stef! I’m so grateful for all the amazing experiences my children were able to have through competing in international figure-skating competitions. And it’s true that they developed an even greater appreciation for all the wonderful opportunities we as Americans have.
I love parades!! They don't make them like the use to though….Child-led activities are awesome…I do believe they are more focused because they have genuine interest in the subject matter…we will follow along these lines this coming year…I have gone from School at home to more of a Charlotte Mason philosophy. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
Thanks for your comment, Jessica! Capturing a child’s interest definitely makes a huge difference, doesn’t it?! I hope you’ve been having a wonderful 4th of July holiday as well!
4th of July is a hard one to explain to my autistic daughter. She knows the Pledge of Allegiance and can recognize the flag, but I'm not sure what her comprehension of it is beyond that. Not that it would help her understand any better, but she can never stay awake for the fireworks!
P.S. visiting from Moms Loop Comment Follow!
Thanks for visiting, Lynn! It sounds like you’re giving your daughter a good introduction. It’s probably best to observe which patriotic activities your daughter responds to and especially emphasize those. Then she’ll develop an understanding and appreciation the easiest.
Stopping from Mom Loop! This is a wonderful way to learn.
I appreciate the visits from the Blog Frog Mom Loop. Thanks for your kind comment!
What a great way to learn! Mine are still really young but I love the idea. Awesome picture of the in-house parade too- made me smile!
Thanks so much, Melissa! Your comment made me smile! 🙂