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Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

  • 1.  Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-14-2021 04:06 PM
    Hello, to all! After years of study and decades of teaching experience, I have found a crossroads of collaborative thought: Is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance developmentally appropriate for a preschool class? Initially, I am persuaded to lean toward it being inappropriate because it is rote, and the symbolic meaning is too abstract for young children to understand. However, another perception is that reciting the Pledge is the beginning of learning these important concepts, similar to learning the ABC's song. What are the potential benefits of reciting the Pledge in a preschool?

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    Sarah Pyle-Shackelford
    Georgetown TX
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  • 2.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 12:51 AM

    I'm sure you and I are not the only preschool teachers to think about this. I personally think that kids younger than 4, may be too young to say the pledge. But, I believe that for Pre-K and older it is okay.  I believe that learning to recite is not a bad thing, even though it is abstract at this age. The reciting is like a "hanging peg," that will be able to be added on to as they get older.  "Saying" the pledge is one of my "student jobs" in the morning. This last year I found a video of a young girl saying the Pledge of Allegiance on YouTube and I had my student leader follow along with the video.  Saying the pledge was really not working well in my classroom, until we started using the video. In previous years I read a book to students: The Pledge of Allegiance by Scholastic, several times throughout the year to discuss the meaning of the pledge. I'm interested to read what other teachers think.



    ------------------------------
    Karen Miller
    Head Start/Pre-K Teacher
    R. B. Cox Elementary
    San Antonio FL
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 12:21 PM

    What about something else resolute, like the Lord's Prayer, for example? Kids won't grasp what they're saying for some time, nor will they grasp the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, but we can certainly encourage them to participate to the best of their ability. Any chance to participate in a meaningful group recitation should be capitalized on. It can be powerful and moving; it can bring people together. Even if the child twirls her hair or picks her nose for the duration, we should mind the bigger picture. Is there intrinsic value in a classroom reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every morning? Absolutely.



    ------------------------------
    Lindsay
    Billings MT
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 11:01 AM
    Hello, Karen!
         I think this is such an interesting topic. After serving joyfully in the early childhood field for over 40 years, and still going strong, I have seen numerous trends, philosophies, and modes of practice gain attention. Some stick around, some come an go. I realize and fully agree that research does, and should, impact our best practice. And yet, in the past few years, I have begun to observe and weigh what is considered to be quality in regard to young children based on my own experiences, coupled with my education in ECE.  
          Karen, I think that the Pledge of Allegiance is important and appropriate for the preschool classroom. At one time, in my zeal to adhere to strict DAP principles, I may have questioned the practice of reciting it, much as I did the reciting of singing the alphabet song, because I had learned in a class that it was too abstract and meaningless. And yet, what I discovered in my own practice, is that many young children in the United States will continue to learn the alphabet song by someone, even if not at preschool. How many times have we heard a parent or grandparent proudly request their toddler to sing the ABCs for everyone? Sure, the children may not fully understand what they are singing at the time, but when letters and the sounds they make are later  introduced in DAP ways, the names of the letters are not complete strangers. They are familiar and beloved, providing a friendly bridge to higher learning. 
         Similarly, I believe that the Pledge of Allegiance is an important way to encourage a basic unity in our society. Certainly there are many differences of political opinion literally raging throughout our county right now, but even so, thankfully, we have freedoms that allow us to express them and take action to support them. The value of that blessing is worth celebrating from an early age, perhaps around four years of age. While the concepts may be abstract, I find that explaining the words and meanings of the pledge are better understood by young children than we sometimes give them credit for.  There are many aspects of a quality, DAP classroom that relate to the respect and rights of individuals and appreciation of democratic principles that children can relate to and celebrate. 

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Andrews
    Director
    The Potters House CDC
    Liberty Twp OH
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 12:00 PM
    Greetings everyone,

    Considering this question from a family with military experience and as a teacher in K-12 thru graduate students the conversation is worthwhile.  The use of wording in the initial question "...like a hanging peg for them to hold onto" is insensitive in our current day stress.  Can we teach how the pledge came to be to allow deeper understanding rather than it being a method of developing memorization.  My younger students enjoy discussion (talking) and  learning with their constant question of "but why"? In their initial reactions I have opportunity to prepare them at a young age to think about multiple concepts,  thus consider others. At that moment the recitation is accepted naturally.
    Thank you





  • 6.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 12:24 PM
    Another way to look at this question could be "Is is appropriate to use and teach propaganda to young children?"

    Some say they want to teach the history of our country by teaching the pledge, but are you doing it with open discussion and unbiased facts? Or are you sharing propaganda: "the United States is the greatest country in the world" "no other country has contributed more to the world!" 
    Do you actually know the history of the pledge and is purpose of trying to discourage immigrants from Europe? : the "pledge advanced the goal of assimilation - written to, in (the authors) words, "mobilize the masses to support primary American doctrines" by warding off internal enemies hostile to "true Americanism." The creation and proliferation of the pledge, in part, served as a way to consolidate white Anglo-Saxon Protestant American values that the white mainstream perceived as under siege."

    That purpose doesn't fit my beliefs of what America is and is not what I want to teach young children. 





  • 7.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-21-2021 03:08 PM
    Thank you.  I think this is one of the best replies. 

    How can we use the Pledge as a teaching tool?  I think this is where you are going with this.  Is it not our job to teach about responsible citizenship?  Simply memorizing the words is not enough.

    At our school we encourage families to share their family heritage, mapping across the globe family immigration.  We share multiple languages, foods, culture, religion.  By inviting parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to come and share their life experiences we have this sense of knowing each other.  We celebrate our unique families.  We share our stories.  We document all of it - across large panels for all to see.

    "One nation, under God, indivisible" is about a nation born of rebellious colonists.  About limited government and individual rights.

    The right to choose must be connected to the right to know.  To become knowledgeable.  If children are not becoming knowledgeable, then we cannot call it an education.

    ------------------------------
    Mary Ann Biermeier, M.Ed.
    Director of Professional Development
    INSPIRE Early Childhood Leadership Series
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 02:28 AM

    Hmm, my opinion: I think the Pledge is appropriate for EC teachers to study and understand its themes, its history and context past and present (which are of course tied to its themes), and the purpose/intention of a pledge - that is, the concept of a pledge - why, who, when …
    (If elementary and secondary teachers put that attention to it as well, I think that would be good.)
    Anyway, after putting the time into the study the teachers glean what's found to be centrally important in the content of the pledge (e.g., maybe it's the "one nation" bit or "indivisible" or "justice for all" <- my favorite bit) and that concept can be determined to be appropriate for young children to think about/make sense of/feel is relevant, then create ways to teach that concept.  Then maybe teach just a phrase or sentence of the Pledge that contains that concept.  Reciting the entire pledge though, almost impossible to fathom it's anything but mindless parroting.  So I'd scrutinize its use for that reason alone.  By the way, I'm not against children memorizing and reciting something [else], such as songs or poems that are comprehensible.  There's an element of "roteness" to those too, but if children can make sense of their meaning that's what distinguishes them from the Pledge.

    Nurturing healthy patriotism and love of one's country beg the question, is sufficient time also being devoted to children learning about others around the world who are simultaneously learning to love their country, and that there are some differences but many things in common for children everywhere?  


    Finally, are you prepared to not be surprised if any of your children (encouraged by their parent) refuse to participate?  


    Laila



    ------------------------------
    Laila Taslimi
    founder
    Untitled No. 1
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 09:30 AM



    ------------------------------
    Melinda Rossi
    ECSE
    Denver CO
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 11:58 AM
    Tagging on to Melinda's post, and I know others further down have expressed similar thoughts, I have to admit that as a child I refused to say the pledge.  I was older than preschool at the time, I think it was 4th grade, but at the time I was really upset that I had been forced to say these words in preschool that I later came to know to be inaccurate. It sounded totally wrong to be saying "one nation, under God" because even as a child I knew that there was supposed to be a separation of church and state (we had of course learned about that in history and social studies classes at school: that the American Revolution was based on religious freedom and separation of church and state, partially in reaction to UK where different religions were persecuted...and there was not a separation of church and state) and I was also observant enough to see (as most children are) that "with liberty and justice for all" just was not true.  So it felt very wrong to be being forced to say these words that to my young ears were not true.  I am never in favor of having children simply recite something without being able to understand it.  There are other ways to teach about the good aspects of being an American or growing up in America that are more age appropriate and that the children will understand, and won't resent later on.

    ------------------------------
    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 08:16 AM
    I know you asked for people to write why it is appropriate but I find nothing appropriate about it, for developmental as well as political reasons.  For me, the developmental and political reasons overlap.  I don't think it is appropriate to teach children to pledge to a flag, which is very different than pledging to a place and to the concept of democracy.  The words "under God" were added to the Pledge about ten years after the Pledge itself was written.  I believe very strongly in the separation of church and state and that this violates this precept and is especially inappropriate in a secular setting.  Children reciting this by rote doesn't help them to learn the concepts of democracy, equity, and inclusion that I hope those who support recitation would agree it might represent.  There are better ways to instill these ideas in young children, and to help them to live it, and better ways to teach history.  I'm sure there are many interesting viewpoints on this so thank you for opening up a discussion.

    ------------------------------
    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 12:55 AM
    100% agree with Aren. Thank you for wording that much more gracefully than what I was thinking. 

    If you are talking about using the pledge for things ideas like unity, justice, togetherness, or the cognitive skill of rote memorization - how do those concepts relate to the children in your care? An activity like ring around the rosie, where they learn a rote rhyme/song, participate as a group, and are given opportunity to work together to physically make the activity safe is more age appropriate than political indoctrination. It seems that teaching the pledge is a method to idolize the flag/country rather than teach the character traits adults are intending. 

    Additional food for thought, information about why/hpw the pledge came to be:
    "Through the pledge, Bellamy sought to define "true Americanism" against the rising tide of southern and eastern European immigrants "pouring over our country" in the early 20th century from "races which we cannot assimilate without a lowering of our racial standard." Although Bellamy conceded that "the United States has always been a nation of immigrants," he argued that "incoming waves of immigrants ... are coming from countries whose institutions are entirely at variance with our own."





  • 13.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-15-2021 10:53 AM
    We do recite the pledge in the morning for several reasons. One important step to social and emotional development is unity. We do this in many ways and the pledge is one of them. It also offers jobs for students to be helpful. Obviously we do this in many other ways as well.  Several events/organizations start with the pledge or national anthem in our community.  Rotary, Lions, 4H, athletic events, rodeo, etc. so where we live our community may have different values which is okay. They may not now every word, but they know the expectation to show self control to be quiet, stand, remove their hat on hat day, and to place their hand over their hearts. We also have families that have been in the military. We tie all this all together to set a foundation for respect.  As of now I've never had a family opt out, if they do I will respect that as they are their child's first educator.  I hope this helps!

    ------------------------------
    Amy Burke
    Early Childhood Special Education
    Bowman County School
    Bowman ND
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 06:44 AM
    Teaching children to honor and respect our Country and Flag ���� is our Civic Duty . We should instill an Early Love for Our County. Our Patriotism connects us as Americans. No other Country has done more for the World �� than Our Country...We should be Proud  and Respect It 





  • 15.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-16-2021 05:12 PM
    While we have contributed much to the world, we have also done many things that have marginalized different peoples and our system of government is based off of colonization, eradication, and racism. Do I recite the pledge? Yes. Do I feel it's appropriate to teach young children? No. Am I American? Absolutely. Am I a PROUD American? Not always. We have a lot of things to change. Teaching young children a pledge that isn't actually following through with what the pledge states is most definitely an issue. Patriotism is more divisive because it is subject to HOW you show it. The pledge is not the answer.

    ------------------------------
    Melinda Rossi
    ECSE
    Denver CO
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 11:00 AM
    I have a perspective to share from my own experiences as a 4-5 year old reciting the pledge at preschool. It is one of my few strong early memories. I did not feel comfortable saying it. I did not understand it, but I heard the word "god" and I perceived the pledge as a prayer. I thought it was a Christian prayer that I should not say, so I quietly stood and didn't speak. The experience caused me a fair amount of anxiety: that I would be discovered not saying the pledge; that I would have to defend my actions to grown ups and in front of the class. As a shy child, that prospect was terrifying. I felt outside the mainstream, and accepted my outsider status. 

    I am sure that none of you want a child in your care to feel the way I felt. Some of you may think this stemmed from my misconception about the meaning of the pledge which a concerned teacher could have cleared up. However, as previous posters have pointed out, the original purpose of the pledge was designed to separate my ancestors from "true Americans." I can assure you: that message came through to me as a child, even if my logic was a bit off.

    ------------------------------
    Karen Lefkovitz
    Independent Consultant
    Philadelphia PA
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 07:00 AM
    This is a great discussion.  Karen and Jean, thank you for sharing your experiences in feeling discomfort and alienation in being made to recite the Pledge as young children.  Karen, your story reminds me that when I was in elementary school and we sang Christmas carols and other religious songs in school. I, too felt a profound discomfort.  I got around it by not singing the religious words--Jesus, Noel, etc.  I would sing the songs, which I loved, and still do, but would have a little blank space when we got to those words.  That's a lot of work for a very young child. When religion is brought into secular spaces--one religion--those of us who aren't that religion are made to be "other".  I, too, never want any children to feel that in a classroom. No one should feel erased.

    ------------------------------
    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 12:00 PM
    Melinda, 
    I appreciate your perspective.  I agree with you, that reciting the Pledge is not the answer...but it is a beginning. And that itself is important.  Those of us working in the early childhood field know the importance of developing social/emotional skills and empathy early.  If reciting the Pledge provides a unifying foundation of what we as a people aspire to, we can encourage the children to each do their part, even now, and then later, to support the rights of and justice for all people. I believe our history proves that we continue to evolve as we make adjustments and realignments in our practice compared to our creed.  Progress is sometimes painfully slow. But I believe reciting the Pledge is a unifying beginning.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Andrews
    Director
    The Potters House CDC
    Liberty Twp OH
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 12:10 PM
    I run a secular program. A pledge that was created to exclude non-Christians and includes a pledge under a god doesn't fit into my program. 

    Again, I think it is important to look at the actual skill you are trying to teach and work backward from that. Just like any other skill or activity that you teach.

    ------------------------------
    Alison Barnes
    Licensed Family Child Care Provider
    Garrison Family Care
    Chelmsford MA
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-21-2021 01:17 PM
    I appreciate your freedom to not use "[a] pledge that was created to exclude non-Christians and includes a pledge under a god" in your program, but are you saying that the Pledge of Allegiance is this pledge you refer to? 

    If so, where can I find the source[s] that might support your claims as to the Pledge of Allegiance's origin and purposes?

    If not, what pledge are you referring to?

    Since we're talking about this in the context of early education, I think it's important to get our facts straight.

    ------------------------------
    Lindsay
    Billings, MT
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-21-2021 03:16 PM
    Hi Lindsay,
    Here's what you were asking about: Background history on additions to Pledge can be found here:
    https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

    --
    Laila Taslimi
    Untitled No. 1 School
    501(c)(3) Public Charity - Use this Amazon Smile link when you shop
    Untitled No. 1 has as its mission to serve our community by offering families and children a joyous and engaging preschool experience, replete with opportunities to learn from nature and from one another.  Because children learn best in diverse settings, Untitled No. 1 admits families evenly spread across income levels and provides scholarships to achieve this balance.

    Regard each person as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. 
    Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.





  • 22.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 07:42 AM
    I agree with Aren and Allison. I'm not against recitation in the classroom; we sing the ABCs, chanted along with Pete the Cat, and learned De Colores. Those were things they wanted to learn and they were joyful besides. 
    We also need to think about equity. For all of the reasons Alison and Arlen detailed above, the PoA is not equitable. Do all children in our classrooms really see "justice for all?" When they hear about the news and BLM, do they really see a country that is "indivisible"? 
    Let's teach core values first and in the primary grades, we can start to teach what to love about this country and how they can be agents of change.

    ------------------------------
    Amy Latta
    Lead NC PreK Teacher
    "All that is gold does not glitter; not all who wander are lost." --J.R.R. Tolkien
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 06:48 AM
    I'm curious of those who find the Pledge to be Inappropriate...Did you think the Pride Segment on Blue's Clues was appropriate for 3-5 year olds ?  I'm alarmed that so many teachers believe that Our Country's Flag or Pledge to be viewed as  Indoctrination

    ------------------------------
    Stewart Coon
    Director / Teacher
    Brush Arbor Christian School
    Orlando FL
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 08:58 AM
    Being accepting of other people's lifestyle choice (PRIDE) is in no way indoctrination. Blue's Clues did not ask children to consider an LGBTQ+ lifestyle. It sent a message of love and acceptance of differences.

    ------------------------------
    Melinda Rossi
    ECSE
    Denver CO
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 09:16 AM
    The deflection to LGBTQ+ existence being sung about by a cable tv show is a gross whataboutism.  Deflecting to a topic that some people view as controversial doesn't belong in the same discussion asking if including political propaganda in an ece classroom is DAP.

    Whether or not a flag or even a country exists is not constant. They are symbols and methods for governing that people created. Those borders, symbols, and values exist so long as it is perpetuated by cultural practice.  LGTBQ+ people exist whether you "believe" in it or not. In fact, there are LGBTQ+ people in this group, in the families you serve, and in the classroom you work in. It exists throughout history and across all cultures and even other species. 

    The pledge is a cultural practice. Cultural practices change over time. I'm hoping to motivate change that accepts all persons, regardless of their religion, heritage, gender, or sexual orientation in our country - not to perpetuate practices intended to exclude or dehumanize others. 

    If you think the pledge is DAP for ECE, please defend it on its own merits.

    ------------------------------
    Alison Barnes
    Licensed Family Child Care Provider
    Garrison Family Care
    Chelmsford MA
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 09:33 AM
    Thank you, Allison Barnes and Melinda Rossi.

    ------------------------------
    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 09:47 AM
    Interesting 🤔 how that exposing Children to a Lifestyle Choice at the ages of 3-5 is Acceptable...but Our Country's Flag and Pledge is Harmful to their Development. So Sad 😔

    ------------------------------
    Stewart Coon
    Director / Teacher
    Brush Arbor Christian School
    Orlando FL
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 10:36 AM

    Stewart:
    1. Interesting how there is still misunderstanding that being gay is a Lifestyle Choice.  If you are straight--is that a choice?  No--it is who you are.  I am gay--it is not my choice, it is simply who I am.

    2.  People who are LGBTQ are not "exposing" their lives to anyone,  They are living.  Feel free not to look at me or listen to me if you don't like it.

    3.  It is rude to hijack someone else's thread.  If you would like to start a thread about this topic, fee free.

    4.  People on this thread are very articulately writing about their opinion and citing child development as they do so, no matter if they are in favor or not in favor of children reciting the Pledge.  You are not doing the same, which makes it harder to give you any support and understanding.  



    ------------------------------
    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 10:56 AM
    Dear Aren,

    "Lifestyle" there and elsewhere put up a red flag for me as well.  Thank you for your last writing to encourage the thread to stay on topic.

    I will simply add (which is why I replied to all and not addressing only Aren) that as a marginalized profession we may hold hope for our colleagues to be less phobic and thus it is compoundingly depressing to see that our sector instead may represent the ills and evils of our wider American population which includes those who feel they are being dragged into the needs of our times (always have been needs, just never met) to see one another as equals without discrimination.  I'm convinced that allies also exist here, and not hiding or witholding an outreached arm can accomplish at least a little.  It must be better not to branch off or splinter, to reckon with what's before our eyes/ears.  Bottom line: we have a long way to go & this work is always going to call up our strength to persevere in the face of obstacles.  Those EC educators who persevere are who we have left to lead change needed in the world.

    ------------------------------
    Laila Taslimi
    founder
    Untitled No. 1
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 12:39 PM
    Agreed.  It's a sad world we live in when this even needs to be discussed.  I feel it is acceptable to expose children to the Pledge and Patriotism.

    ------------------------------
    Catrina Conley-Brookover
    CEO
    Cathy's Tender Loving Care, LLC
    Englewood OH
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 01:18 PM
    I agree that it is sad. Sad that we live in a country where we criticize the LBGTQ+ community for sharing messages of love and are not able to criticize a pledge that claims to pledge one thing while systemically proving the opposite.

    ------------------------------
    Melinda Rossi
    ECSE
    Denver CO
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-20-2021 05:00 PM
    Thank you, Melinda, for your reply about the Pledge/LGBTQ+ rights that you put in Hello. Much appreciated!
    Aren Stone




  • 33.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 09:51 AM
    I spoke about the sense of alienation I felt as a child while participating in the pledge. Did I think about voicing my discomfort - yes. The reason I kept silent is that I anticipated the type of reaction I see in this post. Perhaps things would be totally different if you were responding to a child. Perhaps children in your classroom have ample room to have a negative reaction to the pledge and know that they would not be judged for it. Still, I respectfully suggest that adults who believe that children benefit from the pledge consider this aspect of the issue in their reflective practice.





  • 34.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 11:03 AM
    I have read the statements from everyone and this is getting pretty deep. I understand how some could have felt resentment in having to repeat this daily. I did this in school and must say I never felt resentment. 
    I want to add a thought that I have had while reading these threads. When the original pledge was composed, is it possible that they put the wishes that they had for this young country in to words? "One nation under God" was their belief and reason for fighting for their independence from England. As an American I am glad they did that & whatever religion you are, I will be as understanding about that as I can. I don't feel our forefathers were excluding anyone in this part of their pledge. Then you have "with liberty and justice for all" which again could this have been their wish for the country? We all know that down through this country's history (or any country's history for that matter) that hasn't been the norm so it amy seem unjust to repeat such words. And as far as some believeing it sounded too much like a prayer, then don't repeat it if it makes you uncomfortable. I am not shy to say I am a believer and if it is a prayer, ok or if it is the wish of our founding fathers, is it NOT still a wish we have for our country? Just another viewpoint to ponder. 
    I believe that the wording is TOO much for preschoolers to understnad yet we are to expose preschoolers to many concepts - not necessarily that they master the concepts but exposure to them.

    ------------------------------
    Sue Miller
    team leader
    Child Development Center
    Remsen IA
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 11:09 AM
    Background history on additions to Pledge can be found here:
    https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

    ------------------------------
    Laila Taslimi
    founder
    Untitled No. 1
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-20-2021 09:46 AM
    Thanks for sharing this info about the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance and the various changes. I did know that "under God" was not in the original words, but I learned some things as well. And how interesting that the original author, Francis Bellamy, is described as a Christian Socialist. Especially interesting given current political divisions - it's good for us as adults to recognize the influence of historical time on our beliefs and values and practices.

    ------------------------------
    Dottie Bauer
    Professor emerita
    Keene State College
    Antrim NH
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-23-2021 12:52 PM
    Thank you but, but where do we learn that the Pledge as created as something to exclude non-Christians? And I appreciate the ease of access History.org offers, but can we do a little better?

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    Lindsay
    Billings, MT
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  • 38.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-23-2021 02:47 PM
    Absolutely Lindsay, here's something for those interested:
    https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ685034.pdf

    ------------------------------
    Laila Taslimi
    founder
    Untitled No. 1
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 39.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 06:11 PM
    Sue I really appreciate your perspective, and if that were the background given when the pledge is introduced to children it would go a long way to providing the children with a more genuine view of this country and its traditions - that the USA is far from perfect but is striving to reach the goals in this pledge.

    ------------------------------
    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
    ------------------------------



  • 40.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 08:33 PM
    However Joanie, what Sue wrote was not the actual history of the pledge, which is why I added the citation.  Here it is once more: https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm

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    Laila Taslimi
    founder
    Untitled No. 1
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 41.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-19-2021 09:05 PM
    While I have no doubt that the history of the pledge is factual, it is the history one would give as a supporter. For those who are interested in a history that talks about the intentions and controversies involving the pledge:
    https://fortune.com/2017/09/08/pledge-of-allegiance-francis-bellamy-immigration/

    The article takes no position of on the merits of the pledge and is, to my mind, much more interesting. 

    Smithsonian also did a brief article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/pledge-allegiance-pr-gimmick-patriotic-vow-180956332/

    Neither article seeks to discredit the pledge, but both do discuss the commercial intent that inspired it. The first article discusses what the pledge meant to its author.

    ------------------------------
    Jeanne deMarrais
    The Mulberry Tree
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-20-2021 04:09 PM
    Hi Laila,
    Just to clarify, I was appreciating Sue's perspective of her desire to see the pledge as a statement of intent, like a goal to reach, rather than "this is what the country is."  I think as a child I could have understood that the country was founded with a particular goal, and even though it has not reached that goal by far, this is a statement of a wish.  I think if the pledge was presented that way, children would also see their part in bringing that goal about...this isn't a done deal but rather something that we are still working towards and we all have a part to play in bringing about "liberty and justice for all."
    So admittedly, my response had nothing to do with the history cited in the link that you posted!
    The part of the history I found particularly interesting was the arm movement that originally resembled the German Heil Hitler!

    ------------------------------
    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
    ------------------------------



  • 43.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-20-2021 05:31 PM
    Hi Joanie,
    Thank you for writing to me.  I was concerned because of the implication the "founding fathers" had anything to do with the pledge.  Our U.S. history has been mis-taught & so many (me included) have been mis-educated, that it's a particular sense of duty I feel we share as educators to adhere to historical fact and not perpetuate fiction, incomplete or narrow viewed reality.
    Warm regards,
    Laila
    --
    Laila Taslimi
    Untitled No. 1 School
    501(c)(3) Public Charity - Use this Amazon Smile link when you shop
    Untitled No. 1 has as its mission to serve our community by offering families and children a joyous and engaging preschool experience, replete with opportunities to learn from nature and from one another.  Because children learn best in diverse settings, Untitled No. 1 admits families evenly spread across income levels and provides scholarships to achieve this balance.

    Regard each person as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. 
    Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.





  • 44.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-20-2021 10:06 PM
    I agree Laila!

    ------------------------------
    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
    ------------------------------



  • 45.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-23-2021 12:18 PM
    Blues Clues is a television show, which is a family's choice to show in their own home. A child attending school has no choice in what the adult teacher does or does not do in their classroom. As a former Jehovah's Witness I was not allowed to say the pledge of alliance in school. Yes, the reasons were beyond my scope of understanding at 5 years old, but I knew it was against my religion-the driving force of my whole family dynamics. Every day I dreaded the moment when I would have to stand up in front of the class and NOT put my hand over my heart, and NOT mumble the pledge like everyone else. Year after Year. I understood the reasoning later as I grew older and could understand the Witnesses belief that no country is greater than the other in the eyes of God, etc. But I was bullied, gawked at, and excluded for my religious stance-not just on the pledge, but all holiday celebrations.  I think if a classroom is really truly striving to be DAP- it should be inclusive of the families it serves and try on every level to not make a child feel excluded based on faith, race, culture, or identity.

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    Rachel McKinney
    QRIS Coordinator
    Children's Cabinet
    Reno NV
    ------------------------------



  • 46.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-23-2021 05:13 PM
    It is possible, indeed appropriate, to discuss the appropriateness of the Pledge of Allegiance without referencing Pride. If Pride were an example being used to clarify our understanding of the Pledge,  it might be appropriate. It has been used in this discussion as a finger wag.

    It is the unspoken, but anticipated, finger wag that made so many who participated in this discussion uneasy as children. Create a thread to discuss the merits of Pride and the ways it does or does not include all children and families. But I suspect that when the finger wag feels good to a teacher, the chances that children in the classroom who feel alienated goes up.

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    Jeanne deMarrais
    The Mulberry Tree
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 47.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 10:30 AM
    In talking about this issue, members have talked about what the pledge means to us and what we think it means to children. I do remember reacting to the pledge as an elementary school child, and for that reason I would not choose to take time for it. If my school required it, I would comply, but unhappily.

    As an elementary school child, I found the content of the pledge peculiar. I didn't understand what it meant to pledge to a flag (as opposed to a nation). Now that I am older and I understand what it is to love something and express that love by honoring every symbol of that thing, I still have a sense of estrangement when I think about the pledge. It asked for a very adult sort of honor. It asked for a promise to do something I didn't understand. I knew I didn't understand and I knew that a person shouldn't make promises without understanding. I knew that if you promised anyway, that you would be obliged to follow through on the promise. I did not have the skills to know what to do or say if you had promised to do something that you later believed to be wrong. As I child, I didn't have the words to say these things, but I still remember feeling them.

    I had discomfort with the pledge as a child. Being compelled to say the pledge undermined my trust in the adults who promoted it. If the pledge worked for you as a child, wonderful. Perhaps you remember it as a positive element of your childhood and want the children in your care to have that experience. Some of them may - maybe most of them. But if you are going to compel this pledge, please be on the lookout for children who feel unhappy, left out, or even dishonest in the process. I remember being just such a child.

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    Jeanne deMarrais
    The Mulberry Tree
    Santa Monica CA
    ------------------------------



  • 48.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-17-2021 05:15 PM
    RE: Reciting The Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool
    I was pondering for a few days to make a viewpoint on this topic. 
    In guiding  children first about various flags from different countries and placing our flag and discussing what flags mean to each of us. Rather than reciting words that they do not understand. We tend to push our own views way too strong on our children without real sufficiency in their active learning. "This is our flag of the United States",What does this flag mean to you? In making your own realization of the flag and for what it stands for. 1: Unity 2: Kindness 3: Empathy 4: Humility words to teach our children what the flag means to us as Americans.   

     ​

    ------------------------------
    Milagros Neu
    Pre-K -K Teacher
    Virtual Preschool
    Maplewood NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 49.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-18-2021 09:48 AM
    Thank you Sarah for posting this question! There have been many thoughtful and differing experiences/opinions shared. I think we, like all children, don't experience any one activity the same. Members who posted to this thread described reciting the Pledge of Allegiance as a way of creating a sense of belonging among the group and in the community. Others have described not reciting the pledge as to them it does not create this sense of belonging within their community. It brings a key point from our DAP Position Statement: what is developmentally appropriate in one setting may not always be developmentally appropriate in another. The contributions to this thread are valuable, as I'm sure members either entering the ECE field or exploring with the idea of this will be able to see that there is no one short answer to what educators bring to their own classrooms, rather the reflective practice that goes into implementing something new and how educators make decisions about their own practice within their own settings and contexts.

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    Mary Samour
    Online Community Manager
    National Association for the Education of Young Children
    ------------------------------



  • 50.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-21-2021 06:21 PM
    I haven't really seen a discussion about young children's ability to understand something as abstract as patriotism.  The flag is a symbol, after all. It seems to me that many adults are confused about that.  I don't think anyone ever fought or died for a piece of cloth.  They fought and died for what that piece of cloth stands for -- for what it symbolizes. Sure, you can teach children to memorize lots of things, but does that mean they really understand it? I am personally uncomfortable with having children in the preoperational stage of thinking doing a lot of recitation, especially when it's about something so abstract.

    ------------------------------
    Cathy McAuliffe, PhD
    Adjunct Professor
    NorthWest Arkansas Community College
    Bentonville, Arkansas
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  • 51.  RE: Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Preschool

    Posted 06-21-2021 06:28 PM

    When I read the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance, I get all warm and tingly inside. What a vision! Such a lofty objective for all people to strive toward - "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Yet to successfully achieve such an ideal, the underlying institutions that inform "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" must be designed and coordinated for all people in the nation to have the ability to achieve this greatness.  

    The perspectives shared on this thread illustrates that as individual professionals on the pathway to "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," our experiences differ. For some individuals, the institutions in the great American experiment has been oppressive and exclusive, for some the experience has been liberating and inclusive, and for some there has been quite a variation in between individuals and their experiences. To require young children to pledge an allegiance to an abstract concept without understanding what it means for them is like binding yourself in a contract without thinking on what the contract means for you.

    As an ECE professional, I advocate for educators and stakeholders to focus on putting systems in place that teach young children to think about the meaning of and how each American can achieve "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Children have their lifetime to determine if the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance has meaning for them, personally.

     



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    Victoria Long-Coleman
    Doctoral Candidate
    Walden University
    Dacula GA
    ------------------------------