Learning about our country and the world in which we live needs to be an activity that is woven into the kindergarten curriculum. The major way we study the United States is through music. We sing one patriotic song each morning. I have them printed on illustrated charts. We learn one song per month during most months. When there is vaction time within the months, sometimes we keep the same song for two months. At the beginning of each month when the song is introduced, we discuss the meaning of the words and concepts in the songs. Complicated songs like America probably take at least a week to get through all the symbolism.
Here is a run down of the songs we use and the major concepts taught through each song. This takes only a few minutes daily.
Aug/Sept************* Hats Off
Concepts taught include recognizing the flag
The flag's colors
Flag ettiqute
Also we discuss what each part of the Pledge means.
October************ This land is your land
Concepts taught include discussing the Statue of Liberty on "the New York Island"
Finding the places listed in the song on a US map
Discussing the redwoods in CA
Discussing the ocean (gulf stream waters)
Discussing that we feel proud of our country
Nov/Dec ************ America
Concepts taught include discussing all the descriptive words such as spacious skies and purple mountains majesty
I tell them how the person who wrote the song was describing the view from the top of Pikes Peak and bring in Colorado vacation photos to show
I explain how "God shed his grace on thee" is like a prayer for God to protect our country
I explain the concept of brotherhood
The kids obsserve that from sea to shining sea means all across the country by showing a map and how the US is bordered by two oceans
January ************* Sing about Martin (by Miss Jackie)
Concepts taught include discussing MLKjr.
Describing his accomplishments
Reading several books about him. We visited 2 MLKjr. websites.
February ************* Hooray for Mr. Lincoln (by Miss Jackie)
Concepts taught include basic facts about Lincoln and Washington
Reading several books about these presidents
Identifying the presidents. on coins
Visiting the White House website
Mar/Apr ************* God Bless the USA (Lee Greenwood)
Concepts taught include discussing what it means to have pride in our country
Discussing how men had to fight in wars so we could be free
Discussing the meaning of freedom
May *************** This is my country
We review all previously taught "American" concepts.
Little by little the kids pick up on ideas about our country. Many of the ideas are abstract,but I consider them important because they are laying the foundation for future learning of US history and geography and helping to the children to develop an interest in learning more about our country.
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