20 Patriotism Activities for Students

Patriot. It’s a word that gets tossed around a lot lately. And misused a lot. Yes, here in America you can publicly disagree with your leaders and your government. But, the mere act of disagreeing does not make you a patriot.

Hate is not a part of patriotism. You can love your country without hating others. Working the elections, working the polls, campaigning, contacting my legislators…those are things that are patriotic.

Have them meet their legislator

My boys with governor corbett — Image Credit: My boys with then Governor Corbett.

Or two or three. You can go as far as your state’s capitol or to Washington, DC or it can be a local person. Have that person explain their job and how it works. Tour the building.

Explain our system of government at their level

A mother and her son attentively engaged in online learning at home on a computer. — Image Credit: Pexels

One thing I’m upset about is how the main focus of schools these days is standardized tests. And those tests only have reading and math on them. Goodbye social studies, government, civics, and everything else! More and more this task will fall on parents, and those kids who don’t have parents to teach them simply won’t learn. So whether it be introducing a new concept to them or reinforcing and expanding on what they are learning at school, it’s important to talk about it. Explain how it works, what it means to vote, what it means to be a politician or legislator. There are many different activities and lesson plans that you can do for fun at home for every age group.

Take them with you to vote, every time!

A sign with the american flag reads "vote here" with a red arrow pointing left, placed on an accessible ramp outside a brick building entrance, highlighting available election resources for individuals with disabilities. — A sign with the American flag reads “VOTE HERE” with a red arrow pointing left, placed on an accessible ramp outside a brick building entrance, highlighting available election resources for individuals with disabilities.

I don’t think that my son has missed an election yet. So far I have taken him with me each and every time, and I’m a super voter or power voter (I vote EVERY fall and EVERY spring). It instills better habits in you and in them. Just think when, years from now, they’ll be saying, “I remember my mom and dad, every time they’d vote, they’d take me….” I have these memories from my grandmother, she rarely missed an election. And of course, explain that not every country gets to vote.

Free Printable Presidents Worksheets for Kids: Learn the Lives and Legacies of American Presidents

Have them talk to a soldier who has been in battle

A solemn moment as a soldier salutes the american flag during a ceremony inside an auditorium. — Image Credit: Pexels

This can be a relative, a holiday visit to thank veterans at a nursing home, or call your local VFW or American Legion and ask. Soldiers are often unappreciated, many would love a visit from a kid to talk about what freedom means and what it meant to them to fight for this country. We also have a whole generation of people who have fought for civil rights for minorities, LGBT, disabilities, and more. Have them talk about their struggles and what they are doing to try to create change. Why doesn’t America feel “free” for them?

Free Printable Presidents Worksheets for Kids: Learn the Lives and Legacies of American Presidents

Organize a thank you project or have them volunteer

A person writing a thanksgiving thank you note at a dinner table, surrounded by festive decor. — Image Credit: Pexels

For Veterans’ Day or Memorial Day, organize a big thank you. Have a group of kids make cards, put flags on graves, hand out flags at parades, visit aging vets at the VA, or a nursing home. The possibilities are endless. Be creative!

Free 50 States Trace It, Write It, and Color It Pages (Printable PDF)

Explain a democratic loss to them

Silhouette of a hand placing a vote into a ballot box, symbolizing democracy. — Image Credit: Pexels

Whether it’s an election and someone you wanted did not win, or a Supreme Court decision you did not agree with, own it, explain it and learn from it. Help kids learn that this is the way our system works, even if we don’t always get our desired outcome. And, what are some appropriate ways to cope with loss? (Hint: It’s not assaulting police officers at the capitol)

Can Disabled and Intellectually Disabled People Vote? Yes, and Here’s How to Overcome Common Barriers.

Have a debate

Close-up of hands holding speech bubbles, symbolizing communication and dialogue against a blue sky. — Image Credit: Pexels

This is probably best for older kids, but have a democratic debate in your home. Pick a household issue and list all the pros and cons. Talk about how you can disagree with someone’s decision (NO! you are NOT getting a kitten!) but that doesn’t mean that you dislike the person. You are just unhappy with the decision.

Visit historic places

A red brick building with a clock tower in the background, providing sensory-friendly experiences in philadelphia. — Independence Hall, Philadelphia Image Credit: DepositPhotos

I’m sitting here about 30 miles away from Independence Hall, so that’s easy for me to say. But, history is everywhere! There are many places, off the beaten path in every state that are a part of our nation’s history and the path to democracy. Kids love learning, you might be surprised. I’ve taken my boys to some places that I thought for sure would bore them, and they had a great time and still talk about those adventures and outings. And, if you see a rally or public event being held, consider going. There was just an education rally at our State Capitol last week and in July we have a Disabilities Rights rally to go to. Go and explain “the freedom to assemble.” Visit Sensory Friendly Philadelphia

Celebrate or discuss every holiday

Small american flags are displayed in a row of flower boxes attached to a windowsill, with pink flowers visible among the flags. — Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

Take it beyond July 4 and Memorial Day. Veterans’ Day, Flag Day, D-Day, Pearl Harbor Day, 9/11-we have many other important days throughout the year to talk about patriotism and why that date is significant to Americans.

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Read!

There are so many children’s books about this for every age group. We have several about Philadelphia, DC, the Presidents, and much more.

How to Choose Books for Preschoolers

Learn National Symbols

Teach children about the national flag, anthem, and other symbols. Explain the meanings behind these symbols and the proper etiquette for handling and respecting the national flag.

Participate in Community Service

A diverse group of volunteers collecting trash in a field at sunset, promoting environmental awareness. — Image Credit: Pexels

Engaging in community service projects can instill a sense of civic duty and pride in helping one’s community. Activities can include cleaning up local parks, participating in charity events, or helping at local shelters. 50 States Worksheets: Free Fill-In-The-Blank PDF

Watch Patriotic Movies

A man in a light suit sits on a park bench holding a box and suitcase, looking at a woman in a pink sweater seated at the other end of the bench. — Image Credit: Forrest Gump

Films that portray important historical events or national heroes can be both educational and inspiring. Choose films that are appropriate for their age and discuss the themes and lessons afterward. See the list: 27 Family Movies about Gratitude and Thankfulness

Create Art Projects

Glittery uncle sam hat decoration with text 'america' adorned in red, white, and blue stars. — Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

Encourage children to express their patriotism through art. This could include drawing national symbols, crafting flags, or creating posters for national holidays.

Read it: How to Make Patriotic Sensory Bins

Sing Patriotic Songs

A diverse family spending quality time playing guitar by a caravan in portugal. — Image Credit: Pexels

Teach children patriotic songs and discuss their meanings. This can be a fun way to learn about the nation’s cultural and historical context.

Attend Civic Meetings

Two businessmen holding documents in an office, symbolizing professionalism and collaboration. — Image Credit: Pexels

Older children can attend local civic meetings or school board meetings to understand how local government works and the importance of participation in governance.

Write Letters to Service Members

A soldier in uniform holds envelopes emotionally in front of an american flag background. — Image Credit: Pexels

Writing letters or making care packages for military service members can teach children about sacrifice and service to the country.

Get it: Veterans Day Writing Prompts (free PDFs)

Volunteer to Put Flags on Graves

American flag next to tombstones in a peaceful cemetery setting with trees and sunlight. — Image Credit: Pexels

You know how on Memorial Day, many cemeteries have flags on the graves? You know how they get there? Volunteers put them there.

Coloring Pages and Worksheets

4th of july coloring pages. — Image Credit: Lisa Lightner, A Day in our Shoes

There are so many options for coloring pages and worksheets, which can be a low key way to talk about issues and history. Free 4th of July Coloring Pages

Go to the Supreme Court

The supreme court of the united states with iconic marble columns and statue, captured in natural light. — Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

Did you know that you can go hear oral arguments for a Supreme Court hearing? You just go check the website and show up early that morning. You have to check their calendar for dates and instructions, but that is just another great learning opportunity about our country.

I hope this helps get you started. Depending on where you live, you may have more options available too. Patriotic Activities for Kids