Most of us tend to think more about patriotism around state holidays. At that time we commemorate all the soldiers who gave their lives fighting for fatherland, honor and appreciate the ones who have fought on behalf of our country, served and protected us. We owe them our gratitude. And all those men and women can certainly be called patriots.
But how can we – average persons – be patriotic in our everyday life? How can we express our patriotism and how can children be patriotic in the time of peace? The answers are quite easy to most of us, adults, but they are not that obvious to children. That is why it is important to talk to them about it and teach them about national symbols as well.
A few years ago I created a set of lesson plans for Polish students of English as a second language (the set was first published in the quarterly of the teachers’ advancement center I used to work for). However, these lessons can also be adjusted and used by Polish schools outside Poland. Teaching about national symbols of Poland can help children understand their connection with the country of their parents’ or grandparents’. The class discussion, moderated by a teacher, can also be expanded and related to the national symbols of the country they live in.
Anyway, I will be very happy if anybody finds the lesson plans useful.
Photo © Aleksandra Gant
