[renielarson]

I teach in a small town in a 3rd-5th grade school with only 15 teachers. I am blessed in a district that allows us to make a choice whether to have our students say the Pledge of Allegiance or not. I do because I believe it is important for our children to honor our country by pledging allegiance to it.

However, I am the only one in my grade who chooses to do this.

At the beginning of the school year, I teach the meaning of the Pledge. I teach how to show respect while saying the Pledge. Because I work with young children, I repeat and repeat and repeat the meaning of our Pledge of Allegiance throughout the year.

I was enlightened to learn that one of our new 5th grade teachers went one step further. He has his students learn the National Anthem and they sing it every day. In fact, they came to my classroom and performed it for us.

I'm thinking...yes, a good idea for me to do, also. What a great start to every morning!