I Pledge Allegiance

Information for students
Author: Bill Martin, Jr. /Michael Sampson Title: I Pledge Allegiance
Book Genre: informational Publisher: Candlewick Press

Summary: So often children memorize the Pledge of Allegiance and have no idea what they are pledging to. This is a great book that breaks down the Pledge by phrases and words, and tells exactly what these words and phrases mean. Even adults will have a better understanding of the Pledge of Allegiance after reading this book.




Personal rating: *****

Pages: 40

Rationale: wonderfully written book, easy to read, illustrations match the text

Information for teachers
Reading level: 2.6 Interest level: ages 4-8

Thematic Areas: the pledge of allegiance, flag, promise, loyalty, states, United States of America, God, liberty, justice

Content Areas: social studies, history, state history, geography, art

Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not foresee any problems

Possible use in classroom:
· Further explain to students what pledges mean, ask children to think of examples of other pledges that people make, such as marriage vows, Girl and Boy Scout pledges, pledge to do their homework; have them write down or read aloud a pledge that they have made
· Some of the concepts of the Pledge of Allegiance are connected with famous symbols, including the Statue of Liberty. Discuss these symbols and have your students to draw one of their choice
· Revisit the page that describes the United States. Together, list your own state’s name, song, bird, flower, favorite food, flag and anything else your state is known for. Have students to draw pictures of your state based upon the items on your list.
· Find a book about Betsy Ross and teach children her story of how the first American flag was made. Give students red, white and blue strips of paper and let them make their own flag.