Should schools augment the Pledge of Alegence by following with a reading from the Constitution.?

Question

Wait until about 7th grade.

Some teachers have the students sing the Star Spangled Banner after the Pledge is receipted.

Answer 1

That would be great!  In fact, here's a good class activity.  Have the students read the 10th Amendment.  It reads as follows:

"The powers not delegated to the United States by this constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states, respectively, or to the people"

Then explain how this amendment prohibits the federal government from getting involved in areas not specifically granted by the Articles.  The reason for this was that the Founders did not want the feds to have too much power.  

Then ask the students to search through the Constitution to find where it empowers the federal government to be involved in education.  

OK, it's a bit cruel to send students on such a wild goose chase, knowing that it isn't there, but hopefully they will come to understand how the feds violate the law here.  Then you can go on to discuss how the violate the 10th Amendment with Social Security, the environment, foreign aid, welfare, and all those other areas they are not supposed to be involved in on a daily basis.

Oh, and BTW, one could make a good argument that if they had Bibles in the schools this would NOT violate the Constitution.  Heck, the author of the "separation of church and state" phrase, Thomas Jefferson, authorized their distribution and use as head of the Washington, DC schools!

      

Answer 2

   The purpose of the pledge is crowd control. The kids stand still with their hands on their hearts, then sit down when it is over. It is a nice way to get all the butts quietly in seats. No matter how you feel about the issues, the pledge is not worth worrying about.

    What is worth worrying about? How about getting some more computers with internet, science equipment, playground space and balls; books on tape, books, movies and field trips? Do all this, then worry about the pledge.

   I vented!

Answer 3

That's one idea worth considering.  However, I think that needs to be an individual teacher's choice as to what to do in their classroom.  It may not be appropriate in every classroom or subject area.  

Some schools do not have "homeroom" as a discreet period, but use the first few minutes of the first period class of the day for announcements and pledge.  Imagine you are teaching a gym class that period.  My point:  it's not appropriate for every situation, therefore it needs to be an individual teacher's discretion as to what to do.  

With instruction time at a premium due to NCLB, every minute of time needs to be valued with respect to time on task.

Answer 4

I do not see anything wrong with students hearing the words of the constitution.  It is a very important document in our history.  I think it is a wonderful teaching opportunity.  Great discussion can be generated.  Students have a chance to really dig into the words and get some fantastic learning done.

As for your comment below your question...I'm not sure how to take it - are you upset that they are singing the star spangled banner after the pledge?  I think it's perfectly fine to display their patriotism and to learn something about America's past.  Those lyrics mean something!  Every American should understand the importance of what they are singing or hearing whenever America is honored by our national anthem.

Answer 5

I think think the Constitution reading idea you have is a great idea though.  I mean, its all their rights and they should know them.