For example, the teacher can illustrate the basic tenets of democracy and fair play by allowing them to function in classroom procedures. Whenever possible, he might give the children a choice of several alternative assignments which they would then be allowed to vote on. The teacher should be prepared to allow the majority opinion to carry and to be implemented. Thus he illustrates his own respect for the basic idea that everyone abides by the voice of the majority, and he gives the children a chance to practice democratic procedure in their own small sphere. One of the first exercises in which children participate in American schools is the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Children are apt memorizers.
They learn nursery rhymes, commercials for television, and poems or sayings, if they are so directed. It is therefore reasonable that if we want to the Pledge of Allegiance to become more to our children than a rote drill, we must begin by explaining to them what we wish them to understand. Even with young children teacher may discuss and point out the place of oaths in our society - marriage vows of their parents, oaths taken when testifying in trials, and the oath of the President. These are all events that even young children generally have acquaintance with, and discussion will provide clarification, new interest, and learning for them. From class discussion children will see and experience disagreement and compromise, the art of reasoning out differences to an acceptable solution, which must be the basis for successful contact of all civilized men.