What Does the Pledge of Allegiance Mean?

Did you know that Francis Bellamy wrote the Pledge in 1892, but it has since been changed from its original version?  What DO all those huge words in the Pledge of Allegiance mean?  What are we really saying when we put our right hands over our hearts and recite this sentence?  My younger classes studied the Pledge of Allegiance and answered all of these questions by playing a game of Dictionary Races.  One at a time, they looked up all the difficult words from the Pledge, and the fastest teams would read what the word meant.  We then slowly created a "translation" of the Pledge of Allegiance, putting the words into a language more easily understood by 2nd and 3rd graders.  We even had a history lesson about the Civil War, and what it means to live in a "Republic."   Of course, sparkly star stickers and flag art were a must, too!  Here are a couple of samples for you to enjoy.  

(One class got a red background, and the other got white.  I'm not sure which one I like better.... comment below to tell me YOUR favorite!)

The Pledge of Allegiance means:

I promise to be loyal to the flag of the United States of America, and to the government for which it stands, one country under God, undividable, with freedom and fairness for all.

Here is Anjalia's (2nd grade) lovely work: 

 

 Here is Darian's (3rd grade) fabulous work:

Now you know what you are saying when you recite the Pledge of Allegiance!