In-Depth Presentation on our National Anthem Spring 2009 Education 357 Created by: Ryan Sparrow and Rosanna Sartore

Why we chose this song We have attended events such as baseball games where everyone stands up during the National Anthem but few people know the words. We want our students to know the history behind the song and know the meaning of the words. That way they can stand up and sing proudly at any event.

History of the National Anthem Francis Scott Key wrote the original words to the National Anthem as a poem in September 13, He was inspired during the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of Has 4 verses, but usually only the first is sung.

History of the National Anthem Congress declared the Star-Spangled Banner the official National Anthem in Set to the tune of Anacreon in Heaven by John Stafford Smith. This is actually a pub song sang in Britain.

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Kindergarten K.1.2 Identify celebrations and holidays as a way of remembering and honoring people, events and America’s ethnic heritage. Lesson Idea: Read books about holidays that celebrate this nation, such as Celebrate Independence Day by Deborah Heiligman. Discuss what students do to celebrate this holiday with family and friends. How can singing the National Anthem help students celebrate this holiday?

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Kindergarten K.1.3 Listen to and retell stories about people in the past who showed honesty, courage, and responsibility. Lesson Idea: Learn about Francis Scott Key by reading Francis Scott Key: Patriotic Poet by Susan R. Gregson. Have students draw a story board telling the story of his life. Storyboard template found at: 6A.S06/storyboard%20template.jpg 6A.S06/storyboard%20template.jpg

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching First Grade Compare past and present similarities and differences in community life by using biographies, oral histories, folklore and images. Lesson Idea: Read By the Dawn’s Early Light: the Story of the Star Spangled Banner by Steven Kroll. Have students fold a piece of paper in half to create a drawing of life then on one side and life now on the other. They should also write an accompanying descriptive sentence or two at the bottom of the page.

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching First Grade Identify American songs and symbols and discuss their origins. Lesson Idea: Have students use the book Our National Anthem written by Stephanie St. Pierre. It describes the history of the song and explains the meaning and significance. Students should then draw an American flag and label what the colors, number of stripes, number of stars, etc. mean and why they are part of the flag.

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Second Grade Explain that the United States government is founded on the belief of equal rights for its citizens. Lesson Idea: Have students work on their context clues and dictionary skills to decode the lyrics of all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner. Discuss how Francis Scott Key’s beliefs about the flag and our nation were similar to the founding fathers. What did the flag mean to them? Does it have the same meaning today?

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Second Grade Discuss and explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and identify other ways citizens can affirm their citizenship. Lesson Idea: Have students identify times when they say the Pledge of Allegiance and times when they say or sing the National Anthem. Discuss the following questions: When do these times overlap? Where are they said or sang? How does singing the National Anthem or saying the Pledge of Allegiance affirm their citizenship?

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Third Grade Distinguish between fact and fiction in historical accounts by comparing documentary sources on historical figures and events with fictional characters and events in stories. Lesson Idea: Have students use the library or computer to research the life of Francis Scott Key and how he wrote the poem. They should fill in a chart detailing the truthful facts and the fictional accounts of both. Have a discussion after for students to compare their findings.

How to Use the National Anthem while Teaching Third Grade Identify fundamental democratic principles and ideals. Lesson Idea: Have students highlight the principles and ideals they believe are part of the anthem on a copy of the Star Spangled Banner. Together, they should create a class collage to illustrate what principles and ideals they found and how they affect their everyday lives.