This September, our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” turns 200 years old!! I’ve been looking forward to this year for a few years and I am so excited it is here to share with my students. Every year, we learn about our National Anthem, but this year is particularly special!
On Sepetember 14, 1814, 200 years ago, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem, following a pivotal battle in the War of 1812 against the British. The American forces had held off the attack of the British on the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry. As the sun rose that morning, Francis Scott Key saw the American flag flying over the Fort after hours of bombardment through the night. He was so proud to see our flag flying proudly that he was inspired to pen the lyrics to a poem which is now our National Anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
I love sharing this story with my students every year. It instills such patriotism and pride for our country. I hope that you will be able to share this rousing story with your students this year as well. Below are a number of resources to use to teach the “Star-Spangled Banner” in fun, engaging, and dramatic ways for your students.
www.flagrespect.com
The story of the “Star-Spangled Banner” so poignantly told by Pastor Dudley Rutherford. We always start with this video which sets the mood for talking about the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Video with Lyrics
Denise Gagne has an excellent version of the “Star-Spangled Banner” in sing-a-long format with the lyrics onscreen with beautiful images of America. Perfect for students to learn the lyrics to the song in an accessible, simple way.
You can also purchase the video in mp4 format with notation, mp3 versions, and another video from TeachersPayTeachers at the link below
Star-Spangled Banner Bulletin Board Set by Kendra Gill
Fifty Nifty United States
I know its not the “Star-Spangled Banner,” but “Fifty Nifty United States” is a patriotic tune that all kids love and get super excited about. This is one of my TpT products that is really useful!
Listening – “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Your students will love this video of the United States Army Field Band performing John Phillip Sousa’s iconic patriotic march. Perfect to end class!
winsomemusic.blog 