Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let the Music Play: Bicentennial quarter reverse

For Teachers K - 1st
To better understand who George Washington was and why we celebrated the bicentennial, pupils read a story and complete a worksheet. They sing and talk about the song, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" as they march around the room.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let Freedom Sing: A Patriotic Program for Grades 1 - 6

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students explore the history, meaningful background, and significance of Patriotic songs in the eight lessons of this unit. Each of the different grade levels experience a different amount of lessons all culminating in a Patriotic Program.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

This Land is Your Land Shaker Routine

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Shake it up! Give each dancer two hand-held shakers of any kind. If your class doesn't have any shakers, do a project and make your own. Small containers with lids, some rice or dried beans, and glue or tape to seal the lids shut. Teach...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History of Aaron Copland

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders study the history of Aaron Copland, the famous American composer. They dance to the song Hoe-Down composed by Aaron Copland.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fourth of July Fitness Fun

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students increase the heart rate and improve fitness by moving for an extended length of time. They go to three work stations: 1) Jump into July, 2) Firecrackers, and 3) Flag building.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Marching to a New Tune

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about John Philip Sousa's last composition, "The Library of Congress March," which was performed for the first time in 2003.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Patriotic Melodies

For Students 9th - 10th
The stories behind patriotic songs that have become part of American musical culture, such as "Anchors Away," "Over There," "U.S. Air Force Song," and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again." Drill into the site to find lyrics, listen to...
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Patriotic Melodies

For Students 9th - 10th
The Library of Congress site profiles 26 American patriotic songs with commentary, supporting visual material, and recordings of "America the Beautiful," "Fanfare for the Common Man" and the like.
Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: John Phillip Sousa

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.