Academy of American Poets
We Sing America
Pair the famous poems "I Hear America Singing," by Walt Whitman, and "I, Too, Sing America," by Langston Hughes, with a more recent poem by Elizabeth Alexander called "Praise Song for the Day" to demonstrate a theme and introduce your...
Curated OER
I, Too, Sing America Questions
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 5 short answer and essay questions based on the poem "I, Too, Sing America."
Curated OER
I, Too, Sing America Theme of Race
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on theme of race in "I, Too, Sing America." Students may also complete their choice of 2 reading activities suggested.
Curated OER
I, Too, Sing America Theme of Ambition
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in "I Too, Sing America." Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
Curated OER
I, Too, Sing America Theme of Freedom
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 3 short answer and essay questions based on themes in "I, Too, Sing America." Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested
Curated OER
Songs of America
Combine your lesson on patriotism with a lesson on comparing and contrasting. Focusing on The Star Spangled Banner, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and The Old Folks at Home, this lesson prompts learners to compare and contrast each song...
Tune Into English
America – West Side Story
Anita's iconic rooftop ode to American life in West Side Story is the focus of a lesson on immigration. As class members listen to "America," they follow along with printed lyrics, and discuss whether they agree with Anita's assessment...
Curated OER
America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)
Students perform a song using correct rhythms, accurate pitches, and dynamic phrasing. They perform an accompaniment to "America" on Orff instruments.
Curated OER
America the Beautiful
Young scholars listen to story America the Beautiful, discuss places in America they have visited, define beautiful, and create and illustrate class book with pictures and words from song, America the Beautiful.
PBS
Walt Whitman: Journalist and Poet
Can you love something so much you want to change it? Young patriots investigate Walt Whitman's love of America—and his suggestions to improve it—using primary sources as well as video evidence. Scholars research American issues of the...
Curated OER
Songs the Express American Ideals
First graders will learn the words to two American ideals songs: "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful." They will also learn the Pledge of Allegiance and what it means to recite it. This is a great resource for your...
Curated OER
America the Beautiful
Sixth graders examine the meaning and background of the song, "America the Beautiful." In this "America the Beautiful" lesson, 6th graders read the words and history of the song and answer comprehension questions about it.
Curated OER
Music Dynamics - America the Beautiful
First graders sing America the Beautiful and understand the words to the song. For this singing social studies lesson, 1st graders become familiar with the images and vocabulary in America the Beautiful while singing the words.
Curated OER
In Perfect Harmony: Teaching the World to Sing
First graders listen to music as the impetus to learn about the concept of Japanese harmony as it is understood in Japanese culture. They use the New Seeker's song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," to compare America and Japan...
Curated OER
"Sounds Like Team Spirit"
Some sports teams consider their fans the "12th man" on the field. What does that mean? Are fans that important to their teams? Does fan support really help teams win? How can you let your team know you are rooting for them? Apparently,...
Curated OER
Sing for Your State: Tennessee quarter reverse
What's the connection between singing and a state quarter? Creative thinking and observation, perhaps. Pupils will observe and take note of all the characteristics found on the Tennessee state quarter. They will then use their...
Smithsonian Institution
African American Music: Let’s Sing and Play Clapping Games
Two lessons focus on making a beat. Using popular African American music of its time, scholars listen and analyze the rhythm then recreate it with hands drums, and cups.
Curated OER
Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music In America - Gospel Beginnings
Students identify musical characteristics of gospel and sing a gospel selection. They practice the call and response technique. After going through individual parts, they sing the entire song with piano accompaniment.
Curated OER
Happy Birthday America!
Students examine the United States flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Fourth of July. They create five-pointed stars, listen to stories about Betsy Ross and Paul Revere, and sing various patriotic songs.
Curated OER
Patriotic Songs
First graders recognize patriotic songs of America. In this historical music lesson, 1st graders discuss the historical background of the song "Yankee Doodle" and repeat the lyrics after the instructor. Students read the lyrics to the...
Curated OER
Sing, America, Sing!
Students articulate their thoughts about citizenship in songs and poems. They write a songor a poem that describes what citizenship means to them. They plan a Citizenship Day during which students perform their songs and read their poems.
Curated OER
The American Flag
Third graders study the American flag and its importance. In this American flag lesson plan, 3rd graders practice the Pledge of Allegiance, discuss and learn the meaning of the American flag stripes, stars, and colors, and sing 'America...
National Constitution Center
Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
Curated OER
Let the Music Play: Bicentennial quarter reverse
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.