Much of the music we enjoy over this holiday are patriotic songs. Some are pulled into the holiday from elsewhere. What songs do you traditionally listen to for this holiday?
Steps
Music
1. American.
Some people don’t bother with patriotic songs. Instead, they focus on American artists. Who are your favorite American singers and musicians? Share your favorites with others over the holiday.
2. Patriotic.
Many patriotic songs are over 100 years old. List patriotic songs you’ve heard. Do you know the lyrics? If not, check out the Song Fun supplements for some help.
3. Armed Forces.
Our armed forces have their own songs. Have you heard the Marines’ Hymn or the US Air Force’s Wild Blue Yonder? Listen to songs that are specific for our armed forces.
4. Covers.
Current artists frequently re-record popular songs. Patriotic songs are included in this list. Find one or more songs and listen to different versions of it. Why do you prefer one (or more) over the others?
5. Activity box.
Create an activity box for patriotic songs. This might just be prints of song sheets in a binder or a folder on your hard drive with the songs organized so that you can find them easily. Look beyond the lyrics. You can also find public domain music online that you can include either digitally or on a CD.
Come Together
6. Concerts.
Going to a concert, especially one that supports our troops, is a great way to spend the day. Check out concerts, drum and bugle corps shows, and local music venues to find something fun to listen to for the holiday.
7. Sports.
Usually, the Star-Spangled Banner is played at sporting events. Many famous (and not so famous) people have lead the audience into song. However, other songs which reflect America are sometimes used as well. Explore the tradition of patriotic songs at sporting events.
8. Parade.
Participating in a parade can be a lot of fun. You might want to either sing or play musical instruments. Make patriotic songs your focus. When we did this, we focused on one or two songs so even the little ones could keep up. Discuss participating in a parade with others. How might you include patriotic songs?
9. Sing-a-long.
Host a sing-a-long featuring patriotic songs. Be sure to include song sheets for those who are not comfortable with the lyrics.
10. Campfire.
Plan a campfire (or bonfire) and ask someone to lead patriotic songs. This can be a single event with just a fire or the closing activity after a full day of celebration.
11. Teach.
Teaching others the songs of our country can be a challenge. You might choose to teach a child or two . . . or perhaps your entire troop or group. Allow time to discuss why you chose the songs and the historical significance of the songs and / or what each means to you.
Supplements
SUPP_Pat Songs_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2.5” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_Pat Songs_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WF_Patriotic Songs_larajla
- Puzzle Fun: Patriotic Song Word Find
SUPP_Song Fun_America My Country_larajla
- Song Fun: America, My Country ‘Tis of Thee
SUPP_Song Fun_America the Beautiful_larajla
- Song Fun: America the Beautiful
SUPP_Song Fun_Ballad Green Berets_larajla
- Song Fun: The Ballad of the Green Berets
SUPP_Song Fun_Battle Hymn Republic_larajla
- Song Fun: Battle Hymn of the Republic
SUPP_Song Fun_Battle New Orleans_larajla
- Song Fun: Battle of New Orleans
SUPP_Song Fun_God Bless America_larajla
- Song Fun: God Bless America
SUPP_Song Fun_Grand Old Flag_larajla
- Song Fun: You’re a Grand Old Flag
SUPP_Song Fun_No More Kings_larajla
- Song Fun: No More Kings (Schoolhouse Rock)
SUPP_Song Fun_Over There_larajla
- Song Fun: Over There
SUPP_Song Fun_Stars Stripes Forever _larajla
- Song Fun: Stars and Stripes Forever
SUPP_Song Fun_Star-Spangled Banner_larajla
- Song Fun: Star-Spangled Banner
SUPP_Song Fun_This Land_larajla
- Song Fun: This Land is Your Land
SUPP_Song Fun_When Johnny Comes_larajla
- Song Fun: When Johnny Comes Marching Home
SUPP_Song Fun_Yankee Doodle Dandy_larajla
- Song Fun: I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy
SUPP_Song Fun_Yankee Doodle_Full_larajla
- Song Fun: Yankee Doodle, Full Version
SUPP_Song Fun_Yankee Doodle_Short_larajla
- Song Fun: Yankee Doodle, Short Version
Sites to Explore
- kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/patriotic/index.htm
- www.timeout.com/newyork/music/best-patriotic-songs
- www.usa-flag-site.org/song-lyrics
- www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/07/fourth-july-4-patriotic-songs-playlist-1
- americanliterature.com/american-patriotic-songs
- www.loc.gov/collections/patriotic-melodies/about-this-collection
- www.pdinfo.com
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