Submitted by Gretchen Taylor, Illinois

Idea posted August 31, 2001

I know that from time to time folks ask for curriculum ideas. I've gotten many from this list myself. Anyway, the mention of the Air Force Song made me think someone might find some use for my Sept/Oct American Heritage unit that I've prepared for my 4-8th graders. Here goes...

Each of the classes will learn America the Beautiful in sign language (I've been practicing for weeks :)) for Sept., then I'll add MK8's "America, My Home." It's likely we'll be asked to sing for a Veteran's Day Mass in Nov., so we'll be ready.

4th: will focus on America's beginnings, the 50 states, our state song, and songs that depict our legendary history. Some of the songs will be 50 Nifty, Illinois, Erie Canal, This Land is Your Land, and several others. They'll listen to an Aaron Copland selection for SQUILT (not sure which one yet).

5th: will focus on battle songs from our American history. Including songs like "Yankee Doodle, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", and other Civil War Songs. They'll listen to "American Theme" for SQUILT from STM gr. 4 (Battle Hymn & variations). I'll also include other songs from the union, confederacy, and underground railroad like "Follow the Drinking Gourd".

6th: will focus on America, our country, and will be singing numerous songs like "This Is My Country", "What A Country", "America", "God Bless the USA", etc. For a SQUILT here, I'm planning on playing the Dixie Chick's "Ready To Run" which will lead in to MK8's "Heart of America." We'll compare the 2 and also use these to focus on 16th notes in our rhythm drills.

7th: will focus on the songs of the American Armed Forces and listen to various Patriotic Marches for their SQUILT sessions.

8th: will focus on the National Anthem and songs about the American Flag. They'll listen to "National Emblem" for their SQUILT. They're going to have a big test on the National. Anthem too!!

Anyway, that's about it. I didn't do any patriotic music last yr and was ashamed of myself. After all, if kids aren't taught these songs in school, where else will they learn them, right?