What are patriotic songs and why are they important?
Just as world music gives children an opportunity to connect to the people & cultures around the world, patriotic music provides children insight into the American culture.
It's true, most of these American staples are old. Not just like 90's grunge, 80's hair bands, disco, or even "old time rock 'n roll." Many of the songs that make up the standard repertoire for patriotic tunes come from days of jazz and before!
Patriotic pieces are songs that celebrate a country and are intended to unite a group of people.
I suggest teaching the staple songs in a sequential loop so that everyone has multiple exposures and by the time kids are in middle school, they'll have a memorized collection of tunes they can sing at anytime.
Kindergarten -
1st -
2nd
3rd
Even in today's day & age?
One of the big questions I get routinely is how to balance DEI goals (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) with curricular objectives in music. While
I get it. Today's political climate makes things like this feel taboo or touchy. But the purpose of these songs is to unify.
Still not sure?
Teaching these staples to mini musicians allows them to participate in the National Anthem at baseball games, to honor grandparents that served in the military, and sing at festivals or celebrations which creates a sense of belonging.
For more resources, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers page with loads of songs to sing, play, listen to, and study.
Comments
Post a Comment
If you have a Google account (such as Youtube, Gmail, Google Apps, Google+, Blogger), feel free to leave a comment or words of encouragement here! If you don't have a way to sign in, you can still leave a message on the main page under the 'Leave Jaime a Message' title on the right side of the page, below the calendar!