"The Star-Spangled Banner"
This lesson focuses on the creation of the “Star-Spangled Banner” following the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore in September 1814. Students will analyze a historical document and draw conclusions about what this document was for, who created it, and why. Students will study the lyrics of the song and analyze the words and phrases for meaning and thematic elements.
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Standards & Objectives
Academic standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.4
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.3
- Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.1
- Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.7
- Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.1
- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2
- Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.4
- Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.8
- Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1
- Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.3
- Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.4
- Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.7
- Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.7
- Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.1
- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.2
- Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3
- Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1
- Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.3
- Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.2
- Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.1
- Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3
- Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.5
- With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.7
- Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.4
- With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose. (Grade-specific...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.5
- With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.6
- With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.10
- Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.5
- With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.6
- With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
- Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- GLE 0201.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies to decode words and expand vocabulary.
- GLE 0201.2.1
- Develop critical listening skills essential for comprehension, problem solving, and task completion.
- GLE 0201.2.2
- Develop critical speaking skills essential for effective communication.
- GLE 0201.3.1
- Write in a variety of modes for different audiences and purposes.
- GLE 0201.3.3
- Organize ideas into a topic paragraph with complete coherent sentences.
- GLE 0201.3.4
- Revise first drafts for clearer meaning, correct capitalization, and punctuation.
- GLE 0201.8.2
- Employ a variety of basic reading comprehension strategies.
- GLE 0201.8.3
- Develop reading fluency and accuracy.
- GLE 0301.1.2
- Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
- GLE 0301.3.1
- Write for a variety of purposes to different audiences.
- GLE 0301.3.2
- Write in various modes and genres, including narration, literary response, personal experience, and subject matter content.
- GLE 0301.3.3
- Know and apply the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, evaluating, and publishing.
- GLE 0401.1.2
- Demonstrate knowledge of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
- GLE 0401.3.1
- Write for a variety of purposes and to a variety of audiences.
- GLE 0401.3.2
- Write in a variety of modes and genres (e.g., narration, description, personal expression, imaginative writing, response to literature, response to subject...
- GLE 0401.3.3
- Know and apply the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, evaluating, and publishing.
- GLE 0401.4.1
- Conduct research to access and present information.
- GLE 0401.4.2
- Collect, organize, and determine the reliability of researched information.
- GLE 0401.4.3
- Present research results in a written report.
- GLE 0401.8.1
- Use active comprehension strategies to derive meaning while reading and check for understanding after reading.
- GLE 0401.8.2
- Experience various literary genres, including fiction/nonfiction, poetry, drama, short stories, folk tales, and myths.
- SPI 0301.1.20
- Determine word meaning through context clues.
- SPI 0301.6.4
- Locate information using available text features (e.g., charts, maps, graphics).
- SPI 0401.1.13
- Recognize and use grade appropriate vocabulary within context.
- SPI 0401.1.14
- Use prefixes, suffixes, and root words as aids in determining meaning within context.
- SPI 0401.1.16
- Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues, dictionaries, and glossaries.
- SPI 0401.3.8
- Select appropriate time-order or transitional words to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
- SPI 0401.5.5
- Make inferences and draw appropriate conclusions from text.
- SPI 0401.6.6
- Use available text features (e.g., graphics and illustrations) to make meaning from text.
- SPI 0401.8.2
- Identify characters, setting, and plot in a passage.
- TSS.ELA.2.FL.F.5
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- TSS.ELA.2.RI.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 2 topic or subject area.
- TSS.ELA.2.RI.IKI.8
- Describe how reasons support specific points an author makes in a text.
- TSS.ELA.2.RI.KID.1
- Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
- TSS.ELA.2.RI.KID.3
- Describe the connections between a series of historical events, scientific ideas, or steps in a process in a text.
- TSS.ELA.2.RL.CS.4
- Describe how words and phrases supply meaning in a story, poem, or song.
- TSS.ELA.2.RL.KID.1
- Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
- TSS.ELA.2.RL.KID.3
- Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
- TSS.ELA.2.SL.CC.1
- Participate with varied peers and adults in collaborative conversations in small or large groups about appropriate 2nd grade topics and texts.
- TSS.ELA.2.SL.CC.3
- Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather information or clarify something that is not understood.
- TSS.ELA.2.W.PDW.5
- With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and strengthen writing as needed by revising and...
- TSS.ELA.2.W.RBPK.7
- Participate in shared research and writing projects, such exploring a number of books on a single topic or engaging in science experiments to produce a report.
- TSS.ELA.2.W.TTP.1
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts.
- TSS.ELA.2.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts.
- TSS.ELA.2.W.TTP.3
- Write narratives recounting an event or short sequence of events.
- TSS.ELA.3.RI.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.
- TSS.ELA.3.RI.IKI.7
- Use information gained from illustrations and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of a text.
- TSS.ELA.3.RL.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
- TSS.ELA.3.RL.IKI.7
- Explain how illustrations in a text contribute to what is conveyed by the words.
- TSS.ELA.3.SL.CC.2
- Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text presented in diverse media such as visual, quantitative, and oral formats.
- TSS.ELA.3.W.PDW.4
- With guidance and support, produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- TSS.ELA.3.W.PDW.5
- With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
- TSS.ELA.3.W.PDW.6
- With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing, as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate...
- TSS.ELA.3.W.TTP.1
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
- TSS.ELA.3.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information.
- TSS.ELA.3.W.TTP.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using an effective technique, such as descriptive details and clear event sequences.
- TSS.ELA.4.FL.F.5
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
- TSS.ELA.4.FL.PWR.3
- Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding isolated words and in connected text.
- TSS.ELA.4.FL.VA.7a
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of...
- TSS.ELA.4.FL.VA.7b
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- TSS.ELA.4.FL.VA.7c
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions,...
- TSS.ELA.4.RI.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area, including figurative, connotative, and...
- TSS.ELA.4.RI.KID.1
- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly; refer to details and examples in the text when drawing inferences...
- TSS.ELA.4.RI.KID.2
- Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize a text.
- TSS.ELA.4.RI.KID.3
- Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific...
- TSS.ELA.4.RL.CS.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that refer to significant characters and situations found in...
- TSS.ELA.4.RL.KID.1
- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly; refer to details and examples in a text when drawing inferences from...
- TSS.ELA.4.RL.KID.2
- Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
- TSS.ELA.4.RL.KID.3
- Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in a text, such as a character's thoughts, words, or actions
- TSS.ELA.4.W.PDW.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.PDW.5
- With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.PDW.6
- With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing, as well as to interact and collaborate...
- TSS.ELA.4.W.RBPK.7
- Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.RBPK.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research, applying grade 4 standards for reading.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.RW.10
- Write routinely over extended time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences; promote writing fluency.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.1
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information.
- TSS.ELA.4.W.TTP.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using an effective technique, such as descriptive details and clear event sequences.
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
Learning objectives:
The learner will:
- Examine a document as a primary source;
- Analyze and explain the meaning of the document;
- Describe the significance of the document.
Lesson Variations
Blooms taxonomy level:
Applying
Extension suggestions:
Have students work with the music teacher to rehearse and perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Have students work with the art teacher to create artwork that includes stars, stripes, and the colors red, white, and blue.
Helpful Hints
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
- Have the requisite materials ready before the activity:
- Star-Spangled Banner Original Manuscript (one copy per student)
- Star Spangled Banner Song Sheet (one copy per student)
- Victor Military Band Performing Star Spangled Banner
- Victor Mixed Chorus Performing Star Spangled Banner
- Whitney Houston Singing National Anthem (YouTube) For teacher background information: America's Story: Second War of American Independence
- Links Guide: War of 1812
- Today in History: Francis Scott Key
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