Module II: Informational Writing through Patriotic Song

A.   “Star Spangled Banner” Model Writing Lesson Details: What important information do the Lyrics of “The Star Spangled Banner” and related art works tell us about the life and times of Francis Scott Key and others who lived about 1812? Here, since we are writing for information, we will go into more depth concerning the…

SSB — Happy 199 & Counting! (David Hildebrand Guest Post)

199 years ago yesterday Key was still aboard his American flag of truce vessel, waiting for Skinner to finish his work exchanging prisoners. Not until 199 years ago today (Sept. 16, 2013), in the evening would he arrive back on shore and it was the next morning when the “Defence of Fort M’Henry” broadsides were…

"Banner Moments" Teacher Institute Receives $200K from NEH

Francis Scott Key could not have imagined that his lyric would inspire a month-long NEH summer institute to mark his song’s 200th anniversary, bringing scholars and performers together with thirty K-12 teachers to create inspiring and insightful classroom materials to fuel a nationwide learning celebration. In June and July 2014 “Banner Moments: The National Anthem…