The Anthem at War
Language Arts, Music, Theater, and Art (Optional)
5th Grade
Paul Herrera, American Union Elementary
This lesson is for the classroom teacher who wants to incorporate music into their curriculum. This four lesson unit (that can be expanded or shortened) features a game of Charades to learn the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” an acting experience, musical chairs, and an opinion writing project. This comprehensive unit has all California Common Core State Standards (where applicable), sound tracks, pictures with descriptions, and videos embedded for your convenience and immediate use.
The unit overview and individual lessons are available for preview at the link below. If you would like to see the teacher’s edition of the individual lessons complete with directions and answers you can download them also at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/syux4ucg1d58dd7/AAA5C7v9I6LfVMAdalYLuls_a
About the Author
Paul Herrera was Music Director at American Union Elementary in Fresno, CA from 2010-2014. During his time there he created a preschool-6th general music curriculum; added a choral and string program; solicited nearly $10,000 in donations for supplies and instruments; sent several students to music camp on full ride scholarships; and nearly tripled the size of the existing band program. Mr. Herrera was selected as American Union Elementary’s “Teacher of the Year” for 2013.
Paul will be attending San Jose State University to begin a masters program in instrumental conducting in Fall of 2014. His roles will be to assist with the basic conducting classes and will serve as Director of the SJSU Symphonic Band.
To contact Paul for additional questions and integrated lesson plan ideas feel free to email him at: pbherrera527@gmail.com
About Banner Moments
Made available as part of the 2014 Banner Moments K-12 Institute—a project of the American Music Institute of the University of Michigan and the Star Spangled Music Foundation, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities