Key To The Star-Spangled Banner

Submitted by Kristin Lukow, Nebraska

Idea posted May 27, 2005

Here's how I teach my students to remember the last name of the man who wrote the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner:"

I teach them to remember the name of Francis Scott Key by having them hold onto an imaginary key and unlock the information in their brain. I say something like this: "When you can't remember his name, just pick up your key and unlock your brain." Now all I have to do is ask, "Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner?" I hold up my imaginary key without saying anything and act like I am unlocking my brain. ALL the students, even the Kinders, say in unison, "KEY!"