Submitted by Gretchen Taylor, Illinois

Idea posted August 19, 2002

I do a more patriotic unit (which I call "Our American/Patriotic Musical Heritage") during these months with my 4ths, 5ths, and 6ths. Here's the breakdown of what we do:

4THS: Focus on "Our Growing Nation." I present many songs that deal with our country's westward expansion (Wabash Canonball, Erie Canal, This Land Is Your Land, Working On The RR, and many, many more). Our big song is 50 Nifty U.S. We'll also do some state songs and What Did Delaware? (from Music K-8, Vol. 12, No. 3).
5THS: Focus on "Civil War Songs." We cover Abe Lincoln songs, Union/Confederate songs, and slavery songs (map songs, esp. Follow The Drinking Gourd), but the slavery songs we do in January.
6THS: Focus on songs/music about America and love of country. Songs include America The Beautiful, America, My Home (from Music K-8, Vol. 6, No. 5), The Heart Of America (from Music K-8, Vol. 11, No. 3, also available as a Singles Reproducible Kit), God Bless The USA, I Hear America Singing, What A Country, and many more.

Along with the above, we continue with our rhythm gym reading activities and do various SQUILT activities that coincide with the unit theme. I also present Beethoven to the 5ths, Mozart & Rondo form to 6ths. 6ths also continue with their Recorder Karate program.

For me, this is a packed unit because after this, it's all rehearsal for Christmas.