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As American families busily clip the coupons for Veterans' Day Sales and happily plan for a three-day weekend in February and quickly make the macaroni salad for Memorial Day, rarely do we pause to think about the greatness of this country and the legacy our ancestors have left us. Too seldom do we stop and think about the heroes of our own generation and those in the past. Too impatiently do we hurry through the year without remembering the sacrifices of days gone by and the promise of days ahead. Through the "Let Freedom Ring" classroom project, we will bring back the patriotism of American holidays by celebrating with art, architecture, and song. We will learn how to honor our heritage. Together. In one classroom. In one nation.  

What will be done with my students

Let Freedom Ring!
Celebrating America in the History Classroom

September 17
Constitution Day
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine of our founding fathers who changed the course of history. Now, Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.
Lesson: Learn copperplate calligraphy script. This script was developed in the eighteenth century and is known for its fluidity and beauty. Students will use calligraphy pens to create a copperplate script bookmark of a favorite Constitutional quote.

November 11
Veterans Day
Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day now pays tribute to all American veterans–living or dead–but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
Lesson: Students will participate in a military etiquette workshop; learning about how rank is structured, the proper way to salute and march, and examine oaths taken by the various service members. The day will culminate in creation of thank-a-vet postcard.

January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
This holiday honors the principles of nonviolent social change and racial quality. As a remembrance and celebration of King’s life, it encourages people everywhere to work towards interracial cooperation.
Lesson: Students will analyze the history of protest songs, from the Civil War era “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” and the abolitionist “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to Vietnam’s “Blowing in the Wind” and “Imagine.” Each student will analyze the lyrics of the song and create hyperlinked lyrics that correlate to images from the time period.

February 16
Presidents’ Day
Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday has become popularly known as Presidents’ Day and is viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.
Lesson: Architecture lesson on the White House. After analyzing the evolution of White House design, students will take a stand on whether the chosen White House design or one simpler or grander would best reflect what our President's house has come to represent.

May 30
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Lesson: STEM lesson. Following an analysis of great American memorials and monuments, including the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the 9/11 memorial, and the Washington monument, students will create a design and produce an architectural model of a memorial for something they think is worthy of commemoration.  

Benefits to my students

When history is well told, it is beautiful. It involves a sense of drama and excitement of people who have weathered adversity, events that have challenged society, and settings that have endured the ravages of time. This rich past is our American identity. All children should share in it and honor it. Even as we celebrate the things that make us diverse, we can tell our unifying national story. The distinctive features of our national experience are what makes us Americans. Let's make room for this celebration in our middle school classroom. 

Budget Narrative

Constitution Day materials - calligraphy pens, blank bookmarks, tassels
Veterans Day materials - blank postcards, postcard stamps
Memorial Day materials - Lego Architecture Kit
 

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