My Country, 'Tis Of Thee (America)
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
This book interprets the patriotic song, America (My country, 'tis of thee), using photographs. It is a reproduction printed from a digital file created at the Library of Congress, part of a scanning effort funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Library offers its public domain holdings for free online and at a modest price in print, allowing new generations to rediscover these older volumes and renewing passion for books and scholarship. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. The work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Age
8-12
Length
84 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do the words 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee' mean to you?
How does this song make you feel about your country?
What are some ways you can show love for your country?
Why do you think this song has been important in American history?
Can you think of other songs that are important to people in other countries?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by singing the song together. It's a great way to connect and make the conversation more enjoyable.
Use a map to help your child locate America and discuss its significance in the song.
Share your own feelings about the country and its symbols as you discuss the song, making it a mutual exchange of thoughts.
Encourage your child to draw or create something that represents what the country means to them, integrating art into your discussion.
Provide context by talking about the history of the song and its role in American events, making the discussion educational and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patriotism and National Pride
Explanation: Through the lyrics of the anthem 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' children are introduced to themes of love and loyalty to one's country.
Real-World Application: Children can express pride in their country through participation in national holidays and understanding the significance of national symbols like the flag.
Example Lesson: Respect for History and Heritage
Explanation: The song references the freedom and liberty foundational to the country’s history, helping children appreciate the struggles and achievements of the past.
Real-World Application: Kids can show respect for history by engaging in conversations with elders about their heritage and visiting historical sites.
Example Lesson: Unity and Solidarity
Explanation: The lyrics invoke a sense of unity by calling the nation together in a shared song, suggesting a collective identity and purpose.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work cooperatively in teams and respect diverse opinions, promoting harmony in group settings like schools or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Freedom
Explanation: The song emphasizes the value of freedom, a central tenet in American society, teaching children to value and cherish these rights.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy and fairness in daily interactions, understanding that everyone has rights and freedoms that should be respected.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Music
Explanation: By experiencing how deeply a song can resonate with a nation’s spirit, children see the power of music to express complex ideas and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and express their own feelings and ideas through creating or performing music.