Kroll, Steven.  (1994).  By the Dawn’s Early Light.  NY:  Scholastic.

Reading / Writing / Social Studies Connection:  historical research paper

Vocabulary Acquisition:  vocabulary cube

Music:  singing, understanding, and learning the National anthem and other patriotic songs about America

Art:  imitating the masters through classic American illustrations

Positive Character Traits & Values:  freedom; patriotism; respect; duty / obligation

By the Dawn’s Early Light is the story of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key. This historical story dramatizes the event of 1814 when Fort McHenry was under British attack.  Upon seeing the flag still flying over Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key wrote the poetic words to the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  In 1931, the song became the national anthem of the United States of America.

A study of the national anthem and other patriotic songs makes a natural connection to the culminating research paper project. For the music specialist, this is an appropriate time to read, study, sing, and perform songs about America.  Students enjoy discovering how a piece of historical American music originated and developed into the piece we sing and listen to today. 

Some favorite pieces of music about America include:

·         The Star-Spangled Banner

·         God Bless America

·         America

·         God Bless the USA

·         This Land is Your Land

·         America the Beautiful

·         Stars and Stripes Forever

·         This Is My Country

·         You’re a Grand Old Flag

·         America Forever (march)

Some pieces of music specific to the War of 1812 include:

·         Billy Boy (American version)

·         Chesapeake and Shannon

·         How Happy the Soldier

·         Hunters of Kentucky

·         Lakes of Pontchartrain

·         Patriotic Diggers

·         Star-Spangled Banner

·         To Anacreon in Heaven

·         Ye Parliament of England

·         Yankee Doodle Dandy-O

Illustrator Dan Andreasen used oil paintings to portray the story based on classic American illustrations.  As an art connection, students draw replicas of classic American illustrations using watercolor, colored pencils, and markers.  Fleets of ships are one of the favorites for children to draw.  Portraits of generals in full attire also make interesting subjects.

In preparation for the developing, researching, and writing of a research paper, this vocabulary acquisition exercise encourages students to think about how privileged they are to be living in America.  The vocabulary cube consists of 6 components: define; analyze; apply; compare; argue; and associate.  Using the word “freedom,” students address the 6 components of the cube.

·         Define:  Write a short definition of the word.

·         Analyze:  List the part of speech; the root word, or any affixes.

·         Apply:  What can you do with this word? How can you use it?

·         Compare:  What is it similar to or different from?

·         Argue:  Make an opinion statement using this word and argue for or against it.

·         Associate:  How is this word related to your life?  What does it make you think of?

 The historical research paper should have the underlying theme of “freedom” and

focus on a specific person, place, event, artwork, and / or musical song. As part of language communication skills, historical research papers should be shared with classmates and family members.

The War of 1812 website to visit is www.militaryheritage.com/1812.htm. The Fort McHenry website is http://www.bcpl.net.  Two websites for songs include www.parlorsongs.com and www.contemplator.com/America. Jerry Silverman’s Folk Song Encyclopedia (Vol. II) is another excellent musical resource.  To find collections of art visit www.nga.gov/collection.