CEClang.66


TITLE:  INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN LITERATURE

AUTHOR:  Shannon McBride, Sweet Home High School;
         Sweet Home, Oregon

GRADE LEVEL :  11th grade

OVERVIEW/PURPOSE:  Students will be reading literature
written by American authors through out this year long
English class.  Each of my students comes with
different views on America, literature and reading in
general.  I try to grab their attention and motivate
them by this lesson and activity.

OBJECTIVE(s):
1.   TSW decide what freedom means to them by
     freewriting and discussing the topic.
2.   After listening to a tape of the The Star Spangled
     Banner, TSWBAT freewrite about what the National
     Anthem means to them as teenagers and to our
     country.
3.   By collaborating with a group, TSW create a new
     and original verse  for the National Anthem.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  Tape of the Star Spangled Banner
sung by Whitney Houston,  Poster of Whitney,  Lyrics of
the National Anthem.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Set: FREEDOM IS  . . .
     a.  Freewrite and discuss their answers
     b.  How did people of the past feel about
         freedom?  Differently than us of today?

TRANSITION:  Today we are very lucky to have the famous
musical artist Whitney Houston with us.  We will listen
to her sing The Star Spangled Banner And then do some
free writing, discussing and a group activity.

While the tape is playing think what this song is
saying to you and what it means to Americans.
     A. Freewrite what this anthem means to you and
        our country.
        DISCUSS AS A CLASS!
        A.  Think back to the words or the anthem,
            what do you think they say about our
            country?  What did this piece mean to
            people of the past?  Do they still apply
            today? How ? Why?  DISCUSS!!!

TRANSITION:  Many things have happened and changed in
our country since the National Anthem was written.  So
here is your chance to bring an important part of our
country history up to date.  Get into groups of two or
three for this project.  As a group, work together to
rewrite or create a NEW verse for The National Anthem
that fits your life or our society's life today.
     A.  Show my example (OVERHEAD)
     B.  Review Group Procedures
     C.  Brainstorm and Group Activity.

CLOSURE:  Get with a partner that was NOT in your group
and share what you've written.

EVALUATION:  My observation, their freewrites,
discussion and final creation.