Deciphering The Star Spangled Banner

Introduction

• Ask students to turn to a partner and name the title of the national anthem of the United States of America. Confirm student responses and write The Star Spangled Banner on the board.
• Tell students that today they will learn the history of the national anthem and decipher the words in the song so that it makes sense to them.
• Ask students to reflect on what the title means (i.e. it refers to our flag). Record student responses below the title of the national anthem.
• Write national anthem on the board, and explain that a national anthem is a patriotic song which celebrates a nation's history and struggles to gain independence.
• Explain that every country has its own national anthem and that it is a citizen's civic duty to know and understand their national anthem.