Like most human beings, my kids love to listen to music. I enjoy watching them zone out and sing, sway, and feel music with every ounce of their being. They love to learn songs, to sing, and to dance. They see music as a treat, a joy, and an integral part of life. Many teachers use this love of music to inspire kids, and history teachers are no exception. If you are talking about American History at home, do it with a few songs that kids are sure to love. These are a few of our suggestions although you can find many more fine options with a quick Internet search. Search for these songs on YouTube. Please preview the songs before sharing them with your children. Some, especially the songs about war, are only appropriate for older kids.
General Learning
The 50 States and Capitals Song, Tim Pacific
The 43 Presidents Song, Tim Pacific
America the Beautiful
Proud to be an American
The Star Spangled Banner
The Declaration of Independence, Learning by Song
In the Constitution, Learning by Song
Government, Jim Thompson
Exploration and Discovery
Age of Exploration, Learning by Song
Christopher Columbus, Kathleen Wiley
Colonialism
The First Thanksgiving, Learning by Song
When I First Came to This Land
Native Americans
Sacajawea, Kathleen Wiley
Squanto, Kathleen Wiley
Slavery
Free at Last, Linda Brown and Dr. Thomas Moore
Freedom Riders Got to Ride, Vitamin L
Civil War
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, The Band
Westward Expansion
Echo Canyon (Building the Railroads)
World War I
Over There, Billy Murray
When This Lousy War is Over
The Roaring Twenties
Louis Armstrong
Duke Ellington
Ella Fitzgerald
Civil Rights
Rise Up, Martin Luther King Day, Jack Hartmann
Rosa Parks, Andy Glockenspiel
World War II
Sing, Sing, Sing, Benny Goodman
The White Cliffs of Dover
Cold War
Masters of War, Bob Dylan
Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself), Oingo Boingo
American History in a Box 