American History in a Box

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

Summer is coming and your kids will be home all day long! While summers quickly fill up with playdates, camps, and outdoor play, what can you do on rainy days and quiet moments? We would like to suggest a few of our favorite summer activity books for your consideration!

First, most schools will recommend that your child continue reading at home. Fifteen to thirty minutes of reading time before bed is great throughout the year. It calms kids down, gives them a quiet activity before bed, and promotes learning. Try to find books that connect with Common Core required knowledge for next year to give your kids a head start!

Second, it is proven that having a parent read out loud to a child benefits learning all the way through eighth grade. Children can typically understand books two to three levels above their current reading level when read by an adult. Challenge and select up, then talk about your reading and the content.

Third, use your daily activities to promote learning. Talk about science while gardening and cooking, talk about history when driving around town or visiting grandparents, discuss math while shopping or building a project.

Finally, here is a list of our favorite summer activity books:

1.) Summer Bridge Books. Just a couple of pages a day will keep your child on grade level!

2.) Unbored, The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun, Elizabeth Foy Larson. This is a great book for down time when your child needs to find something to do.

3.) 50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Child Do), Gever Tulley, Your kids will love looking through this book!

4.) The Art of Tinkering, Karen Wilkenson. Kids learn so much by exploring and experimenting!

5.) Brainquest Workbooks, Fun activities to do while sitting at home on a rainy day! Exercise that brain!

6.) The Nature Connection, an Outdoor Workbook, Steve Rich. Get your kids outside to do some learning!

American History in a Box

American History Through Music

Summer Activities for Elementary Kids