Our National Anthem

We love the Olympics! The boys are especially getting more educated in the many varieties of sports there are out there. K's current favorite is water polo.... I think because it's a pool and a ball together in one event. Pretty exciting to a 4 yr. old boy.

As we watch the winners celebrate and take their places on the podium, I thought it would be a good time to introduce the boys to learning our National Anthem.

So, we had an Olympic morning...
During their reading time this morning we read a book or two about the National Anthem and practiced learning the last part of it by memory (Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet waaaaaaa-ve.....  etc.  BTW, did anyone see Serena Williams' singles medal ceremony when the star-spangled banner did wave and flew away off the post holding it? That was funny.)

We also talked about why the athletes put their hand on their heart - to show their love and respect for their country. So, we practiced singing it with our hand on our heart (or wherever J thought his heart was...)

Then we commenced the events!

Making medals.....

 Having "super-fast" races...

Soccer shoot-outs....

 Throwing challenges...

And a medal ceremony!

 ...where we practiced our National Anthem

Isn't J's face hilarious? That kid cracks me up.

Here are the books I got out of the library to use for helping the boys learn the Star-Spangled Banner - they're both great!

The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner by Patricia Pingry
This is a great mini-history lesson on where our National Anthem came from.

 The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier

This one is a classic and has the verses throughout with wonderful illustrations. 

Have fun! Enjoy the Olympics and teach those kiddos their national anthem!