Famed American composer and bandmaster John Philip Sousa was appointed director of the US Marine Band on October 1, 1880. Known as the “March King,” Sousa wrote more than 120 marches, including “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” which has served as the national march of the United States for 25 years.
Sousa was born in 1854 in Washington, DC, and was an avid musician at the age of six. … Read more »
As American holidays go, Columbus Day is unique. Unlike our other civic celebrations, Columbus Day commemorates an event that occurred centuries before the United States was even a nation. With the holiday just two weeks away, explore our free ebook with stories, speeches, and songs about Columbus—and the themes of exploration, immigration, and the New World.
Christopher Columbus was born in 1451 to a working-class family in Genoa, Italy. … Read more »
Worthwhile homework: Read the latest post from Gifted Exchange with tips on how to make your homework assignments meaningful.
Powerful poetry: Learn about Luisa Banchoff, a terrific young poet who was inspired by a classroom assignment.
Why the arts are central to the Common Core: Teacher Mary Anne Kovacs on incorporating visual art into your literature curriculum.
Integrate reading and writing: Check out this collection of resources by Glenn Wiebe for … Read more »
What So Proudly We Hail continues to expand our social media presence. In addition to our Twitter, Facebook, Gooru, and Share My Lesson pages, you can now find What So Proudly We Hail resources on Pinterest!
Our Pinterest page includes links to 20 great short stories, video seminars, and biographies of classic and contemporary American authors. If you’re interested in learning more about English and … Read more »
On September 25, 1493, Christopher Columbus began the second of his three famous voyages of discovery. Almost one year after his trailblazing first voyage, Columbus sailed from Cádiz with 17 ships, bound for the Caribbean.
This second expedition was significantly larger than the first, with 1,200 explorers in total, more than ten times the size of the initial voyage. Columbus explored the Caribbean, naming the islands of Dominca, Santa … Read more »
On September 24, 1789, President George Washington officially signed “An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States” into law, outlining the structure and jurisdiction of all federal courts, including the Supreme Court. Article III, Section 1 of the US Constitution called for the creation of “one supreme Court,” but left the composition of that court up to Congress to decide.
The Judiciary Act of 1789 set … Read more »
On September 23, 1863, the Union Army was reeling from a decisive defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga at the hands of Confederate General Braxton Bragg. Keenly aware of Union General Rosecrans’ depleted army, President Lincoln diverted General Joseph Hooker from Virginia to the area, setting in place a strategy that would reinvigorate the Army of the Cumberland, and place General Ulysses S. Grant in charge of the Union … Read more »
Distinguished scholar-teachers Amy and Leon Kass demonstrate how short stories, speeches, and songs can be used to enhance civic education and how a pedagogical approach that stresses learning through inquiry can make primary sources come alive for students of all ages.
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