Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

Share this book

1. Change Sings is called “a children’s anthem.” Talk with students about anthems—songs that rouse, unite, celebrate and call to action—and how they have been inspired by Change Sings.
2. Talk too about how poetry and music can come together to create an anthem. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as "The Black National Anthem," was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson. The lyrics for the United States national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner," come from the "Defence of Fort M'Henry," a poem written by lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key.
3. Have students write their own anthem for something that is important to them, honoring someone or something they are passionate about. Or ask students to come up with stirring words to celebrate the importance and joys of reading!

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. What is an anthem? What does an anthem do? What other anthems do you know? Why do you think Change Sings is called “a children’s anthem?”
2. Are there ideas, people, or things you think are missing that should be in a children’s anthem for change?
3. Singing out is one way to make your voice heard. What are some other ways you can call attention to other changes you think need to be made in your community?
4. What strengths, interests, and talents do you have? How can you use them to contribute to positive change in your community?
5. What can you do to get others involved in speaking up about challenges or ideas that are important to you?

Related Resources

• #TeachChange materials to bring change into your class, school, or community from Penguin Random House
• Lift Every Voice and Sing from PBS
• Lift Every Voice and Sing from the NAACP
• Poetry and Music from the Poetry Foundation
• Our Anthem lesson plan from Crayola