Olympism 4.19 - and Meaning

Summary Students will learn about national , and how they express feelings of unity and common understanding among different nations during the .

Materials Video Segment 3: Olympic Symbols and Meanings Background sheets: national anthems of selected countries. Pencils and musically lined paper

Background for Teachers The symbols and pageantry of the Olympic Games play a very important role in arousing the imagination, stimulating personal goal setting, and reminding us of who we are, and what is good in all of us. Each of the symbols and traditions of the Olympic Games are introduced and described, including the five interlocking colored rings, the olympic torch, the olympic motto, the olympic creed, and the ceremony. All Olympic Games begin with an opening ceremony, which includes a parade of nations, the entrance of the olympic , the playing of the , the lighting of the site torch, the pledge of both athletes and judges, and a gala program highlighting the culture of the host country as performed by thousands of local parents and children. The closing ceremony begins with the entrance of all athletes as a group without national ranking, symbolizing the unity and friendship of the Games. Following a flag ceremony, the President of tbe IOC delivers a final speech, transfers the Olympic flag to the host country of the next Olympics, and pronounces the end of the Games. The is extinguished, and the flag is carried out of the stadium. The host country concludes with a grand entertainment display of celebration. During the awards ceremony, the of the three winners are raised as the of the medal winner is player. An anthem is a song of praise which often speaks of the struggle the nation had in gaining independence. Comnmon themes are; love of country, hopes and dreams, and dedication to freedom and the principles of human integrity. The elements found within national anthems also reflect the feelings of individuals within that country, and help form the basis for personal standards of excellence.

Intended Learning Outcomes Students will understand the procedure for playing the national anthem during the Olympic Awards ceremony. Students will compare and contrast the themes found within a variety of anthems from a selection of countries. Students will write the words of an original Anthem for a fictional country.

Instructional Procedures See - Table of Contents Suggested Lesson Plan Brainstorm and write a list of elements that are common in all of the anthems read. Consider rhyming patterns, literary style, theme, inclusion of similar words, etc. The list should be discussed as another national anthem text is analyzed to determine if those elements remain consistent. The list may be hung in the classroom for further reference. Ask students to research the words to all verses of the original Star Spangled Banner. One of the original verses is seldom sung today. - What has happened in our relationship with our 'Mother Country' in the last 200 years that might make that verse offensive to the British? Ask students to write a questionnaire which would help them determine background information needed to write a national anthem. For example, if the Queen of England decided to commission a musician to compose a new national anthem, what kind of information would the musician need to compose the piece?

Would he/she need to know the country's history, climate, customs, or other information before writing the anthem? Students should write a survey which would be sent to the country's magistrate to determine the needed information. Students will then exchange surveys with a partner who will complete it with the necessary information. STUDENT PRODUCTS Students will write the words to an original anthem for a fictional country, or for their own personal statement of beliefs and values. The words should reflect the philosophy of the country and the common elements of other national anthems.

Extensions Have students write a fiction story about one of the anthems based on the brief information included in this packet. The story would need to be researched, and more information about the country and its people would be needed.

Study the words and music of the Olympic Anthem and compare how its message promotes the values of Olympism you have studied.

Authors SHERI SOHM