Before Reading
Establish Purpose
With a few of your classmates, discuss the Reader's Journal question. Then, read the About the Selection paragraph on page 339. Think about when this song was written and why. At the top of a piece of paper, write a sentence that summarizes Howe's purpose in writing the song. Draw a line down the middle of the paper.
During Reading
Read with Purpose in Mind
1. Keep Howe's purpose in mind as you listen to your teacher read the first stanza and chorus of the song. In the left-hand column of your paper, make a list of words or images that support Howe's purpose.
2. Continue reading on your own. Keep adding to your list of words or images that you think relate to the purpose of the song. When you have finished reading, go back to your chart. In the right-hand column, make a note about why you think the images relate to the purpose.
Fix-Up Idea: Refocus
The title of the selection is "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Remember that a hymn is a song or verse of praise and is usually religious. As you read, look for words and phrases that relate to the militaristic themes and words and phrases that related to religious themes. Make a chart by dividing your paper into two columns. Label one column "Militaristic Themes" and the other "Religious Themes." As you read, add relevant words and phrases to your chart.
After Reading
Share Connections
Share your chart with your group from the Before-Reading activity. Discuss whether the song is effective; that is, does it achieve its purpose?