This fun patriotic show explores the origin, nature, and significance
of many of the primary symbols of the United States. Two versions of the show come
in this one package (it's a twofer!).
For younger students (K-2),
we have written a shorter (15-minute) show with 6 songs and no dialogue.
Very short storyteller parts (which can be spoken either by students
or the teacher) link the songs together. Each song can be sung by groups
of students or the entire class. For older students (2-4), there is
a “regular” Bad Wolf musical play, 25 minutes long with
9 different songs sung by small groups of actors and the chorus.
Key Concepts
Shorter Version
American Symbols reinforces students' familiarity with the following national symbols, songs, and landmarks:
- Bald eagle
- Statue of Liberty
- Liberty Bell
- American Flag
- "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (sung by the class)
- "You're a Grand Old Flag" (sung by the class)
- and references to the Great Seal of the U.S.; Mt. Rushmore; The Alamo; The White House
Longer Version
American Symbols reinforces students' familiarity with the following national symbols, documents, songs, and landmarks:
- Bald eagle
- Statue of Liberty
- Liberty Bell
- The White House
- "Star-Spangled Banner" (NOT sung, but a character in the show)
- The White House
- "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (sung by the class)
- Washington Monument and the National Mall
- U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence
- American flag: "You're a Grand Old Flag" (sung by the class)
- and references to the Great Seal of the U.S.; Uncle Sam; the rose; Mt. Rushmore; the Capitol Building; apple pie; The Alamo
American Symbols is a great complement to your curriculum resources in social studies. And, like all of our plays, this show can be used to improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills (read about it!) -- all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!
Publication Information
Author: John Heath (Book and Lyrics) and Mike Fishell (Composer)
ISBN: 978-1-886588-54-7
© 2012 Bad Wolf Press, LLC
Song Samples
The asterisked songs (4, 6, and 8) are NOT in the shorter version of the show.
A Crucial Note of Explanation Before You Go Any Farther!
American Symbols contains TWO separate scripts for TWO different age groups.
The FIRST script is intended for younger students, especially those in kindergarten and first grade. This version of American Symbols contains 6 songs, each of which is to be sung by the entire class. Each song is introduced by a few short lines of dialogue spoken by Storytellers. This version of the show will take about 15 minutes to perform.
The SECOND script is intended for older students, especially those in second, third, and fourth grades. This version of American Symbols contains 9 songs, most of which are sung by small groups of actors in character. There is a short scene of dialogue between each song. In other words, this is your basic classroom musical play. This show will take about 28 minutes to perform.
Read the first third of shorter script for younger students
Read the first third of the longer script for older students
American Symbols: shorter script for younger students
Casting
There are no individual roles in this version of the script. The entire class sings each song. There are Storytellers who have short bits of dialogue between each song. These can be distributed among all the students in the class or divided up in any way that seems to work best with a particular group of students.
Script
This is the first one-third of the script:
Song 1 -
Listen to a clip now!
CLASS (facing audience):
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
Oh I can't wait to see
The Statue of Liberty
Come dancing down the street.
Who even knew she had feet?
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
Bald eagles are on hand
They're marching right in the band.
The U.S. flag looks proud
It's waving to all the crowd.
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
STORYTELLER #1: Welcome to the parade.
STORYTELLER #2: Some of America's great symbols will be marching today.
STORYTELLER #3: Hey, here come the bald eagles!
STORY TELLER #1: The bald eagle is featured on the Great Seal of the United States.
STORYTELLER #2: I saw a great seal balance a ball on its nose at Sea World once.
STORYTELLER #3: Let's try to forget that and just listen to the eagles.
Song 2 -
Listen to a clip now!
CLASS:
Oh who who who
Is the national bird?
It's me me me
Did you not get the word?
So why why why
Shouldn't we all rejoice?
They wanted something regal
Nothing like a seagull
And so we great bald eagles were the obvious choice.
We sky sky sky
Up as high as can be
We fly fly fly
We're so strong and so free
We're brave brave brave
And as wise as an owl
We have so much appeal
We're on the U.S. seal
On stamps and money we'll be
the fairest of fowl.
Ben Franklin thought a turkey
Could be the bird of state
But should we serve our symbols
With gravy on a plate?
No no no
Oh who who who
Is the national bird?
It's me me me
Did you not get the word?
So why why why
Shouldn't we all rejoice?
They wanted something regal
Nothing like a seagull
And so we great bald eagles were the obvious choice.
STORYTELLER #4: What's a symbol anyway?
STORYTELLER #5: It's an object or image that stands for something else.
STORYTELLER #6: For example, the bald eagle is a symbol of strength and courage.
STORYTELLER #4: Oh. I get it. Like broccoli is a symbol of EVIL.
STORYTELLER #5 (giving #4 a strange look): Uh. Sure. Although I was thinking of something more like the Statue of Liberty.
STORYTELLER #6: And here she comes!
(This concludes the first one-third of the shorter script.)
American Symbols: longer version for older students
Casting
From 11-40 students. Use as many Bald Eagles, Paparazzi, etc. in each
scene as
desired. One student can easily play several roles if needed, and
individual roles can be doubled up. Note that all roles can be played
by
either boys or girls; see our comments on page 40 of the Teacher’s
Guide.
Script
This is the first one-third of the script:
CHARACTERS:
Uncle Sam
Rose
Bald Eagles (3)
Statue of Liberty
Pedestal for Statue of Liberty
Paparazzi (2)
White House
Secret Service Agents (2)
Star-Spangled Banner
Washington Monument
Fans of the Washington Monument (3)
Tomato Juice (official beverage of Ohio)
Praying Mantis (official insect of Connecticut)
Strudel (official pastry of Texas)
U.S. Constitution
Declaration of Independence
and a CHORUS composed of all students who are not playing
roles on stage at the time.
Song 3 -
Listen to a clip now!
(CLASS enters/stands, faces audience, and sings:)
CLASS:
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
Oh I can't wait to see
The Statue of Liberty
Come dancing down the street.
Who even knew she had feet?
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
Bald eagles are on hand
They're marching right in the band.
The U.S. flag looks proud
It's waving to all the crowd.
American symbols on parade
All our pride is now displayed
Great ideals that will not fade
American symbols on parade.
(ACTORS take their places, moving
quickly across the stage in various
directions, as UNCLE SAM enters and
comes to the front of the stage. HE holds
a clipboard with pieces of paper he keeps
flipping through. HE is a bit flustered.)
UNCLE SAM: Okay, icons, let's get lined up.
The parade is about to start. Has anybody seen
the Liberty Bell?
(shouts)
Rose! Where's my assistant Rose?!
ROSE (running in): I'm here, Uncle Sam.
UNCLE SAM: Where've you been? You'd think the national flower would always be around. Rose, I can't find the Liberty Bell. I've been in charge of this parade for 200 years and the Liberty Bell has always been on the first float.
ROSE: Sorry I'm late. We're having troubles with Mt. Rushmore.
UNCLE SAM: Again?
ROSE: It's Teddy Roosevelt this time. He keeps speaking softly and then pokes Jefferson with a big stick. I've tried to separate them, but they won't budge.
UNCLE SAM: I warned them, didn't I? I told them you can't put four presidents on one mountain and expect it to work. They're like children. Giant 60-foot children.
(BALD EAGLES enter,)
BALD EAGLE #1: Hey, Uncle Sam, where are WE this year?
BALD EAGLE #2: We want to go first.
BALD EAGLE #3: After all, we're the national bird.
BALD EAGLE #1: Yeah. Bald eagles are important American symbols.
BALD EAGLE #2: Yeah! We're symbols!
(pause)
Uh. What's a symbol?
BALD EAGLE #3: It's an object or image that stands for something else.
BALD EAGLE #1 (proudly): The bald eagle is a symbol of strength and courage.
BALD EAGLE #2: Oh. I get it. Like the raven in Edgar Allen Poe's poem is a portent of impending death.
BALD EAGLE #3 (shaking head, to audience): English majors.
Song 3 -
Listen to a clip now!
BALD EAGLES:
Oh who who who
Is the national bird?
It's me me me
Did you not get the word?
So why why why
Shouldn't we all rejoice?
They wanted something regal
Oh nothing like a seagull
And so we great bald eagles were the obvious choice.
We sky sky sky
Up as high as can be
We fly fly fly
We're so strong and so free.
We're brave brave brave
And as wise as an owl
We have so much appeal
We're on the U.S. seal
On stamps and money we'll be the fairest of fowl.
Ben Franklin thought a turkey
Could be the bird of state
But should we serve our symbols
With gravy on a plate?
No no no
BALD EAGLES and CHORUS:
Oh who who who
Is the national bird?
It's me me me
Did you not get the word?
So why why why
Shouldn't we all rejoice?
They wanted something regal
Oh nothing like a seagull
And so we great bald eagles were the obvious choice.
BALD EAGLE #1 (looking offstage): Let's go. I see the Statue of Liberty coming.
BALD EAGLE #2: And she brought her pedestal this time. She's going to be extra tall.
BALD EAGLE #3: Come on! If she gets in front of us we won't be able to see a thing!
(THEY exit. STATUE of LIBERTY and PEDESTAL enter.)
STATUE: I'm really looking forward to the parade this year. I can use the exercise—it was a cold winter in New York and I think I've put on a few tons.
PEDESTAL: I haven't noticed anything—you still feel like the same 450 thousand pounds as ever.
STATUE: Aren't you sweet! You're always so supportive.
(PAPARAZZI rush in with cameras.)
PEDESTAL: Hey, here come the paparazzi.
PAPARAZZO #1 (to #2): Have you seen the Washington Monument? I want to get a photo for tomorrow's paper, but these American symbols can be tough to track down.
PAPARAZZO #2: I don't know. I saw a 500-foot obelisk with dark glasses and a fake mustache catching a cab.
PAPARAZZO #1: Man, it got away! What am I going to tell my editor?
STATUE: You can take a picture of us.
PAPARAZZO #PAPARAZZO #2: Yeah? Are you American symbols?
PEDESTAL: You don't recognize us?
PAPARAZZO #1: How 'bout a hint?
STATUE: A colossal neoclassical sculpture presented to the United States as a gift from France?
PAPARAZZO #2 (puzzled, rubbing chin): Hmmmn.
PEDESTAL: A symbol of freedom holding a torch and wearing a crown with seven rays, one for each continent?
PAPARAZZO #2: Nope. Not ringing a bell. Any other clues?
Song 3 -
Listen to a clip now!
STATUE of LIBERTY and PEDESTAL:
I hold a torch
The torch of freedom
Up high to fan the flame
I'm kind of green
I'm made of copper
Do you know my name?
I came from France
I was a present
And I got instant fame
Now I stand proud
Upon an island
Do you know my name!
I may be hollow but I'm big and strong
A thirty-five-foot waistline and a nose
that's five feet long!
Folks come each year
To New York harbor
And climb up in my frame
I do not mind
It kind of tickles
Do you know my name?
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses
Yearning to be free
I'm the Statue of Liberty!
I'm the Statue of Liberty!
PAPARAZZO #1: Hey! I think this is the Statue of Liberty!
PAPARAZZO #2 (pauses, looks at the STATUE and PEDESTAL carefully, then shakes head): Naaah.
(points offstage)
Come on, I think I see the Declaration of Independence eating a sandwich.
(THEY all exit. WHITE HOUSE enters with two SECRET SERVICE AGENTS, speaking with ROSE.)
(This concludes the first one-third of the longer script.)
Additional Comments and Reviews:
"My class has performed your plays for the past 14 years. This March we performed American Symbols. The students learned so much about our country,
its symbols and history. The parents are still talking about it. We just went on a field trip to our local museum for a 'Pride and Patriotism'
exhibit and the docents who led the class through the exhibit were amazed at all the children knew about our country. The children frequently broke
out in song when asked about what they know about symbols and patriotism. We did this play from start to finish in a little less that 4 weeks.
I cannot tell you how valuable the experience was for all involved. How many second graders can say they know a little bit about the Constitution
and the Declaration of Independence? They just took their test to see how much they have learned over the past year and all of them have done a remarkable job.
I have never worried about THE TEST. The students are motivated and excited about learning and I believe your plays are a big part of their success.
I also want to tell you how many of my past students write me to let me know they have wonderful memories of their play. Your plays are a big reason every
year is joyful and memorable. I have NEVER heard from a child the words, 'I remember when we studied for the test' but I hear over and over the wonderful
memories of performing their play. Thank you for your fantastic work."
---Kristen Braunreiter, Teacher (2nd grade), Dibble School, Jackson, MI
"The children had a fantastic experience preparing for the play. They practiced diligently and felt so excited and satisfied after presenting it
to the children at school and to their parents in the evening. We had thirty children in the musical and over 180 people attending our evening performance.
We have received dozens of comments from parents and guests. They found the musical entertaining for all ages and expressed that we should make it a yearly tradition.
"My little guys learned so much about the history of our country. Thank you for always preparing excellent musicals that are clever and perfect
for our students. This was one of my favorites. I can't sing at all, but your CDs make it easy even for people like me."
---Jenny Laurich, Teacher (2nd grade), Glenknoll Elementary School, Yorba Linda, CA
"American Symbols is chock-full of great information and mixed with enough humor and jokes that it was enjoyed by the audience and
appreciated by the teachers and administration. At first I thought the music might be a little ambitious for 3rd graders, but they learned it quickly
and I have even had reports from parents that they heard their children singing the songs on the way to ballgames, and around the house.
We just did our first performance of this play this morning and it was extremely well received by the parents and guests!"
---Emily von Redlich, Teacher (3rd grade), Tuscaloosa Academy, Tuscaloosa, AL
"It has made a great venue for the kids to explore American history. I like that there was a combination of songs that I knew from childhood
and new songs the kids really like with upbeat tempo."
---Cecilia Chavez, Teacher (K-2nd grades), Albuquerque, NM
"This play fits perfectly into our study of American symbols. I like that there are 2 classic American songs included."
---Julie Austin,Teacher (K-1st grades), Huntington Beach, CA
Common Core and Other National Standards
Language Arts
- Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Reading Standards: Foundational Skills:
- K and 1st: Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition
- 2nd: Phonics and Word Recognition
-
3rd, 4th, 5th: Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency
- Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards: Comprehension and Collaboration - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Language Standards: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use - K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
- Common Core Standard 10: Range, Quality & Complexity: Range of Text Types for K-5th
History/Social Studies
National Core Arts Standards
Vocabulary
Shorter Version
displayed
ideals
regal
"on hand"
image
waistline
frame
inspired
"get the word"
fowl
grand
proclaim
peal
"fan the flame"
emblem
'tis thee
"chimed in"
"cracked up to be"
native
rills
templed
"ring true"
"ringing endorsement"
"auld acquaintance"
rapture
Longer Version
ideals
icons
budge
image
"get the word"
portent
impending
regal
appeal
"ring a bell"
fowl
pedestal
supportive
paparazzi
"fan the flames"
obelisk
colossal
neoclassical
dome
"huddled masses"
distracted
residence
cerulean blue
oval office
"sing the praises"
picturesque
memorial
tsk-tsk
institute
cadmium yellow
'tis
thee
native
thy
beverage
rills
rapture
pastry
upgrade
"guiding light"
grand
proclaim
documents
tyranny
"make a fuss"
founding
landmarks
intent
adios
"hold sway"
finale
emblem
"auld acquaintance"
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Wolf Products and Licensing
How does your pricing and licensing work?
A: In short: each teacher/director using the play should have a copy of it. That's it! Your purchase gives you the right to use the play with as many classes as you wish, to photocopy the script for your actors, and to put on as many performances as you wish. This one-time purchase gives you a lifetime license. See below for more information on site licenses (for 3+ teachers or whole schools).
Q: What comes in the package?
A: Every musical play comes with the script and a 12-page Teacher's Guide that provides lots of tips and advice for using the play from start to finish. It also includes the audio recording for the play, which has all the songs both WITH and WITHOUT vocals. Sheet music is NOT included with the basic package, but it is available for $12. Extra/replacement CDs are also available for $12.
Every non-musical play comes with the script and the 12-page Teacher's Guide.
Q: I'm just one teacher putting on a play. If I use the play with multiple classes, do I have to purchase multiple licenses?
A: No! Your purchase gives you a lifetime license to be used with as many actors and classes as you wish. If other teachers/directors wish to use the play as well, they will need to purchase their own licenses.
Q: Do I need to purchase scripts for students?
A: No! Your purchase includes permission to photocopy the script for your actors.
Q: What is a "site license"? How do I know if I need one?
A site license is the economical choice when a whole school or grade level wants to put on the same play. Instead of each teacher/director having to purchase a script, the school/site can purchase
a site license. This comes with three copies of the play (or one digital download) and permission to make copies for any additional participating teachers, as well as all the actors. You do NOT need to purchase both a site license and individual copies of the play; just buy one or the other.
Q: I understand that I can get two or more scripts for $35 each. Do they have to be the same play?
Nope! The discount applies whether you are purchasing multiple copies of the same show or single copies of multiple shows.
Q: What is the difference between the printed and digital versions? Which one should I get?
There is no difference in terms of content. The printed version of a musical play comes with an audio CD in a plastic sleeve in the back of the book. The digital version comes with two downloadable files: the script (PDF format) and the songs (individual MP3 files compressed in ZIP format). The advantage of the digital version is that you will not pay shipping and you can start using it instantly. Please read the question following this one about the technical requirements for digital files.
Non-musical plays are available in the form of a printed book or a PDF file.
Q: What are the technical requirements for the digital version?
- You will need to have Adobe Reader (free) or another software application that can open PDF files.
- You will need to be able to open ZIP files. The vast majority of computers should be able to do this without difficulty. If you wish to download the music directly to your phone or tablet, you will need to download an app that will open ZIP files. Many free ones are available.
- You will need to have some kind of audio player (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) that will play MP3 files.
Advanced technical knowledge is not required; but please note that we do not have the ability to offer technical support for issues related to digital files. If you are unsure, it is probably best to stick with the printed version.
Q: What is your return/exchange policy?
A: Bad Wolf proudly offers a 100% guarantee. You can always exchange a product for another or get a full refund. No time limits, no questions.
Q: Is it OK if I edit the script?
A: Yes! Consider the play to be a jumping-off point. You are always welcome to change or omit anything that doesn't work for your class, administration, or parents. You are welcome to rewrite
lyrics, lines, or jokes -- or add your own! (The kids love doing this, by the way.)
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We say that you should allow for one week within the U.S., but most orders are shipped the same day and arrive 1-3 days later. International orders usually take around two weeks to arrive.
Q: Do I need to pay any performance royalties?
A: As long as your admission price is less than $5 per ticket, you never need to pay performance royalties with a Bad Wolf show. If you decide to charge more than $5 a ticket, or if you are using one of our plays for a PAID workshop, camp, assembly, etc., pay only a low 1-2% royalty on gross revenues. See our royalty page to view the rates and pay.