POINTS

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Memorization

Student has memorized the poem in its entirety. Recitation is natural and comfortable with no hesitations.  

Student is able to recite the entire poem with only occasional hesitation.

Student is able to get through the poem, but has frequent hesitation.

Student has to be prompted in order to complete recitation.

Student requires multiple line prompts in order to complete recitation.

Pronunciation

There is excellent control of correct pronunciation of words.

There is good control of correct pronunciation of words.

There is fair control of correct pronunciation of words.

Students makes several mistakes in correct pronunciation.  

Student struggles with correct pronunciation.  

Expression

Outstanding use of intonation and expression.  

Good use of intonation and expression.  

Fair use of intonation and expression.  

Poor use of intonation and expression.  

No presence of intonation and expression.  

Confidence/Poise

Student impress the judges with excellent confidence and poise throughout the entire presentation.

Student demonstrates adequate confidence and poise throughout most of the presentation.

Student is confident and poised for some of the presentation, but may also demonstrate some doubt.

Student demonstrates poor confidence or level of poise.

Little eye contact with the audience or judges.

Student demonstrates poor confidence or level of poise.

No eye contact with the audience or judges.

Kindergarten

Our Flag

By: Unknown

Stripes and strips and little stars,

Oh, how beautiful you are!

Red and white and blue, it’s true,

Proudly waving for me and you.

4 lines

Kindergarten

I Love My Flag

By unknown

I love my flag, my country’s flag,

The red and white and blue.

It has broad stripes and fifty stars,

And stands for freedom too!

4 lines

Kindergarten

My Pledge

(Author Unknown)

I love my country and my flag.

I always will be true.

To me the flag that means the most

Is red,and white and blue.

4 lines

Kindergarten

 "O Flag of our Union"

By: Unknown

O flag of our Union,To you we'll be true,

To your red and white stripes,And your stars on the blue;

The emblem of freedom,The symbol of right,

We children salute you,O flag fair and bright!

4 lines

First

American Symbols

By: Erin Weingaertner

Lady Liberty holds her torch up high.

Over my head the Bald Eagle can fly.

50 stars and stripes-13!

What do all these symbols mean?

I see them all high above.

And all stand for the Country I love!

6 lines

First

The Best Flag

By Lenore Hetrick

I know my flag is a good flag,

It represents my land!

The best land in the world!

So proudly here I stand

With a smile upon my face,

And my dear flag in my hand

6 lines

First-Second

America    

By Julia

In America we will stick together

We will be united forever and ever

We love America this is true,

God bless the red white and blue.

It’s up to us to make it great,

Next years generation will decide America’s fate.

If we work our hardest, and help the best we know

It will show and America will shine and glow.

8 lines

First-Second

Stars and Stripes

By unknown

Wave the flag, wave the flag,

As we march around.

Hold it high to show our pride,

Don’t let it touch the ground.

Wave the flag, wave the flag,

Dear red, white, and blue.

Stars and stripes, forever bright,

America, here’s to you!

8 lines

Second-Third

Long, Long Ago

By unknown

Did you ever stop to think

That long, long ago

There were no motor cars

Passing in a row.

There were no trains,

On long shiny tracks

No mighty steamboats

With tall smokestacks.

No mailman stopping at every door,

No truck with packages bought at the store.

Who were the bearers of burdens then?

The sturdy backs of brave strong men.

12 lines

Second-Third

American Flag

By Erin Ryan

Red and white with thirteen stripes,

Reminds us of our past;

The colonies so long ago,

Some thought they’d never last.

And then the stars, although they’ve changed,

For the states, both old and new,

On a field of blue they’re fifty strong,

A home for me, and you.

So wave your flag,

And show your pride and never let it fall;

And remember why we pledge each day

With liberty and justice for all.

12 lines

Second-Third

An American Creed

By Everard Jack Appleton

Straight thinking,

Straight talking,

Straight doing,

And a firm belief in the might of right.

Patience linked with patriotism,

Justice added to kindliness,

Uncompromising devotion to this Country,

And active, not passive, Americanism.

To talk less, to mean more,

To complain less, to accomplish more,

And to so live that every one of us is ready to look

Eternity in the face at any moment, and be unafraid!

12 lines

Second-Third

A Patriotic Person

Author Unknown

A patriotic person,

That’s what I want to be,

To love and serve my country,

A challenge, yes siree!

I’ll wear my country’s colors!

They are red, white, and blue,

Three patriotic colors.

I like them a lot, do you?

I like my lovely country;

She is just right for me.

She is my home, the USA

And that she’ll always be.

12 lines

Second-Third  

American Flag

by Erin Ryan

Red and white with thirteen stripes,

Reminds us of our past;

The colonies so long ago,

Some thought they’d never last.

And then the stars, although they’ve changed,

For the states, both old and new,

On a field of blue they’re fifty strong,

A home for me, and you.

So wave your flag,

And show your pride and never let it fall;

And remember why we pledge each day

With liberty and justice for all.

12 lines

Second-Third

Little American Citizens

By Annette Wynne

Flags of every size

Float above our land.

The great big one upon the pole,

And a small one in my hand.

The large flag speaks for liberty,

But the little one does, too;

And it doesn’t matter if large or small,

If it’s Red and White and Blue.

And it doesn’t matter if large or small,

The people will understand;

Whether it waves from the steeple

Or only from my hand.

12 lines

Third

His Dream Lives On

By unknown

Today is a day we all sing

In honor of Martin Luther king

Wherever people fight to be free

His name is remembered with dignity

When black people weren't treated right

He stood strong to lead the fight

He fought with love, not guns or darts

He changed peoples’ minds and their hearts

But some people didn’t like his words

He was taken away, to a better world

Yet his dream lives on, that all can be free

When we knock down the walls between you and me

Martin Luther King’s life did not last

But his dream and his spirit are free at last

14 lines

Third-Fourth

The Heart of America  

 By Patricia Bankhead

America land of the free

Home of the brave

Set off the fireworks

Let your banners wave

From sea to shining sea

All across the land

Let people of all races

Come together hand in hand

United we stand

Divided we fall

Let’s put aside our difference

Once and for all

Thanking God for our freedom

Let’s make a joyful sound

In the heart of america

Let love always be found

16 lines

Third-Fourth

We Are The Colors

By: Robert Longley

We are more than the elegance

Of the mighty red, white, and blue

We are made of many

That show our colors true

Many use a broad brush

To paint us all the same

But there is more to seeing us

When you know us all by name

Each color has a purpose

To fill the canvas space

And together creates a picture

That time cannot erase

We share a common purpose

To paint a future day

Where hate and fear are absent

It’s us that will guide the way

16 lines

Third-Fourth

Why We Fight

By: Robert Longley

It’s things we take for granted

Like burgers on a grill

Or a frozen lake in winter

Or the girl that gives us chills

For each of us it’s different

Sometimes just space to breathe

These are the things we think of

Each time we lay a wreath

Some pay the price for others

To keep our dreams alive

The cost is often heavy

For our freedoms to survive

We guard them and protect them

So others may enjoy

This way of life we fight for

That nothing can destroy

16 lines

Third-Fourth

Dr. King’s Dream

By: Theresa Gaughan

A dream of a better life

For all, not just for some.

A dream of life that’s fair

For each and every one.

A dream of a world

Where all of us together, hand in hand,

Will walk as one

In peace across the land

A dream that every person

Will look for the good within

And never again judge others

By the color of their skin

One man’s dream not long ago

To make the wrong things right

And in the future guarantee

For all-a better life.

16 lines

Third-Fourth

Love America    

 By Donna Wade

America, red, white and blue

The country that I love

I’ll defend this land with all I have

Until my life is done

And if I die in battle

Hang my medals high

For I want to be remembered

For my honor and my pride

Send me home to family

And tell them I was brave

I fought just like a soldier should

Until my dying day

I fight for all our freedom

The lives of you and me

I wish it could be easier

But freedom don’t come free

16 lines

Third-Fourth

Go to the back Rosa Parks

By unknown

Go to the back of the bus, Rosa Parks

Go to the back and stay

“No, I won’t, I think that’s unfair

And I’m just too tired today”

But everyone knows the rules, Rosa Parks

Everyone knows if you’re black

You can’t eat at white restaurants

And on busses, you sit in the back

So now it’s time to move, Rosa Parks

“No, I’m not moving at all

I’ve got a voice and I’m going to use it

And thousands will hear the call”

“We’re coming to sit with you, Rosa Parks”

People black and white did say

“We’re coming to change America

And bring equality here to stay!”

16 lines

Third-Fourth

A Hero’s Welcome

By: Robert Longley

Time to come home dear brother

Your tour of duty through

You’ve given as much as anyone

Could be expected to do

Just a few steps further

The smoke will start to clear

Others here will guide you

You have no need of fear

You have not failed your brothers

You clearly gave it all

And through your selfless actions

Others will hear the call

So take your place of honor

Among those who have gone before

And know you will be remembered

For now and evermore

16 lines

Fourth

This Land We Love  

 by Roger Robicheau

Fourth-Fifth

Our Heritage: American!

By unknown

Our heritage: American!

A treasure we all share,

Our family trees have brought us here,

From almost everywhere.

Our heritage: American!

A family of all,

A blend of cultures forming one,

United, standing tall.

Our heritage: American!

Our history is strong,

Progressing through adversity,

Creating rights from wrong.

Our heritage: American!

A land of liberty,

Respecting differences that glow,

And true equality.

Our heritage, American!

We’re leading near and far,

Advancing justice in the world,

And proud of who we are.

20 lines

Fourth or Fifth

Dear America

By M.E. Grady

Dear America,

Your stripes remind me

 Of the red poppies you yield

And the blood shed in battle,

Your stars make me think

Of the warriors that have passed on

And left for the skies,

And your song

Sung from the heavens above,

Where we  live in harmony

Our country, so beautiful and bright

Loving you eternally

Every day, living vastly

All credit to Miss Liberty,

A statue so high

It’s a wonder to even catch a glimpse

Holding a magnificent torch over our land

Finally, a place to live and rest

And where angels look down in pride

Over our Dear America.

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

Freedom Rings

By Jill Lemming

Starry skies, and moonlit nights,

Such beauty in our land…

We’re so thankful for these blessings,

That come from God’s own hand.

The right to vote, to have a choice,

In a nation proud and strong -

And on this Independence day,

We sing our Freedom Song.

We salute our flag so proudly,

And thank God for the chance to say…

“There’s no country we love better,

Than the good ol’ USA!”

Today we’ll gather together,

With our family and our friends…

Giving thanks to our Heavenly Father

For the blessings that He sends.

Thank you, Lord, for America,

A place where we can pray…

We give You all the glory,

On this Independence Day.

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

Our Flag    

By William A Predeau

It flies high up in the skies

For all the world to see

A beautiful symbol of this land

Of freedom and liberty

It’s flown for over 200 years

Above this wondrous land

And many a soldier gave his life

To ensure it continues to stand

When former POWS were asked

What helped to get them through

Many showed tattered pieces of cloth

Of the colors red, white and blue

So let us not forget the men

Who forged this land we love

And the symbol they created

To fly the skies above

Remember to honor this beautiful flag

Every time it passes you by

Stand and show the proper respect

And long may it continue to fly

20 lines

Fourth- Fifth

Thank a Vet

By William Predeau

Many people travel to our shores

To escape their world of strife,

And leave their troubled lands behind

To enjoy our way of life.

But our way of life in America

Didn’t come easy, so don’t forget.

If you love what we enjoy today

Be sure and thank a vet.

They shed their blood on foreign shores

To help keep others free.

And many never came back home

To their wives and family.

Many fathers, sons and daughters

Still battle in distant sand.

May they never be forgotten,

Nor the fight they have at hand.

The bells will toll in their honor

As long as we never forget,

America is what it is today,

Thank God and thank a vet!

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

Our American Flag  

 By Ellen Bailey

Our flag is one with colors ever so bright

A symbol of goodwill and all that’s right

It is a beacon for those who are oppressed

Who pine to live in the land of the blessed

It represents a dream to those from afar

That things can be much better than they are

They look upon our flag as an emblem of hope

When from their oppression they wish to elope

Our flag stands for freedom and basic human rights

It serves as a rally when against tyranny we must fight

It was conceived in battle when our country was young

And many have defended it since our liberty was won

It represents a place where dreams can come true

Where men and women can life the life they choose

Without fear from some maniacal regime

Standing ready to crush their dreams

Our flag stands for liberty and justice for all

It stands for a country ruled by law

And when in a parade I see it passing by

I cannot hide my patriotic pride

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

A Taste of History  

By: Unknown

When we pick up a history book,

We give life a backward look

It paints a picture that’s quite glorious

Of the people who were here before us

I’m glad Columbus found this place

I like that beard on Lincoln’s face

The minutemen were rough and ready

How great-a president named Teddy

But then, they tell about those guys

Who invented things and were so wise

Honestly, they lose me when-

They rave about that cotton gin.

I’ve tired of Thomas Edison,

The light bulb guy, yeah that’s the one

The bulb is nice to light the park

But I watch my TV in the dark

Allow me folks, it’s my contention

The best ones they don’t even mention

A chapter would be real neat

The Folks Who Gave Us What We Eat!

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

Untitled

By: Scott

Oh America what can I say

About My land, my home, my freedoms I could never repay

The land so ripe with blood, sweat, and tears

From the Natives, to the slaves, and those who protect us from our biggest fears

America is my home and its people my kin

But the hatred through the nation got me in a tailspin

Its time that we take a seat and ask ourselves why

Have we allowed complacency to become the fall guy

 My brothers and sisters across this land

Its time that you and I step down from the witness stand

No more watching as the world passes by

Surviving on he said/she said as the blood runs dry

It is by the blood that our lives remain

And just like the blood, we are all the same

America is not just the red, white, and blue

America is love and honor and standing in truth

Here I am before you with arms open wide

 Hoping you'll join me from the great divide

 You see, It's impossible to make America great again

 Without love and compassion for every man

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

A Song of Our Flag  

 By Wilbur Nesbit

Your flag and my flag!

And oh how much it holds-

Your land and my land-

Secure within its folds!

Your heart and my heart

Beat quicker at the sight;

Sunkissed and wind tossed,

Red and white and blue.

The one Flag- the great flag- the flag for me and you-

Glorified all else beside- the red and white and blue!

Your flag and my flag!

To every star and stripe

The drums beat as hearts beat

And fifers shrilly pipe!

Your flag and my flag-

A blessing in the sky;

Your hope and my hope-

It never hid a lie!

Home land and far land and half the world around,

Old glory hearts our glad salute and ripples to the sound!

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

The Symbol of Freedom

By: Unknown

The night shined with a thousand stars

For all the world to see

The same stars that grace America’s flag

...a symbol that we are free

Upon the backdrop of the truest blue

Those stars seem to glimmer and shine

Graced by the love of so many people

And the blessings of the divine

Red and white stripes hold a special meaning

Of dedication and of purity

For many shed blood for the Ultimate reason

That no one bows for tyranny

And in the flag that waves so very proudly

Are the lives Sacrificed for a cause

Defending the concept of human freedom

Challenged in so many wars

As our heroes rest inside of our history

A past filled with champions untold

We pledge allegiance to our flag

And its future that has yet to unfold.

20 lines

Fourth-Fifth

Untitled

By: Scott

What does it mean to be American?

Is it the same for every man?

When I look around I see so much diversity

So I can only say what America is for ME

America is brave, America is strong

A country so much more than a flag or song

America is love, America is grace

Freedom for all, no matter the race

America is me, America is you

A patriot who embodies the red, white, and blue

America is mine, America is yours

Land of opportunity and open doors

America is home, America is family

Standing together even if we don't agree

America is all of us

Banding together in trust

This land I call home

Was never built for me alone

With liberty and justice I stand

Because I am an American

20 lines

Fourth or Fifth

Harriet Tubman

by Eloise Greenfield

Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff

Wasn't scared of nothing neither

Didn't come in this world to be no slave

And wasn't going to stay one either

"Farewell!" she sang to her friends one night

She was mighty sad to leave 'em

But she ran away that dark, hot night

Ran looking for her freedom

She ran to the woods and she ran through the woods

With the slave catchers right behind her

And she kept on going till she got to the North

Where those mean men couldn't find her

Nineteen times she went back South

To get three hundred others

She ran for her freedom nineteen times

To save Black sisters and brothers

Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff

Wasn't scared of nothing neither

Didn't come in this world to be no slave

And didn't stay one either

20 lines

Fifth

Now Is The Time

by Luella Thomas

The time is now, to be concerned

and to ask what we can do,

to secure our troubled country

and our children’s future, too

The time is now, to do what is right

in spite of yesterday’s wrong,

for today we must all reunite

in an effort to overcome

Now is the time to get involved

to stand up and be heard,

for we, the American people, were born

to protect and to serve  

Now is the time to move forward

and to address our problems today,

for too many of us have suffered a loss
and tomorrow may be too late  

To set aside the politics

and our personal feelings, too

would leave no room for failure

in whatever we choose to do

To set aside our differences in a non-partisan way,

would ignite the spark in America’s heart

and restore the people’s faith

THE TIME IS NOW OR NEVER,  WE CAN’T AFFORD TO WAIT.

24 lines