America’s Independence Day is often referred to as simply the Fourth of July. With the excitement of fireworks, barbecues and July 4th parties, the true meaning of the July 4th is sometimes forgotten. It is important to teach kids about Independence Day and that it is the celebration of a very significant event in history. The story of America is still being written, and our children are essential to preserving our history and writing the next chapters. Here are some fun ideas for teaching kids about 4th of July. Education expert Claire Haas with Kiddie Academy offers the following tips to teach kids about Independence Day. This year, teach your kids a little U.S. history while celebrating Independence Day!
What is Independence Day?
Independence Day, also called the Fourth of July, is America’s birthday. It’s a day when we celebrate the United States becoming a free country. We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th every year. Check local papers for community events near you, like a local parade or fireworks show.
5 Fun Ways Of Teaching Kids About 4th Of July
Explaining 4th of July to preschoolers?
Here’s how to explain 4th of July to a young child. Even the youngest children understand the concept of a birthday. Tell them that America won independence on July 4, 1776. That means that this July 4th will be America’s 237th birthday! Bake a cake together, decorate it in patriotic red, white and blue, and sing Happy Birthday. Create birthday cards as part of your holiday decorations to teach kids about Independence Day.
For Older Children:
Tell them that a long time ago, America was made up of 13 colonies ruled by a country called Great Britain. The people in these colonies wanted to make their own rules and be free. On July 4, 1776, leaders from the 13 colonies got together and wrote a letter called the Declaration of Independence. This letter said that America was a free country and not part of Great Britain anymore. The first Independence Day was celebrated with fireworks, parades, and fun activities, just like we do today!
Celebrating Independence Day with kids can be a lot of fun and educational. Here are some Independence Day activity ideas to make the day special.
Salute the American Flag
Teach kids about the history and etiquette of the American flag. Salute the flag.The stars and stripes we fly today has changed a great deal over the years. Explore the history of the flag, its design and creation. The Smithsonian, which preserved and houses the original flag that flew over Ft. McHenry, has a terrific Star Spangled Banner educational site.
Read Sections Of The Declaration of Independence
Read sections of the Declaration of Independence together, and explain that it’s the reason we celebrate America on this date. You can find the text at the U.S. archives. Talk about the courage it took for the men who signed the document to break away from England and establish a new nation.
Discuss American Symbols
Become a U.S. detective — talk about American symbols and their history. For example, research together why the bald eagle, Liberty Bell and Statue of Liberty are so important to our nation.
Sing Patriotic Songs
Learn a variety of patriotic songs, and sing them together with your child. “America the Beautiful”, “The Star Spangled Banner”, and “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, never go out of style! For extra learning, investigate the history and meaning of each song.
Patriotic Crafts and Activities:
- Patriotic Crafts: Create flags, star wreaths, or red, white, and blue windsocks.
- Firework Paintings: Use straws, sponges, or toilet paper rolls to create fireworks paintings with paint.
- Decorate Bikes and Wagons: Have a mini parade with decorated bikes and wagons.
- DIY T-Shirts: Make tie-dye or handprint American flag t-shirts.
These 4th of July crafts and activities can help children understand the importance of the day while having fun and creating lasting memories.
Conclusion
When teaching kids about the 4th of July, explain that Independence Day is about celebrating our freedom to make our own choices and live the way we want. Show them the American flag and explain that it’s a symbol of our country. The stars represent the states, and the stripes represent the original 13 colonies. Let them ask questions and answer them in simple terms. For example, if they ask why we have fireworks, explain that it’s a way to celebrate and remember the excitement of the first Independence Day.
Which activities will you choose for teaching kids about 4th of July?
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