How to Teach Kids about the Fourth of July: Independence Day

Independence Day, the 4th of July, is a wonderful opportunity to educate kids about the history of fireworks and the history of Independence Day. Home schooling or not, this is also a boredom buster or rainy day opportunity to help your kids broaden their minds. Even parents may learn something new.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Printer
• Printer Paper
• Library Card
• Television and DVD player
• Craft supplies
• Snack supplies, various

1. 

   Visit the library for books and movies regarding fireworks or the history of Independence Day. Learn more details by simply reading nonfiction books or viewing nonfiction movies. Examples are, but not limited to:
   
   1. Independence Day, by Helen Frost (children's book)
   2. The Declaration of Independence Day in translation: what it really means, by Aimee Jane Leavitt (children's book)
   3. Independence Day, by Ann Heinrichs and illustrated by Robert Squier (children's book)
   4. Independence Day Fabian-Baber, Inc.,Schlessinger Media ; produced by Rhonda Fabian and Jerry Baber ; directed by Rhonda Fabian (DVD).
   5. Independence day the history of July 4th / History Television Productions ; produced and written by Alison Guss (DVD).

2. 

   Print off a free online lesson plan. July, over Independence Day, is a good time to do this activity. You can also develop your own lesson plan.
   
   One lesson plan can be found at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/2903_firework.html (grades 5-8, 9-12)
   
   More activities and printable worksheets can be found using this computer Internet link, http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/independence.php (or click on the link in resources below).

3. 

   Read and discuss historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence. For an on-line resource for such documents visit the Web site, http://www.sites4teachers.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://atozteacherstuff.com/go/jump2.cgi?ID=1245 (or click on the link provided in resources below).

4. 

   Discuss the American flag and read stories about it. Read the book, "The American Flag, by Susan H. Gray, or the book "American Flag, Questions & Answers", by Sarah L. Thomson.

5. 

   Discuss the concepts of being an American. Visit the Web site, http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/soc_studies/america/stero/, to view questions regarding stereotypes and prejudices.
   
   For theme topics related to this visit Web site, http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/2221/america.html.

6. 

   Display an American flag outdoors on July 4th. If you do not own a flag, display red, white and blue balloons, or flowers on your front porch.

7. 

   Sing Songs relating to Independence Day. The book, "Independence Day", written by Ann Heinrichs ; illustrated by Robert Squier., mentioned in Step 2, contains songs for kids and adults to sing, related to the celebration of Independence Day. (More useful on-line links listed in resources below).

8. 

   If you prefer not to sing, listen to patriotic music on-line or borrow musical tapes and CD's from the library. For on-line music visit the Web site, http://wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm#music (or click on the link provided in resources below).

9. 

   Read about and discuss the history behind "The Star-Spangled Banner".
   
   For on-line reading visit the Web site, http://www1.va.gov/opa/feature/celebrate/ssbanner.asp

10. 
    11 year old making Martha Stewart's Porch lantern Craft

    Kids are more interested in learning if you include a craft project. Choose one (or more) that displays patriotism. Martha Stewart's Porch Lantern Craft is fun for everyone. Here are a few on-line links to craft ideas for celebrating and learning about Independence Day.
    
    Martha Stewart's Porch Lantern Craft: http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=e9cd608f8532f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default (or click on the link in resources below).
    
    How to make red, white, and blue garland: http://www.marthastewart.com/red-white-and-blue-garland?lnc=1a89cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&rsc=dl_home_home_home (or click on the link provided in resources below).

11. 
    Australia

    Watch the fireworks in your local area. If you cannot travel to see a live firework display, search your television news channels for highlights of fireworks locally and abroad.
    
    With parental supervision, purchase and light sparklers for a smaller version of fireworks.

12. 
    Photo by Kristina N

    Have a picnic or plan a patriotic meal or make snacks. Make treat holders, decorations and table tops for the celebration. Make Fire Cracker treats. Kids love to make these more than eating them. When kids participate in something fun, the create memories and tend to remember what they are learning much easier.
    
    4th of July Snack Ideas: http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/fourth_of_july_snacks.html (link is provided in resources below also).
    
    Flag Cookies Recipe: http://crafts.kaboose.com/star-studded-door-hanger.html (or click on the link provided in resources below).
    
    Be sure to visit resources for many other treats and activity links.

13. 

    Read over (even make)recipes from Famous Americans. Visit the Web site, http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/Recipes.shtml, to view some of them.

14. 

    Read about and discuss the history of the Liberty Bell.
    
    To read about it on-line visit the Web site, http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/liberty/01_history_01.jsp.

Tips & Warnings

• For the paper lanterns we used a full sheet of construction paper instead of the 6 in. by 9 in.
• Use caution with fireworks.

Resources

• Teacher Activities
• Printable 4th of July Art Project Grades K-5
• Lesson Plan - Pledge of Allegiance
• 4th of July Songs
• Printable Lesson Plan - With a Patriotic Song Creat a Picture Slide Show Idea (Grades K-8)
• Flag Art Project
• Make Can-Do Stilts
• Family Fun - July 4th Crafts
• 4th of July Index - Activities
• Uncle Sam Hat Treat Holders
• Star Studded Door Hanger
• Flag Cookies Recipe
• Cheesecake Flag Recipe
• Star Cookies Recipe
• Patriotic Pops Recipe
• Patriotic Pretzel Sticks Recipe
• 4th of July Snacks
• Table Decorations Ideas
• Stand Alone Star Craft
• Martha Stewart's Porch Lanterns Kids Can Make
• Red, White, and Blue Garland
• Video - Patriotic Votives
• A Lofty Table Topper Craft
• Lots of 4th of July Printables
• More 4th of July Printables
• Independence Day Writing Activity (pdf)
• Shooting Fireworks Coloring Page
• Patriotic Puppy Coloring Page
• Women of Revolutionary War Word Search (pdf)
• A to Z Teacher Stuff - Independence Day
• Teaching with Historic Places
• Free Printable - The Story Behind the Fourth of July - Grades 4-8
• Teacher Resources - 4th of July
• 4th of July Fire Cracker Twinkie Treats
• Stars and Stripes Sculpey Necklace Craft
• Teacher Planet: Lessons and Units / Worksheets
• Historical Documents List
• Fourth of July Music - Listen to it on-line
• Proud to be an American/Fourth of July - Lessons/Worksheets
• Fourth of July is Independence Day - USA.gov

[michaelinasmom]

on 6/10/2009 Great article. It is so important that we raise our children with a sense of patriotism.

[starlet67]

on 5/23/2009 Great info and resources for teaching kids about July 4th!5*