The Fourth of July is a fun time of year for celebration! Kids know this date means cookouts, fireworks, parades, and memorable get-togethers, but do they know the purpose behind all the fun? Take a moment to talk to your children about what this date means by focusing on some of the following highlights of this important time of year:
Happy Birthday America
Besides their own, Independence Day might be the biggest birthday your children attend! This day in our history celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Many of the colonists of Great Britain were unhappy with King George of England because of his harsh and unfair laws. A letter was written by Thomas Jefferson expressing upset, signed by 56 men representing the 13 colonies wanting to break away from the British king, and The Revolutionary War ensued. This was a dangerous time because Britain had a very powerful army. But these brave men, our Founding Fathers, took the risk in order to win freedom to govern themselves. The new United States won the Revolutionary War in 1783.
America’s Flag
Most children recognize the American flag, but do they know the significance of the stars and stripes? The fifty stars represent the 50 states in our nation. The 13 stripes represent the 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Old Glory is a symbol of freedom and should be treated with respect. It also symbolizes the idea that we are all on the same team! Discuss an example of a team your child has been a part of in his or her life. This will help them understand how we as a nation are like a ‘team’ all working together to make this a great place to live, work and play!
Singing for America
Kids love to sing, so why not teach them songs that celebrate this great country? The first song to make sure your children recognize (and maybe learn a few words to!) is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This is the national anthem of the United States and shows how proud we are to be American. Other patriotic songs you can pull up on YouTube, in case you aren’t the best singer, are “America the Beautiful,” “My Country Tis of Thee,”, and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Freedom
We tend to take for granted the rights and freedom we have in this country. Start a discussion with your children about some of the freedoms they enjoy in their daily lives. Do they like reading certain books? Do they like eating at their favorite restaurant? Do they like expressing their opinions when they aren’t happy about something? This is all their right simply because of where they live!
Fun Fact
Kids love to know that where they live is special! A fun fact to point out to kids: North Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the America we know today! Tell your kids a little about the three men from North Carolina that signed the Declaration of Independence. Joseph Hewes, 46 years, was a merchant. William Hooper, 34 years, was a lawyer. John Penn, 36 years, was also a lawyer.
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