Are you looking for some interesting ideas to help you and your family celebrate this Independence Day? Whether you are taking the summer off and are looking for some crafts or you are homeschooling year round and are looking for some fun units, we hope you’ll enjoy these dozens of ideas and resources for celebrating the 4th of July.
Further Investigation
Bet You Didn’t Know
Facts from the History Channel.
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The History of America’s Independence Day
What are we celebrating and why? From the National Park Service.
Declaring Independence: Chronology of Events
A timeline of events.
Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents
How the Declaration was written.
Declaration of Independence
Read the document.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention
There were 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention, 39 of whom signed the Constitution. “The 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention were a distinguished body of men who represented a cross section of 18th-century American leadership. Almost all of them were well-educated men of means who were dominant in their communities and states, and many were also prominent in national affairs. Virtually every one had taken part in the Revolution; at least 29 had served in the Continental forces, most of them in positions of command.”
Independence Hall
Where the Declaration was adopted and the Constitution debated in Philadelphia.
Betsy Ross and the American Flag
How it came to be that she was called upon by a committee of the Continental Congress to sew the first flag.
How to Display the Flag
As we fly our flags this 4th of July, it might be a good time to brush up on flag etiquette.
The Liberty Bell
“Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.” The history of the Liberty Bell and the role it played in proclaiming liberty throughout the land.
Activities
The Road to Revolution
Ready to find out how much you know? “Test your knowledge about the American Revolution, and see if you can navigate your way to independence. Every correct answer gets you closer to liberty!” From PBS.
Join the Signers of the Declaration
Sign and print the document with your signature.
You Are There: “Philadelphia, July 4, 1776”
Download part of the old radio series with John Daly narrating.
5-Pointed Star in One Snip
Instructions on how to make your own.
Anatomy of a Firework
Interactive from NOVA.
Fireworks: Name that Shell
Fun way to explore with this interactive from NOVA.
Soda Explosion
Or set off your own explosive display!
4th of July Cake
Your children will love making and eating this beautiful “flag”!
Red, White ‘n’ Blue Salad
Another “flag” you can eat, but this one is a fruit salad.
4th of July Crafts and Recipes
69-page download full of ideas!
Activities and Crafts for the 4th of July
From Enchanted Learning.
Build a Freedom Kite
Ready to fly?
Uncle Sam Hats
Template to print and assemble!
Books
The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
Favorite author tells the story of freedom.
“Declaration of Independence”
Chapter from The Story of the Thirteen Colonies by H.E. Guerber.
Our American Holidays: Independence Day {Free eBook}
Compilation of prose and verse fitting for the holiday!
Unit Studies & Lesson Plans
Creating Your Own Mini Unit Studies: National Holidays
Lots of 4th of July research, study, and celebration ideas!
4th of July Unit
A “short” one that children can do themselves — with games, biographies, stories, virtual tours, crafts, and an online quiz.
The Declaration of Independence
20-page lesson plan that includes a radio play, understanding the document, art appreciation, and other activities.
America the Beautiful
4-page lesson plan centered around the song.
John Philip Sousa: A Unit Study
Our own unit covering The March King, known for “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Printables & Notebooking Pages
Declaration of Independence
Printable of the original document.
The 4th of July by the Numbers
Neat infographic from the History Channel for notebook!
4th of July Lapbook
Free 19-page download by Angela Frampton covering important characters, fireworks, the flag, independence, patriotism, and other symbols of freedom.
4th of July Crafts
Cute printables from Hallmark.
Goofy and Donald’s July 4th Coloring Page
Neat and simple printable from Disney.
4th of July Notebooking Pages
Simple pages for copywork, narrations, or wrapping up.
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