Let's Learn: Teaching Kids About the Fourth of July

While kids tend to associate the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades and barbecues, the deeper meaning behind the holiday can get lost in the festivities. 

Here are a few ways you can teach your kids about Independence Day and why it's important.

Read About It

There are a lot of great children's books that discuss the importance of the Fourth in simple terms.

For kids under 4, we recommend "The Story of America's Birthday" by Patricia A. Pringey.

For kids aged 4 and over, "O, Say Can You See? America's Symbols, Landmarks, and Important Words" by Sheila Keenan is perfect for learning about the tradition.

Plan Activities

Make learning fun by integrating art and crafts and fun games into the mix! 

A great way to discuss America's fight for freedom is to bring up the very symbol of freedom--The Statue of Liberty! Your kids can enjoy making Statue of Liberty hats while you tell them about the history behind the symbol.

Another awesome way for kids to learn about America is through Fourth of July crossword puzzles and word scrambles.

Share Fun Facts

There are plenty of interesting facts about our nation that kids will love! Start with simple and fun facts that will get them thinking like these:

• The liberty bell weighs 2080 pounds and its circumference is 12 feet.
• The first Independence Day celebration took place on July 4, 1777.
• Prior to being called the Declaration of Independence, it was first referred to as the Lee Resolution, named after Richard Henry Lee.
• The official signed version of The Declaration of Independence is preserved at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
• It is undeniably one of the most important national holidays in the US.