By now, your children may associate the 4th of July with parades, fireworks, barbecue, and a lot of fun. However, children can focus more on the parties since most people may not know the true meaning and the history behind it. Do your little ones know why we celebrate our country’s independence? They have learned this in school, but it’s still important to let them understand and remind them that we celebrate our nation’s birthday and its freedom on this day.
Independence Day is an essential part of America’s rich history that continues to have an impact on our world today. So this year, why not hold discussions about this holiday with your little ones? Here are some of the simple yet fun ways to do it.
Visit a Historical Site or a Museum
Since it’s a holiday, you can go out and explore your state or town. Visit some historical sites associated to Independence Day; and while doing so, you can talk about what happened in these places so your little ones will understand how the country gained its independence. If there aren’t local historical sites in your area, look for the nearest vacation destinations you can visit. Going to historical museums is also a great way to celebrate Independence Day with your children.
Honour our Country’s Soldiers
Independence Day is the perfect time to find ways to honour and show gratitude to our soldiers who continue to fight for our country. Encourage your children to help give thanks to these brave troops by sending care packages, writing Thank You letters and cards, or placing flags.
Read Books or Watch Movies about American History
Books and movies are some of the most entertaining ways to learn about history. If your little ones love books or if you want them to learn how to love reading, visit a library and borrow some books about the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, the establishment of the Constitution, and other historical books that tell about this part of history. If they enjoy watching movies, you can also browse online and check out the best films to watch on the 4th of July. Through reading and watching movies, you can teach your children how the country has been shaped throughout history and today.
Let them Know What it Means to be American
Tell your children that the country is like a family; everyone has to contribute or things won’t work. Since we are citizens of the United States, we all have our own responsibilities. As young citizens, it’s their duty to go to school and obey the laws. When they grow up, they have to exercise their rights and participate by voting during elections.
They should also take care of the country by keeping their surroundings clean, looking out for people in need, and being aware of the problems that we face. Our heroes fought to gain the country’s independence, so we must do our responsibilities in return.
Discuss the Meanings behind the Patriotic Symbols
The first patriotic symbol that children usually learn about is the American flag, but a lot of them don’t know the meaning of each symbol on this flag. Tell them about the representation of each colour, the stripes, as well as the stars. Depending on their age, some of them may be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school. Before sporting events begin, they would also hear the country’s national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.
If they are familiar with this, ask them if they know Francis Scott Key; if not, let them know why he wrote the song and what the lyrics are all about. While giving your children a better background on America’s history, you also get to spend quality time with them.
Before feasting on barbecue and setting off fireworks, take some time to teach your children about Independence Day. Knowing the reason behind the declared holiday makes your celebration more meaningful. Also, this will help your little ones understand the privileges that come with the freedom which we are all enjoying today.
If you don’t want to set off fireworks, why not play with the Whistlecopter instead? This amazing toy once launched looks like fireworks in the sky because it’s the LED Slingshot Copter that has the brightest lights. It whistles all the way up to a maximum height of 200 feet. No other LED Slingshot Copter can fly that high. Each Whistlecopter is individually packed and it comes with its own Super Glow Wings, a 7-inch red rubber band, exclusive Viper Launcher, as well as an instruction card.
The Whistlecopter is the only LED Copter that features a Patent and Trademark to prove its authenticity. The Whistlecopter is made from the best materials available. It’s safe, durable and non toxic. The wings do not flap in the air when launched like copies do. Instead, it will hover at its top height then slowly spin down to you after hovering in the air so you can launch it again after catching it in mid air.
Click on the photo to watch
The Professional Wing Folding Video.