Patriotism: Day Three

Independence Day--Fourth of July
Celebrating the USA!!!

Children will learn about our country and that we celebrate our Independence Day on July 4th.

Learning Activities:
(from First-School)

Read a book about Independence Day and go over a simple history of the United States.

You could get ideas from Ben Franklin's Guide for Kids here.


Activity #1: United States Symbols The Eagle, and The Great Seal of the United States

1. The Bald Eagle - United States National Symbol:

The craft features the national bird and the national flag colors: red, blue and white.
1. Here is a friendly Ben Franklin with a simple presentation of the bald eagle.

2. The Great United States Seal - United States Government Symbol Ages 4.5+
The Great United States Seal is an important government symbol and it features the bald eagle prominently. We can acquaint the children with it, and as they grow expand on the meaning and significance of all of the elements in it.

Here is a depiction and explanation of this symbol -- at Ben's Guide to the United States Government - it is written for grade levels 3-5 so select a few elements and adjust to the age group. The introduction is well suited to provide a basic explanation.

Here is are coloring pages of both sides of the The Great Seal obverse side and reverse side courtesy of the U.S. Printing Office.

The bald eagle's appearance is powerful and compelling to children. They can appreciate how majestic it looks soaring and flying free in the sky.
Activity #2: Bald Eagle Printable Crafts

Patriotic Bald Eagle Craft - (easy ages 3+) and learning activities:

Patriotic Bald Eagle Paper Bag Puppet Craft - (ages 5+) and learning activities:

1. Skills that can be addressed with these craft activities: colors, numbers, shapes, small motor skills (scissor, cutting and assembly)

Activity #3: Alphabet Letter E is for Eagle Activities

Review and present letter E eagle theme alphabet lesson plan activities

Activity 4: Additional Activities with Eagle Coloring Pages:
Have children glue dark color craft feathers to the wings and chest of an eagle coloring pages. Optional: Add a wiggly eye. Color beak and legs yellow or orange. Write the letter E e and the word eagle prominently in the border before distributing.

Activity #5: Online Jigsaw Puzzle: Bald Eagle
Here are two 6-piece online puzzles. To increase the number of pieces click on the SHAPE button.
The puzzles are effective to develop problem solving skills.