A Picture of Freedom

Some quick activities to make the 4th special

ADDED July 03, 2009

 John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about the celebration of American Independence: "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

He was right; the Fourth of July is a time to celebrate all that makes America great.  Today we suggest you and your kids take the suggestions from Mr. Adams (a key player in Founding Fathers tag) and do each in your home.  We suggest you "solemnize" the day with:

Pomp and parade.  Fourth of July parades are great fun (and they're also free.)  If there's not one happening in your area . . . have your own!  Have the kids dress in red, white, and blue.  Have them march and wave flags.  A little patriotic music would probably help things, too.

Shows.  Encourage the little stars in your home to put on a show featuring American History.  They should use puppets or costumes.  If they want, they can use the "History of the Fourth of July" as a starting place, and explain that to their audience.

Games.  This doesn't need any explanation.  Family games are fun.  Use the holiday to take some out and play!

Sports.  Badminton, horseshoes, croquet or blind man's bluff are all classic, old-timey, games, that are fun for kids and parents alike.

Guns.    This was a good idea in 1776.  Not so much now.

Bells.  Do you have any bells in the house?  Sleigh bells from Christmas or bicycle bells are fair game.  Explain to your kids that in olden days, people would ring church bells as a way of letting everyone in the vicinity know about big news.  Bells were rung, for instance, after the Declaration of Independence was signed. If you have a bell handy, let the kids ring it.  America's two hundred and thirty-third birthday is big news!

Bonfires.  We think a barbecue would be a modern day equivalent.  A beach bonfire would work, too.

Illuminations.  Of course, fireworks shows are fun and free so if your kids can stay up, visit a local fireworks show.

And President Adams didn't say this explicitly, but of course, the Fourth is a great holiday to spend with people you love!  So do it!

Have a great Fourth -- from TIF!

good at home, good for a group, see our disclaimer,

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