Celebrate the

Fourth of July

History of the American Flag Mary Elizabeth Buy From Art.com

The Fourth of July is a happy, exciting holiday. Below are several projects that emphasize the meaning of the birthday of our country.

Learn more about our standard by making the following:

(The measurements are not proportional, but they are easier for the child to do himself and the flag is still beautiful.)

• white paper or cardstock, cut it to 6.5" by 9 "
• red and blue crayons, markers, pencils
• ruler
• a small flag or a picture of one
• regular pencil

Really examine and discuss our flag. Note the 7 red and 6 white stripes (for the 13 colonies) and the 50 stars (for our 50 states today).

Using a pencil and ruler, divide the 6 1/2 " sides into 1/2" segments. (You will have 13 divisions.) Do it on both edges so when you connect the dots, you'll have a straight lines.

Then designate a bottom and top. From the bottom, connect the dots horizontally to make 6 lines. Lightly pencil in the color each should be--red, white, red, white, red, white.

To block out the field for the stars, from the left edge, measure 4". Draw a vertical line from the top of the page to the first stripe line.

Now finish the horizontal lines and label the colors.

Space out the stars with light pencil marks. 8 rows across and 6 down with two left over to tuck in the middle. An older child can draw the stars as they appear on the flag, in staggered rows. A young one can just get the 50 stars in as evenly as he can. Many of our family's stars were bunched up in the corner!

Over the star dots, make a five point star. The younger child can leave a little white space around the dots. This gives the impression of stars.

Color the red and white stripes and the blue field around the stars.

Hang the flag for all to admire and appreciate.

fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Bake the cake in a sheet pan.

Wash the blueberries and strawberries. Drain really well.

Slice the bigger strawberries in half.

After the cake is baked, leave it in the pan.

Frost with whip topping or regular white frosting.

Following the flag pattern above, use strawberries for red stripes and blueberries for stars.

Cover and refrigerate.

Other Fourth of July activities:

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Read the Declaration of Independence to the family.

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Watch an All-American movie, such as The Music Man.

The Fourth of July is a time for family and friends and fireworks. But, most importantly, it is an awesome opportunity to learn about and celebrate the United States of America!

Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, February 23... Joe Rosenthal Buy From Art.com

August Activities

Quiet Inside Games for Hot Summer Afternoons

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