It is so hard to believe that June, with its many summer activities, is coming to a close. But soon we will dive into July fun!
I do want to mention before closing out this month that June 28 was Paul Bunyan Day. It is so much fun for children to learn about the giant of a lumberjack with his trusted friend and companion, the Blue Ox named Babe. Legend has it that they created the Grand Canyon, the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. Of course, we know this is not true, but children love to tune into American folklore.
This week, as I read books about July 4 to preschool classes, their little eyes light up as we talk about the celebration. July 4 in our community is always eagerly anticipated. Holidays are so much fun for children, and next Tuesday, July 4 will roll in with its many fun learning activities for children and their families.
“Lest you forget” on July 4, we are celebrating the anniversary of the day the United States gained its independence — its “birthday,” so to speak. There is plenty we can do to celebrate right here in our communities and backyards. A diverse group of people came together to form the United States, and this is a wonderful fact to celebrate. Since we declared our independence on July 4, we salute the colors of our flag: red, white and blue. Red represents bravery, blue signifies perseverance and white represents purity. These are the foundational principles upon which our country was built.
As an early childhood teacher, I have the privilege of celebrating July 4 in several simple, special ways. As I review my resources, I’d like to share with you a few ideas of ways to celebrate with your family — some of which I have gleaned from families over the years, and others I have remembered as treasured traditions.
1. Make red and blue Jell-o jigglers that can be cut into simple shapes. Young children love the colors, flavors and bouncy texture.
2. Children also love the different colors of popsicles. For July 4, try to find the red and blue popsicle colors. There are inexpensive Freezies, or you can freeze red and blue Kool-Aid in ice trays or pans for a delicious treat on a hot day.
3. Bake simple sugar cookies, spread on some white icing, and add red and blue sprinkles. You can also try mixing some fresh Lee County fruits with vanilla ice cream to make a delicious July 4 treat.
4. Talk about July 4 with your children and share with them the reasons we celebrate. This builds excitement!
5. Celebrate on a shoestring budget by having a simple picnic. Have your children decorate napkins or color white Styrofoam cups with red and blue. White paper plates also provide a great canvas for a child’s handmade, patriotic wreath. Children will enjoy using their creativity and then hanging it on your door to show your family’s patriotism. Talk with your children about the different foods you plan to prepare, whether it be sandwiches, watermelon, vegetables, chips, snacks, desserts, etc.
6. A safety reminder for July 4 celebrations is to protect your little ones with sunscreen, hats and keeping them in the shade. Be sure that your family stays well hydrated during these hot summers. Remember to use bug spray as well.
7. For toddlers and children, playpens are so easy to tote. You can also spread out a blanket or quilt for toddlers to climb around and play on during the family’s festivities.
8. In many towns on July 4, there are hometown parades. Families can have their own parades as well by decorating bikes, tricycles, wagons or just marching around the house and yard with red, white and blue streamers.
9. There are many firework displays in our community. Check in the newspaper or on social media for times and locations of these events. Keep in mind that young children are often very sensitive to loud sounds. You might want to keep your infants, toddlers and young children at a distance where they can just see the beautiful displays of colors and not be so afraid of the big booms.
10. As citizens and families, pray for those who serve in the armed forces to protect our freedom.
I hope these child-friendly July 4 suggestions help your family to celebrate Independence Day together. Our community is so rich in fun activities on this day.
Classroom Observer
Beth Pinyerd