By Beth Pinyerd
July 4 is a delightful time of year to take a break and spend with your family. It is not too late to celebrate a history-filled lesson of the holiday with your children.
Why do we have fireworks, picnics, parades, flags waving and other patriotic ways of celebrating our freedoms?
Simply put, July 4, 1776, is the day that American colonists decided to declare themselves independent or “free” from Britain. July 4th is the day that America was born.
We celebrate the truth that we are a free country that is not under the rule of another country and honor those who have worked hard to protect our freedoms. Your youngest children can understand the concept of what “free” is.
Point out the flag and what it means and other patriotic symbols that are displayed on the fourth of July. In my classroom this summer, we are making red, white and blue crafts and doing other activities to celebrate July 4.
We have made simple red, white and blue visors, patriotic jewelry, dancing with red, white, and blue crepe streamers, simply marching around the room while singing patriotic songs. Taking time to do such simple projects teaches children truths of freedom and it is so much fun!
There is nothing to compare in celebrating the fourth of July in Lee County. The community has always come together to provide a beautiful, dazzling, patriotic program for families. It’s so neat to see the families safely gather together at the different places that fireworks programs are displayed! Remember, your younger children need to be in a place where the boom doesn’t hurt their ears.
The county roads in Lee County truly reflect the “odes” of summer. From passing acres and acres of cornfields, cotton fields and vegetable gardens, children can enjoy learning about our rich farmlands.
Children also love to pick fruits like blueberries and strawberries, which, when paired with whipped cream, can be used to make festive July 4 cake or cupcakes. Families and children can visit farmer’s markets and vegetable stands where they can enjoy the fresh tastes of summertime foods.
Many of our local parks even have built-in grills where our families can enjoy a picnic. Include your children in helping you prepare and set up the picnic. Remember, your children need and love to have free play, so July 4 is a perfect time just to “kick back.”
Check in your local paper on the schedule of events for July 4th such as parades, fireworks’ shows, barbecues, etc.
Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net