4 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids About American Independence
Video: Why and How to Teach Your Kids About American Independence
Why Teach Your Kids About American Independence
“How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of and which no other people on earth enjoy.”
Thomas Jefferson
“At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean and crush us at a blow? Never!
Abraham Lincoln
At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reaches us, it must spring up from amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.“
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4 Ways To Teach Your Kids About American Independence
Here are some of the ways I have found to teach our kids about our American history. Maybe they will help give you some ideas!
#1 Read Books
One of the best ways to read the true story of American Independence is to find quality books that tell it through dialogue and beautiful illustrations. Read these books in short chunks of time every day leading up to Independence Day or read them throughout the year! Here are some of our favorites.
Picture Books
The 4th of July Story by Alice Dagliesh
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? by Jean Fritz
Can’t You Make Them Behave, George? by Jean Fritz
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz
Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz
Chapter Books
Rush Revere and the American Revolution by Rush Limbaugh
- Hardcover Book
Rush Revere and the Star Spangled Banner by Rush Limbaugh
- Winner of the 2014 Children’s Choice Book Award for Author of the Year
- Hardcover Book
Rush Revere and the First Patriots by Rush Limbaugh
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
#2 Patriotic Songs
Learn songs that specifically tell the story of the American Revolution or that have been traditionally sung throughout for several decades. Not a singer? Play them on Apple Music or wherever you listen to music. Here are a few of our favorites. We also like to play the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine, and Navy songs.
Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash
#3 Memorize and Read Original Documents
I was really surprised when I was reading a chapter in one of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books to read that Laura and Mary (as well as other pioneer children, presumably) had memorized the Declaration of Independence. When they walked to town for the Independence Day celebration, the spokesperson solemnly read the declaration as a part of the festival. What a great way to remind people year after year of the history of the country and the cost of liberty.
I like to read Little Town on the Prairie Chapter 8 to our kids because it’s all about the Fourth of July celebration and it includes the reciting of the Declaration of Independence.
Here are links to primary sources you can use to teach your children.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Another idea is to listen to famous historical speeches. You can find some of these by searching for “speeches” on Ambleside Online.
#4 Field Trips to Historical Sights
One of the best ways to teach kids about our history is to take them on field trips! Have your family vacation double as a history lesson by spending a day visiting local historical sights. Visit George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon or Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston.
Our kids recently were able to take a trip to Philadelphia where they saw the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. What local attractions are available to you?
Leave a Comment!
What would you add to this list? Why do we need to teach our children about American Independence? Do you have additional resources or more ideas about how to do this? Share them by commenting below!
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These are such great resources! Thank you, I can trust these resources based off of how you described the importance of teaching Independence day to our children!