11 Books to Help Children Celebrate the Fourth of July

BY MEGAN TAYLOR

When you think of the Fourth of July, you think of parties, BBQs, cookouts, parades and fireworks. These events can be fun for kids of all ages. However, these festivities may also hold a little more meaning and celebration for older children and adults because they have a greater understanding of the history and significance behind July 4th. As for younger children, this meaning can still be gained in various ways, such as through books. By reading, flipping through pages and looking at illustrations, kids are able to experience the history while learning about the Fourth of July. From there, the celebrations will be just a little more special. There are many books for your kids to enjoy, including these:

• O, Say Can You See? by Sheila Keenan

In this book, kids will learn about the famous landmarks, symbols and aspects of American life.

• America Is…by Louise Borden

Another take on the above book with an exploration of the 50 states, familiar landmarks and symbols shown in a patriotic way.

• The Bald Eagle by Norman Pearl

Children will learn about the bald eagle, our nation’s symbol of strength and freedom, through the eyes of a bird keeper.

• America the Beautiful by Katherine Lee Bates

Set to the tune of “America the Beautiful,” the illustrations feature images of America.

• We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow

While many of us learned the preamble to the United States Constitution from the classic Schoolhouse Rock episode, this read is a fun-filled look at the beginning of one of America’s most famous documents.

• Our American Flag by Mary Firestone

Explore the history of the American flag through words and images of this historic symbol of freedom.

• How to Make Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by

Majorie Priceman A fun take on traveling throughout the United States. A baker needs supplies to create a cherry pie and, while gathering what they need, they travel throughout the 50 states. • A is for Abigail by Lynne Cheney

The founding fathers may get more recognition during our nation’s birthday, but let’s not forget the founding women that also helped shape our country. This book is a child’s encyclopedia of the great American women and their contributions.

• John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith

George Washington, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere and John Hancock as kids? This children’s tale explores the childhoods of some of the founding fathers.

• Who Was…? by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis

Brindell Fradin

The Who Was…? series is a perfect introduction for elementary and older children. This series features biographies of people who helped build America, such as Henry Ford, Michelle Obama and Jackie Robinson.

• Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

One of the more famous symbols, the Statue of Liberty, actually has a history that not many people know about.

As author Dave Eggers says “the symbol of America is a symbol of welcome” and you can learn about it in this timeless children’s book.

This is just a short list of the many great books to add to a child’s celebration of the Fourth of July. There are also wonderful novels and chapter book series for elementary-aged children, such as The Magic Treehouse series’ Revolutionary War on Wednesday. You never know — reading one of these books may just become a new tradition your family does to honor America’s birthday.

Resolving the “I’m Bored” Mantra

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

From the perspective of youth, summer is a time of eliminating clocks and schedules, of slow pace days mingled with socialization; yet, despite the anticipated need to bask in the hammock of summer, there is also a desire to enjoy the thrill of outsidethe-box learning. Therefore, avoid hearing those two dreaded words, and combine learning with fun!

WEEKLY LIBRARY TRIPS

Your local library can supply every age of the family with great books and offer wonderful activities that span from movie nights to a science-themed afternoon. Even today, it is not too late to become active. Take time to introduce yourself to the librarian. They will be glad to see your faces enter through the doors and may glean your family’s interests to recommend a list of beloved and kid-approved titles.

NON-FICTION

Reading goes beyond a fictitious story. Children who do not know what to read can explore their interests such as astronomy, the Civil War or the Ancient Egyptians. Once learning additional facts, children may discover a love of historical or realistic fiction.

AUDIOBOOKS

Delve into a grand adventure by listening to a narrator read a novel! Whether you buy or rent CDs, download a book or listen through a free app, most audiobooks can play on a computer or USB port. Therefore, consider listening while running errands, folding laundry or preparing meals! Children can take advantage of listening to stories up to two years above their reading level, bearing in mind that the book’s themes are age-appropriate. Listening, concentration and imagination are needed to accompany the array of characters through various problems and outcomes. If there is a particular book your child wants to read, listening to the audiobook may be a rewarding option!

A NEW LANGUAGE

Let your fingers do the talking by learning sign language! Fingerspelling license plate letters can help instill a rapid feel for the alphabet while one is also practicing spelling. Young children to adults will thoroughly enjoy learning animal signs before moving on to other areas, such as adjectives and verbs. YouTube offers exciting learning opportunities, or consider using a book or flashcards!

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Online videos and books offer interesting and safe science experiments. Whether taking notes or following step-by-step instructions, children of all ages can improve their ability to follow instructions and expand their understanding of safe chemicals, chemical reactions, liquids, motion, air, magnets and homemade flying gadgets. In addition, children can write down or verbalize why particular experiments worked or how a tweak could improve the outcome.

CREATIONS REQUIRE AN INVENTOR’S BOX

Ask your child, “What could you make with the following supplies: String, craft sticks, paperclips, a marble, a plastic bottle, a cardboard box and clothes pins?” If your child enjoys tinkering, take the “game” one step further by providing him or her with an old tackle box to create an “inventor’s box.”

MATH

One of the surest ways to boost strategy and computation skills is by gathering the family and playing board games. Increase the excitement by suggesting Family Game Night! Children will boost their confidence levels with unique games such as “Head Full of Numbers” (7+), “Sumoku” (8+) and “Prime Club” (10+).

KEYBOARDING

Starting in third grade, today’s students complete roughly 90% of their assignments on a computer. While learning the art of penmanship and cursive is essential, keyboarding is another life skill. Online programs can offer touch-typing instruction to build upon speed and accuracy.

WRITING

The task of writing may require thinking outside the box to boost confidence levels and practice the art of penmanship or typing skills. Possible suggestions:

• Write or type interesting recipes. • Begin a daily journal.

• Learn about the poetic style of

E.E. Cummings or Edgar Allan

Poe, for instance, and create semioriginal poems. • Start writing an original story. • Take notes from a Podcast or television program to increase concentration and listening skills. After engaging in a summer of educational opportunities, your child will notice a feeling of progress, perhaps coming to the conclusion that he or she feels more relaxed in a classroom or confident to work independently. A little effort combined with family encouragement can make a substantial difference!

Happy Independence Day

Marzano

336-766-0464 · marzanocapitalgroup.com

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