Children adore special celebrations! It is a time for family and friends to come together and create special memories. In the United States, we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July each year!
Our children love learning with Patriotic Theme Activities in anticipation of the 4th of July! Below you will find suggestions to help make your celebrations special, too!
Sensory Firecracker Craft
Download and print the Firecracker Template here. Have the children cut out the firecrackers (assist younger children or cut out prior to the activity). Set out a variety of textured items that the children can use to decorate the firecracker. Some suggestions: colored sand/rice/pasta, felt, pompoms, cornmeal, oatmeal, feathers, tissue paper, or paper scraps.
In the photo above, our kids used Patriotic colors of Wikki Stix to make the firecrackers. The child who made the featured firecracker choose to add the “sparks” coming out of the tail!
Extension idea: Create the firecrackers by making each one with a different texture. Place the firecrackers under a large blanket or towel and have students feel each fire cracker one at a time and try to guess what material(s) are on the firecracker. Children should only use their sense of touch for this activity and try not to peek under the cover. For younger children, you may want to have samples of each of the materials that were used so the children can point to the material(s) they are feeling.
The firecracker crafts make great displays at home or in the classroom!
PATRIOTIC PRE-WRITING – Patriotic Pre-Writing
Download and print one Patriotic Pre-Writing Mat (linked above) for each child. Tell the children the goal is to make a path for the star to get to the flag. Allow the children to experiment making any paths desired. In the photo above, our children used Wikki Stix to make the various paths. The children can also use markers/crayons to make the paths, but the Wikki Stix will add a layer of sensory/fine motor depth to the activity.
PATRIOTIC PATTERNING
Materials needed: Assorted colors of Wikki Stix and red/white/blue pony beads.
Set out trays of Wikki Stix and the 3 colors of pony beads. Demonstrate for the children how to make a simple ABC pattern with the pony beads by placing the 3 colors of beads onto the Wikki Stix. Say the colors out loud as they are placed on the Wikki Stix. Remind the children that a pattern repeats itself; ask the children if they know what color of bead should be placed on the sample pattern stick next? Build an ABC pattern row on the sample Wikki Stix together with your children. Ask the children to say the names of the colors as they are placed on the sample pattern stick.
Extension idea: have the children make Patriotic bracelets/bands to wear after patterning!
Children will be delighted when they grasp the idea of patterning! Soon the children will begin pointing out patterns that exist in their world. If you have a chance to view a fireworks display, ask the children if they can find any patterns in the fireworks they see!
Extra Patriotic Resources:
Check out other Fabulous Patriotic Activities, Crafts, and Play Ideas for Kids:
Wikki Stix “No Candy” Treat Bags for Kids
Patriotic Salt Dough Ornament Craft by Early Childhood News
Patriotic Colored Ice Sensory Play by Fun-a-Day
Patriotic Montessori Ball Transfers with Ping Pong Balls and Golf Balls by Living Montessori Now
DIY Personalized Family Picture Bingo Cards – great fun to play with family and friends by eighteen25
What a lovely collection of ideas. I especially like the use of Wikki Stix within many of your activities. And thank you so much for including our colored ice play! 🙂
Mary Catherine – you are so welcome! I love the activities you post:)
What fun ideas for the 4th of July! Thanks so much for including my post! 🙂
Deb – I LOVE the ball transfer idea! TY!