Cut out strips of red construction paper and then cut out a square of blue construction paper. Have the child glue the blue square onto the top left side of the white construction paper (taking up about 1/4 of the white construction paper. Next they can glue the strips of red construction paper onto a sheet of white construction paper. Then paste stars onto the blue square.
Cool Facts: The American Flag consists of 7 red stripes and six white stripes (the top and the bottom stripes on the flag must be red. The navy-blue union square must fill the upper left quarter of the flag from the top to the lower edge of the fourth red stripe. The stars must be in nine horizontal rows. The name "Old Glory" was first applied to the U.S. flag by a young sea captain. On his 21st birthday (March 17, 1824) Capt. William Driver was given a flag by his mother and a group of hometown girls. He called the flag "Old Glory"
Cut stars out of red, white and blue construction paper. Make a head band out of white construction paper (make it long enough to fit around the child's head). Glue stars on the band. Red, white and blue stickers can also be added. Allow the glue to dry. Place band around child's head to get the size right. Staple the band to make a circle.
Take a piece of black construction paper and squeeze out (or use a small paintbrush) glue onto the paper to make fireworks designs. Next sprinkle red, white, and blue glitter (or any other color) onto the wet glue to make your very own fireworks.
Have the children drop small amounts of different colors of paint onto a very large piece of paper. Then, starting at the center of each glob of paint, use a small spoon to swirl the paint out in all directions. Don't worry if the colors overlap, this just makes it look more like real fireworks.
Use old newspapers to make torches. Roll them in a large cone shape and paint the cones red, white, and blue. When the torches are dry, make the flame by stuffing the top with red and yellow tissue paper.
Playdough
- 2 c Flour
- 1 c Salt
- 2 tb Cream of tartar
- 2 c Water
- 1 tb Mineral oil
- Food coloring
Mix together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and mineral oil in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until stiff. Allow to cool before using.
Makes about 3 cups of playdough. Add food coloring as needed.
Idea for playdough:
Set out three piles of playdough, one that's been colored red, one white and one blue. Let the children's create whatever they'd like
Using straws, various colors of paint, and a large piece of black construction paper, have the children create fireworks by dropping a small amount of paint onto paper and having them gently blow through the straw (this can be a bit messy so do it outside and have the kids wear aprons or old clothing).
Make a rocket by cutting a cone shape out of construction paper. Decorate the rockets with red, white, and blue markers, paste-on stars, glitter, etc. Next cut a 2" long slit on opposite sides of the wide open end. Use 18" of string, and with the point up, put the string through the slits. To make the rocket fly, pull sharply on the ends of the string.
Make red jello using a red-colored flavor of jello. Cut out stars using different sized cookie cutters. Place the jello stars, blueberries, and vanilla-flavored yogurt in bows and enjoy. (as a variation you can use Berry Blue jello, small ripe strawberries, and the vanilla yogurt).
Use large star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out special sandwiches to take along on picnics. Also use assorted sized star and bell shaped cookie cutters to make cookies (add red, white, and blue glitter to cookies).
Take along food and juice that's red or blue in color (some examples are cherries, strawberries, blueberries, strawberry jello, berry blue jello. Also extend this to include juice and pop). Also bring along napkins that are blue, red, and white (or a combination). Do you have any colored, unbreakable cups?.
Take a big piece of blue construction paper. Cut red and white construction paper into 1" strips. Have star stickers, glue, glitter, and anything else you can think of. Have the child use his imaginaton and create something.
4th of July Recipes - Enjoy these great Recipes for your 4th of July celebrations: barbecue recipes, cakes, cookie recipes, desserts, dinners, picnic recipes, and pies. Also includes ideas for alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks to help you celebrate Independence Day.
More 4th of July Sites
- The Pledge of Allegiance and Flag-Flying Guidelines -
- Declaration of Independence - The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
- The Constitution of the United States - The Constitution of the United States of America and Amendments and Bill of Rights
- Get the Safety Tips for Public Fireworks Displays - The National Council on Fireworks Safety -
- Enjoy Virtual Fireworks From Hogpainter And Friends -
