4 Books to teach Elementary Students about the Fourth of July

Four texts to help students learn more about Independence Day!

July is officially upon us! With July 4th right around the corner, here are four texts I will be reading with my daughter over the next few days, to celebrate Independence Day. I have included a couple of ideas for classroom use or that you can use with your family. All of these texts reflect on the 4th of July and what independence day means to citizens in this country. When selecting these texts, I thought a lot about the American story, what freedom means, and our heritage as a country of immigrants. All of this resulted in these four books that represent varied view points on the 4th of July and what Independence Day means.

Lady Liberty's Holiday

 

Lady Liberty's Holiday is the story of the Statue of Liberty's journey across the United States. The book does a great job of depicting the many different parts of our country. I really love all of the post cards that the Statue of Liberty sends. For classroom application, I would have students design postcards from where they are and what they do there in the style of the work from the book.

Naming Liberty

 

Naming Liberty was wonderful for its two prong approach to an immigrants story. Taking place in the late 1800s, it depicts the European immigration into the United States. Because I work in a highly diverse area with many new immigrants from Somalia and Sudan, it is interesting to reflect on what Independence day will mean to them in their new home country. If you have students who have recently immigrated to America, this can be an opportunity to write about their own immigration story or about what America means to them.

Apple Pie 4th of July

 

Apple Pie 4th of July is the story of the 4th of July from a young girl balancing two different cultures. On such an American holiday, she feels that no one will want the food from her culture but finds a surprise at the end. It is important to discuss the many different cultures that make up America and how they contribute to the American ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. One classroom activity could have students write down their 4th  of July traditions: what they eat and do to celebrate the holiday.

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The One and Only Declaration of Independence

 

The One and Only Declaration of Independence is the story of the Declaration of Independence itself and how that document had to traveled to be approved. It gives a child friendly insight into the beginnings of this country and all that had to happen for its creation. In the classroom, you can use the actual document and have a discussion of how students interpret the Declaration of Independence.

I hope you found a new book to try or more ideas to try with your kids!

Alright, headed off to see some fireworks tonight! Happy 4th!