4th Of July For Kids – Independence Day | American History | Learn Like Nastya

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The Fourth of July is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking the nation’s freedom from British rule. This day symbolizes the establishment of American rights and the creation of the Constitution, which outlines the freedoms and laws that govern the country. Each year, Americans honor this significant milestone with festivities, fireworks, and a celebration of the liberties they enjoy.
  1. What does independence mean, and why is it important for America?
  2. Who were some of the important leaders that helped America become free?
  3. What are some rights that people have, and why do we celebrate them on the Fourth of July?

Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July?

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the Fourth of July? Well, let me tell you a cool story about this special day!

The Beginning of Independence

A long time ago, on July 4th, 1776, something very important happened in America. This day is known as the first Independence Day. But what does “independence” mean? Independence means being free! Before this day, the American colonies were ruled by British leaders. The people in America had to follow British laws and couldn’t make their own rules.

The Declaration of Independence

Some important leaders in America, called Congress leaders, wanted to change this. They wrote a special paper called the Declaration of Independence. This paper explained why America should be free from Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, Congress approved this Declaration, and America became free!

Creating New Laws

After gaining independence, America needed to create its own laws. In 1787, a group of leaders, known as the framers, met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Some famous framers were Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. They wrote the Constitution, which is a set of rules for the country. Thirty-nine framers signed this important document, agreeing on the rights that American citizens should have.

Understanding Rights

But what are rights? Rights are things that people are free to do. For example, the Bill of Rights, added to the Constitution in 1791, protects important freedoms like the freedom of speech and religion. These rights ensure that people can express themselves and follow their beliefs.

Celebrating Freedom

So, every year on the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate their freedom and remember the important events of 1776. It’s a day filled with fun, fireworks, and appreciation for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

Now you know why the Fourth of July is such a special holiday. It’s all about celebrating freedom and the beginning of a new nation!

  • What do you think it means to be free? Can you think of a time when you felt free to do something you really wanted to do?
  • Why do you think it’s important for people to have rights, like the freedom of speech and religion? How would you feel if you couldn’t express your thoughts or beliefs?
  • How do you and your family celebrate special days or holidays? Are there any traditions or activities that you enjoy doing together?
  1. Design Your Own Declaration: Imagine you are living in a world where you can create your own rules. What would your declaration say? Write down three rules you would like to have in your own country. Use colorful markers and paper to make your declaration look special. Share your ideas with your classmates and discuss why you chose those rules.

  2. Freedom Collage: Gather old magazines, newspapers, or printouts and cut out pictures or words that represent freedom to you. Create a collage on a piece of poster board. Think about what freedom means in your everyday life, like playing outside, choosing your clothes, or speaking your mind. Once your collage is complete, present it to the class and explain why you chose each image or word.

  3. Rights in Action: With a parent or guardian, take a walk around your neighborhood or visit a local park. Observe and discuss examples of rights in action, such as people expressing themselves through art, music, or conversation. Talk about how these rights make your community a better place. Draw a picture or write a short story about what you observed and how it relates to the rights discussed in the lesson.

Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:

[Music] You can wear your favorite clothes. [Music] Real cool stories.

Like, grandpa, why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?

Well, you see, July 4th, 1776, was a very special day in America. That sure was a long time ago. So, what makes that day so special?

This was the first Independence Day in America.

Independence? What does that mean?

Independence means freedom. Many years, American colonies were ruled by British leaders. They had to do what the British rulers told them to do; they could not make up their own laws.

Congress leaders wanted to change this. They wrote the Declaration of Independence, explaining why America should be free from Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress. America was finally free!

[Music] Hooray!

Now Americans could do whatever they wanted. Oh no, dear! America was free from British laws, but they had to make up new ones. Years later, in 1787, the Constitution was written. The framers of the Constitution had a meeting at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Some famous framers were Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Together, 39 framers signed and agreed on the rights that American citizens should have.

Rights? What are rights?

These are things that people have the freedom to do.

You mean like the Bill of Rights? I remember we learned about that at school.

Exactly! The Bill of Rights were amendments, or small changes, made to the Constitution in 1791. They were added to protect certain rights of American citizens, like freedom of speech and religion.

Right!

You’ve got it! And freedom of the press and many other rights. So, Americans have all these rights because of what happened on July 4th, 1776. This was the beginning of it all, and we celebrate the Fourth of July to show how much we appreciate our freedom.

Absolutely!

Grandpa, I think Independence Day is my new favorite holiday!

Me too, dear! Me too.

[Music] [Applause] [Music]

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