Happy Independence Day!

We learned about America and Independence Day last week leading up to the 4th of July.  My kids are now obsessed with the American Flag and feel a need to point out each and every one they see as we drive or walk around.  Especially at this time of year there are a LOT of flags around.

Brielle and Ethan LOVED doing the sparklers at our friend's BBQ.  We had a great time with family and friends for the Fourth of July celebration!

A few of our activities:

Firework Painting

I've seen salad spinner art painting on the internet for a couple years and knew we would love it.  I thought the spin art would make great fireworks.  The kids could have made these all day long.

I strung their fireworks for a banner, over our map of the USA.

Salt Firework

It was messy, and not worth saving (once dry, the salt starts flaking off), but the kids loved the process of making these.  It was pretty cool to watch the colored water spread once it hit the salt.

Cookie Cutter Painting

 The kids have been learning to say nice things to each other (usually because they need apologize for saying something mean).  One of their favorites is 'you twinkle like a star', which Ethan says "you twinkle, twinkle little star."

Other Activities 

Gavin and Elise's Mom got the kids some American Flags, which they loved parading around the house in.  We learned some songs as we were marching. (My Flag, My Flag, My Country 'tis of Thee, and Fifty Nifty United States)

We had some activities in the Jr. Ranger White House Pamphlet that we did.  This is Brielle's drawing of the white house.

Snacks

Star shaped sandwiches and yogurt

American Flag graham crackers with cream cheese (taste like a cheese cake, yum!)

I don't remember if my kids have had shelled peanuts before, if so it has been a while.  They loved this 'all American' snack.  It was messy though, so the next day we took them outside to eat.  I love the snacks that take them awhile to eat, and work their fine motor skills at the same time.

Books