Happy Fourth of July, the Independence Day of the United States of America!  This day is filled with celebrations and this is also a good time to teach kids about July 4th.   I have created a bilingual celebration card with audio support below that you can read with your child together. You can talk about the events and family celebration of the Fourth of July.

 

Teach Kids About the Fourth of July with this celebration card.

 

Celebration Card

Celebration Card: Independence Day (with audio)

Traditional Chinese:

美國獨立紀念日也就是美國國慶日。
這一天重要的活動有遊行，烤肉，野餐，家庭聚餐，煙火，音樂會…等。

Pinyin:

Měiguó dúlì jìniàn rì yě jiùshì měiguó guóqìng rì.

Zhè yītiān zhòngyào de huódòng yǒu yóuxíng, kǎoròu, yěcān, jiātíng jùcān, yānhuǒ, yīnyuè huì… Děng.

English Translation:

The Independent Day in the United States is the National Day.

The important activities are parades, barbecue, picnic, family gathering, fireworks, concert…etc.

Teach Kids About the Fourth of July with Six Activities!

1. American Flag

Hands-on Activities:  I love to use activities to engage my kids and my students.  It is important to use age-appropriate activities to engage children.  Pick one project to start with.  Kids will have fun with a coloring page of American flag, a small version of this  Lego flag of U.S.A, or a play dough national flag.

The Story of Declaration of Independence (Audio in Mandarin Chinese. Subtitle in simplified Chinese).

 

History:  The story behind a festival or a celebration is a great way for children to learn about a culture.  Why do we celebrate the 4th of July? What does “independence” mean?

 

 

2. Declaration of Independence

History: What are America’s three founding documents?  What do they look like?  I had a chance to visit the National Archives with my children and found it to be an enlightening experience.  It may be difficult to read a Chinese translation; however, reading a short passage of the document and discussing it will give kids an idea of what these documents are about.

3. Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, originally, called the State House Bell, was located in the Pennsylvania State House.

 

Liberty Bell has symbolic meaning.  The words on the Liberty Bell were used by abolitionists who were fighting to end slavery.

4. Teach Kids About the Fourth of July with a Celebration Parade:

Activity: Decorate a bike, scooter, or stroller for a Fourth of July Parade on your street.  Does this sound like fun?  Young children get excited about this fun event.  Older kids can serve Fourth of July ice cream or popsicles for all the participants.  They can also be on the judging team for the decoration rating.

How Americans celebrate the Fourth of July. video in Mandarin Chinese

5. Fireworks

Science Activity: Creating fireworks in a Jar.

What are the colors of the American national flag?  Can you create fireworks using the colors of the American flag?  Can you add glitter to make your fireworks sparkle?

History: Fireworks to Gunpowder, the invention of China

What are some important Chinese inventions?  How were fireworks invented?  When do you see fireworks?  What are your favorite colors or shapes?

video in English

6. Teach Kids About the Fourth of July with Books

Read a book about Independence Day!  “Apple Pie Fourth of July” by Janet Wong, is a book about a Chinese American child’s experience of the two cultures on Fourth of July.  It is a great read-aloud multicultural children’s book.

BONUS: FOURTH OF JULY – I SPY by Papertraildesignm can keep the kids busy. Download and enjoy!

 

Exploring Chinese Culture for Kids Series:

Chinese Valentine’s Day 七夕

Hungry Ghost Festival 中元節 |中元节

Moon Festival 中秋節 |中秋节

Qing Ming Festival 清明節 |清明节

Winter Solstice 冬至 |冬至

Chinese Lunar New Year 春節｜春节

Lantern Festival 元宵節| 元宵节

Dragon Boat Festival 端午節 | 端午节