Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?
The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the historic date in 1776, when the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking freedom from British Colonial rule. 4th of July celebrations might include fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and much more. However people celebrate, this holiday is all about honoring the history and traditions of the USA.
Fourth of July Activities For Students
As this holiday falls in the summer break, Independence Day activities for your students may look a little different than for other holidays. We’ve got you covered with 4th of July lesson plans and printables perfect for summer school. For setting summer learning tasks with a July theme, try our elementary and middle school choice boards for hands-on activity ideas that cover reading, writing, and STEM learning. We also have lots of fun art and music teaching resources, including patriotic craft ideas and patriotic songs.
Fourth of July Printables
Browse these printables for activities that help students learn about the history of the U.S. and feel patriotic. Includes patriotic songs and poems, reading warm-ups, and a Declaration of Independence pop-up book activity.- Patriotic Activities: Printable Book for Elementary Grades
- Patriotic Stationery - Printable Pencil Wrap
- American Flag (in color)
- "The Star Spangled Banner" Reading Warm-Up
- The Declaration of Independence Little Book
- Patriotic Poems and Songs
- The Declaration of Independence: The First 182 Words
- The Liberty Bell
- United States Flag Bulletin Board Example
- More Independence Day Printables
Educational Videos
This collection of videos about the Fourth of July covers the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution and provides suggested extension activities for different grade levels.Fourth of July Lesson Plans
Dive into the history of the USA with these lesson plans. Students will learn about Thomas Jefferson's contributions, the Declaration of Independence, and the Declaration of Sentiments. There’s also a fun American Flag making activity to help you create a patriotic bulletin board.- The Era of Thomas Jefferson
- The Declaration of Sentiments & Your Rights
- American Flag Bulletin Board
References
Refer to our encyclopedia-style resources on the Fourth of July to support learning activities. Includes information on the stars and stripes, the Declaration of Independence, early congress, American flag facts, and more.- Declaration of Independence
- "Star-Spangled Banner"
- United States Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
- Born on the 4th of July
- More Flag Facts
- The Early Congresses
- When and How to Display the U.S. Flag
Art & Music Activities for the Fourth of July
These fun art and music activities will help students to get creative and feel patriotic. Learn some patriotic songs, or for lower elementary and preschool activities, try the patriotic craft ideas from our sister site, FamilyEducation.Fourth of July Choice Boards
These choice boards provide a menu of cross-curricular activities that are perfect for summer learning and also celebrate Independence Day. With activitivies designed for either elementary or middle school grades, there’s plenty to choose from for summer school or setting homework tasks over the summer break.- Fourth of July Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Grades
- Fourth of July Summer Learning Activities for Middle School
Related Resources
If you liked these Independence Day resources, you might also like to try our related resource collections. Includes patriotic, women's history, U.S. government and constitution resources, and much more.- States Teacher Resources
- American History Teacher Resources
- Biographies Teacher Resources
- Colonial America
- U.S. Government Resources for Teachers
- U.S. Constitution Resources for Teachers
- Social Studies
- Women's History Teacher Resources
- Memorial Day Teacher Resources
- Flag Day Teacher Resources
- Veterans Day Teacher Resources
American History Resources
Help students learn more about the history of the USA with these resources on the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, and test their understanding with fun quizzes.- Declaration of Independence Videos & Activities
- Articles of Confederation
- Favorite July 4th Activities Slideshow
- The Era of Thomas Jefferson
- The Declaration of Sentiments & Your Rights
- Declaration of Independence
- Declaration of Independence Quiz
- More Independence Day History Resources
