Independence Day is coming up fast! There is nothing quite like the 4th of July. My kids are so full of anticipation as they wait for the sun to go down so the show can finally begin! Before we know it, those beautiful fireworks will be lighting up the sky and Piccolo Pete’s will be screaming in the distance. Those little soldiers will be parachuting out of their canons in the sky as the sun sets and sparkling fountains will be crackling in the streets. It’s such an exciting night and feels like the official start of summer around here.
Another great way to celebrate leading up to the 4th is with this simple flag finger paint craft, sweet treat, and a fun book that’s all about the American Flag and our National Anthem! Here’s to a safe, fun, and spectacular Independence Day!
American Flag Handprint Craft
PC: Maria Magee
What you’ll need:
- Red and blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Red, White, and Blue finger paint(I used Crayola)
- 3 small paint brushes
Directions:
Cut the red construction paper in half. Then, cut the blue construction paper into a slightly smaller rectangle than the red. Glue it on top of the red paper.
PC: Maria Magee
Have your child flip their left hand over. On their palm opposite of their thumb, paint a blue square.
Next, alternate red and white paint for the stripes.
PC: Maria Magee
Gently have them stamp their hand down on the paper. (If the paint isn’t thick enough, you can touch up some of the stripes with a paint brush)
PC: Maria Magee
Allow to dry for a few minutes, then you or your child can paint a star with white paint onto the blue square. (or many little white dots to symbolize the stars!)
PC: Maria Magee
There you have it, a simple and sweet keepsake!
PC: Maria Magee
Red, White, and Blue Snack Tray
Ingredients:
- 1-2 lbs. strawberries
- 1 lb. blueberries
- 1 package yogurt covered pretzels
- Cookie sheet, cutting board, or platter
- Square bowl or container for blueberries
To assemble:
First, place blueberries in the corner to be the “stars” of your flag.
Next, line up the red rows of strawberries.
PC: Maria Magee
Finally, spread the pretzels in between the strawberry rows. Enjoy!
PC: Maria Magee
Book: Our Flag was Still There by Jessie Hartland
This book is both an educational and fun read for grade schoolers! It’s also a fascinating tale that both you and your kids will appreciate, especially if you love history. It tells the true story of the seamstresses who in six weeks’ time, made an enormous American flag that was flown above Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It is the flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner and it can still be seen today in its restored state at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
PIN THIS!
Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
