SMART START Patriots have been busy learning all about Independence Day and the United States of America here at school. The 4th of July is an exciting, action packed and history filled holiday that we incorporate into curriculum and celebrate with our young learners. We hope you enjoy a look at our 4th of July celebrations and activities!
SMART START's eager group read all about Independence Day during story times both in our indoor and outdoor classrooms. Circle time friends listened intently, whether on an indoor rug, outside on a blanket or together under the oak trees. We studied the history of the holiday, its celebrations and traditions. Preschoolers shared 4th of July memories and what they are doing this year!
Here are some fun facts the children learned about Independence Day:
- The day we celebrate our freedom
- The Pledge of Allegiance
- There are many men and women who work hard to keep our country free and safe
- America's first president: George Washington
- Family and friends gather together and typically grill outside and eat festive foods
- Red, white and blue is worn by many and the colors used to decorate
- Decorations feature flags, fireworks, stars, stripes,
- Songs surrounding the holiday: "You're a Grand Old Flag", "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America"
- Many towns have parades
It is important for the younger generations to understand why we celebrate holidays and the meanings behind them. Making these connections at such a young age will provide the knowledge and wisdom needed to reflect on future holidays.
Students worked diligently on their mathematics holiday worksheet consisting of different groups of patriotic symbols. All used one to one correspondence to count each object and then wrote the number amount in each box. Miss Francesca and some of our veteran students assisted when needed. All are making great strides in the mathematics department as we practice daily.
Holiday based worksheets make learning more interesting for our pupils. Most often they do not even realize the focused on skills at hand as they are fascinated by the festive component!
Barny enjoyed listening to stories and playing dress up with our patriotic class. Even though Barny is a stuffed friend, he has a remarkable way of teaching the children about kindness, inclusion, respect, compassion, empathy, responsibility and acceptance. Barny has been a wonderful addition to our classroom and has helped make SMART START a better place!
It was a perfect, hot Summer day when we brought out SMART START's slush machine. This activity was part of our Happy Birthday, America celebration! Star Spangled slush makers worked together in pairs to fill the machine with ice, press down the button to grind the ice, hold the cup to catch the shavings and add red, white or blue flavoring. Fun was had by all while making this tasty treat!
A hands-on activity as simple as slush making fosters many benefits for our preschoolers such as:
- independence
- self-esteem
- creativity
- curiosity
- patience
SMART START had its very own 4th of July parade right here in our backyard! Our young nationalists assembled together with American flags in hand and hats on their heads as they proudly marched around. Even Caroline and Charlotte took the liberty of joining in the festive fun! Smiles graced their darling faces as they waved the flags back and forth and sang, "You're a Grand Old Flag." We love witnessing their spirit, excitement and pledge to our country!
All sporting 4th of July hats, necklaces and other attire, classmates gathered around as we celebrated America's birthday! A special thanks to Cody and Kinsley for bringing in Star Spangled cookies with crackling jimmies for a very special sharing snack! The children also savored the red, white and blue slush they made prior to the party. Miss Francesca entertained the group with a 4th of July story and all sang classic songs!
Click below to see more 4th of July fun at SMART START!
SMART START chorus members sang “Happy birthday to America” and “You’re a grand old flag,” Our older students sang beautifully while assisting the younger children with the lyrics. Incorporating music into our curriculum is extremely beneficial for language acquisition, mathematics and reading skills.
"You're A Grand Old Flag"
We hope you have a safe and fun-filled time celebrating our country this year on the 4th of July. As always, thank you for your kindness and support as we continue to educate, enrich and enhance the lives of your child(ren).
💙 Mary and Francesca 💙
