Teaching Our Children What Independence Day Means
My children are really looking forward to the 4th of July and today one of them asked me a question that really surprised me. They asked why we celebrated the 4th. I was surprised because I assumed that they knew. I must have some point in their short life certainly discussed the importance of the day with them. If not me, didn’t they learn about it at school?
Wow, I am so ashamed at myself. We talked about the importance of Memorial Day this past May; it wasn’t just about barbeques and cookouts. Now I have the important task of teaching them about the importance of the 4th of July, Independence Day. With that question posed to me, I realized the wonderful teaching moment that I was handed on a silver platter.
So made a trip to one of our favorite summer hangouts, The Haverford Free Library and looked at many books on the topic. We also surfed the internet and did some research at home. We will tie up this wonderful learning experience with a patriotic craft or two and of course, a barbeque at a friend’s house.
Keeping in our mind that it is not just about the fireworks and barbeques, it is about celebrating our freedom, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and remembering what an honor it is to be an American.
Lynn Collins
7:43 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Not to be negative as I certainly appreciate the important lesson you taught your children. I just wish that when Americans talk about how WONDERFUL the 4th is they remember that slavery was still in full swing in 1776 and that many of the signers of the DoI were slave holders including Washington & Jefferson....on July 4, 1776 - Freedom was granted to some while others were still enslaved. Pls feel free to add that as well as the story of Juneteenth to your lessons. Learning history should be all inclusive...
Mango Harris
9:54 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independence Day has nothing to do with the abolishment of slavery. Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery (the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863). Independence Day is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from English rule. The contributions of the legions of brave African Americans that fought for America and the principals of freedom should be remembered as we celebrate Independence Day. However, I would choose not to celebrate it as another day to hate America.
Douglas Martindale
10:03 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Lynn, can't we just celebrate the sacrifices that our founders made in risking their lives just to be freed from a tyrannical government. No need to be such a bummer. Can we celebrate our country's birthday without reminding everyone that its fathers were flawed? I mean do you like to celebrate your birthday talking about all the mistakes your mom and dad made...just relax, enjoy the festivities, and appreciate all the freedoms we are blessed with!!
Lynn Collins
12:06 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Walk in my shoes for about 200 years people before you try to tell me how I should feel about the 'freedom' of the nation. If you feel bummed imagine how WE feel! Enjoy YOUR holiday. : )
Julie Carosella
2:02 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Hello everyone: I do agree with you to some degree Lynn, those are important topics and parts of history that do need to be "taught" at some point, but the question my six year old posed was about this one day. It was one lesson that I felt was important to teach. One lesson at time, I think. Especially at six years old. Then when the time is right, we could go into the intricate details of everything else. I am truly not saying one is more important than the other. They are both important and both need to be taught. Today though, we are keeping things light. We are going to enjoy being American, enjoy our freedom, and just enjoy being together with our family and friends.
John Whiney
2:15 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Lynn, bless you it's an accomplishment to have lived 200 years!
Douglas Martindale
9:35 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
It really is, plus she apparently walked the entire time. That likely helped with her longevity. Lynn, I'm sorry you have to put up with such a horrible country. Perhaps a move is in order?!?!
Lynn Collins
1:49 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I'm glad that I don't have to move because I never expressed hatred for the country or any of it's ignorant citizens however justified it would be to do so. I'm not sure what schools some of you attended however when you are apparently unable to differentiate literal vs figurative language, however I digress...to the author, I don't think you mentioned the tender young age of your son. Obviously, all things in due time. Hope that all of you had an enjoyable 4th of July...I did.