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Hooray for Independence!

Celebrating national independence is a universal custom. Students can share in the joy while creating a patriotic wall hanging.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Hole Punch
  • Ribbon

Steps

  • Step 1

    Countries the world over commemorate their national independence. Have students learn about some of the ways independence days are celebrated. For example, why does the United States stage fireworks displays? Why do Haitians eat a pumpkin soup called soup joumou? Why did Independence Day of Ukraine celebrations markedly increase in 2022 after being one of the country's least popular holidays?

  • Step 2

    Have students learn more about their country's independence or choose another country to research. Then ask them to create a wall hanging to commemorate the day. They can choose a national symbol as the main feature and then draw and decorate it on heavy paper or poster board and cut it out. They can create smaller symbols and cut those out.

  • Step 3

    When the shapes are done have them put holes in the bottom of the main shape and the tops of the smaller shapes and attach them with ribbon or yarn. Then have them present their work and talk about the history and traditions associated with the holiday.

Standards

SS: Individual Development and Identity: Describe factors important to the development of personal identity and the context of identity within families, peer or affinity groups, schools, communities, and nationalities.

SS: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Examine various institutions that affect one’s life and influence people’s thinking and how they advocate for ideas they believe in.

Adaptations

Ask students to write and perform a dramatic scene that portrays events leading to the country's independence.

Ask students to pick an interesting fact about US independence and present it to the class. For example, why is the Liberty Bell tapped (not rung) 13 times every July 4? On what day was the Declaration of Independence actually signed? Where were the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution stored during WWII?