Mini-Lesson

Fourth of July

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Objective: Students will learn about the history of Independence Day.

1. Before passing out the latest timeforkids.com story, A Star-Spangled Celebration, share with students the headline and subhead. Ask: What do you expect to learn about the Fourth of July from this article? Have students share at least two predictions with a partner.

2. As students read, encourage them to look for the information they predicted they would find. Ask: What happened on July 4, 1776? What country did the 13 North American colonies break away from? What were some of their reasons for doing so?

3. Invite students to share how they have celebrated the Fourth of July in the past. Then challenge students to show what they know about the United States. Have them complete the worksheet Test Your U.S. History I.Q.