Children's Corner By Cally
Well summer is off to a bang with Canada Day celebrations here in Canada and around the corner Fourth Of July or Independence Day festivities. Whether you are planning a huge family BBQ to celebrate or a more intimate get together be safe, dig out the sun screen and enjoy!
Independence Day History:
Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
At the time of the signing the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. This was commonly referred to as Taxation without Representation as the colonists did not have any representation in the English Parliament and had no say in what went on. As the unrest grew in the colonies, King George sent in lots of extra troops to help control any rebellion that might happen. In 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates were unhappy with England, but were not yet ready to declare war.
In April 1775 as the King's troops advanced on Concord, Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that “The British are coming, the British are coming” as he rode his horse through the late night streets. The battle of Concord and its shot heard round the world would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence.
The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.
By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 - Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained.
The President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name with a great flourish so "King George can read that without spectacles!."
The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription -
Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.
Independence Day Craft:
Independence Day Votive Candle Holder
What You Need
* Small Terracotta pot with dish
* Navy blue craft paint
* Liquitex Gesso-White
* Star stencil
* Pencil
* 2 Paintbrushes (one wide and one narrow)
* 1" Sponge brushes
* Wax paper or plastic grocery bag
* Votive candle
How To Make It
Lay down wax paper or a plastic bag to protect your work space.
Paint the whole terracotta pot and its dish with the Liquitex Gesso White paint with a wide paint brush. Allow to dry overnight. This provides a good base coat.
Paint the whole terracotta pot and the dish navy blue with the sponge brush.
Allow the blue paint to dry.
Using the stencil, draw on stars all over the pot and dish with a pencil.
Paint in the stars with the Liquitex Gesso White. Use the narrow paintbrush. Let dry.
Place a votive candle in the pot, light, and enjoy!
Independence Day Games:
Why not play some old fashioned games this summer at your picnic or get together. Try a 3 legged race or balloon tossing with water balloons. Egg and spoon races and a good rousing game of tag are also fun!
Independence Day Recipe:
Red, White and Blue Parfait
Ingredients:
8 ounces fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Cool Whip Lite
4 teaspoons Cool Whip Lite (to garnish)
1/2 cup reduced-fat vanilla yogurt
8 ounces about 1 c fresh blueberries
Cap strawberries, cut into bite-size pieces and place them in small mixing bowl.
Sprinkle sugar over berries and stir. Use spoon to crush berries slightly so they will release juice.
Set aside.
Place cookies in zipper-top plastic bag and use rolling pin to crush them finely. Set aside.
In small bowl or 2-cup measure, stir together 1/2 C of whipped topping and yogurt until well
blended. Set aside.
Divide cookie crumbs evenly in bottom of 4 parfait glasses or other dessert dishes (that hold at least 1 cup).
Spoon strawberry mixture evenly over crumbs.
Spoon yogurt mixture evenly over strawberries.
Divide blueberries evenly, and scatter them over yogurt mixture in each dish.
The dishes may be served at once or covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until ready to serve, up to 3 hours.
Just before serving, dollop 1 tsp of whipped topping on top of each dish as a garnish.
Options: sprinkle with nuts, granola or vanilla wafer cookies.
Independence Day DVD:
Liberty's Kids - The First Fourth of July (2002)
Ben Franklin's young reporters, Sarah and James learn that Thomas Jefferson has arrived in Philadelphia to put the final touches on the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, 1776, they sneak into the Independence Hall and watch as the 2nd Continental Congress declares America's independence from England. They then head to New York, where George Washington and his troops are fighting one of the most difficult battles of the Revolutionary War. James falls into the enemy hands, where he meets a fellow prisoner, the great patriot Nathan Hale. When Hale is told he will be executed, he bravely declares, "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." The fight for liberty has begun, and there is no turning back!
Independence Day Book:
Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney
By Leslie Kimmelman (Author) Nancy Cole (Illustrator)
ISBN-10: 0807531529
PreS-Gr. 1. As Jenny rides her bike through town on the Fourth of July, she sees the townsfolk preparing for the parade, fishing, showing off newly acquired citizenship papers, and enjoying a picnic. The mayor gives her speech, and the parade begins: "Let the celebration start! / Everybody plays a part." Jenny ends her day in the park watching fireworks with her parents. The rhyming text and Cote's bright art capture the friendly mood. The activities of some of the families seem contrived, particularly an Indian family shown standing together on their lawn with their citizenship papers in hand. But, as a whole, the book shows a diverse community celebrating together.
Web Sites Used:
http://www.holidays.net/independence/story.htm
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/candle4.html
http://www.recipezaar.com/211779
http://www.amazon.com/Libertys-Kids-First-Fourth-July/dp/B0002F6AUM
http://www.amazon.com/Happy-4th-July-Jenny-Sweeney/dp/0807531529
