Celebrate America's Birthday

The Fourth of July celebration brings families together under normal circumstances. This year may look different, but it should be comforting to think similar celebrations to yours are taking place all over the country on that very day. You probably already have many traditions, but here is a craft and a celebration idea if you are looking to add something to your children's day.

CRAFT - PAINTED FIREWORKS
Materials:
toilet paper roll(s)
red and blue tempera paint
glitter(optional)
white paper (you could use blue or red paper and substitute white paint for that color paint)
Instructions:
Either the adult can cut strips a third of the way up around toilet paper rolls, or you can draw the lines and your child can do it. This is actually great scissor practice because the cardboard will stay still and is easy to cut and the child is forced to cut "up."
Fold the strips outward to make the painting "tool."
                                    
Put the red and blue paint on a paper plate or make good use of a Chinese food take-out container lid!
                                   
Have your child press the toilet paper roll "tool" down in the paint and then press it down onto the paper. I put the two colors close enough I just used one toilet paper roll, but you could use two different containers and two different "tools."
Add glitter if you have some at home while the paint is wet. When it is dry, shake off the extra.
The sky is truly the limit!
                                   

CELEBRATION IDEA:
Gather streamers, balloons, pipe cleaners, glue, glitter, dried flowers, paper and crayons and anything else you can think of and let your children have a decorating contest for their scooters, tricycles and bicycles. Of course, you will come up with multiple awards so every child gets the Best Something....most colorful, funniest, craziest, most creative, most flowing!
Definitely, have a ride around your neighborhood to show off their creative handiwork and help us all remember to be thankful for the USA!