Fostering Patriotism on the Fourth of July

Patriotic Playthings

Parents often overlook the value in using toys to teach children about important events. There are many patriotic toys on the market for children of all ages. Look for toys such as:

• Patriot Challenge game
  by Patriot Challenge, Inc.
• Just Build™ "America"
  by Mega Bloks, Inc.
• American Patriots Play Figures
  by Odyssey Toys
• Yankee Doodle (doll)
  by Alexander Doll Company, Inc.

Stick with the toys that offer the most opportunity for imaginative play. The American Patriots Play Figures set includes three four-inch action figures: George Washington holding the first official American flag, Thomas Jefferson holding the Declaration of Independence, and Benjamin Franklin, who comes with a kite. A fact sheet and educational information are included with the set.

Books for Fun and Learning

Margie Neff of Frederick, Maryland, reads books that pertain to the holidays as they approach. It's a great way to spend quality time together and it educates kids in a fun way. "We have books that explain the flag's evolution and Independence Day," Neff explains. "Two of our children's favorites are The Star-Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key, and Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the American Flag, by John Herman."

Looking for more books? Here's a list of additional suggestions:

• Hurray for the Fourth of July, by Wendy Watson
• Fourth of July, Sparkly Sky, by Joan Holub
• Hats Off for the Fourth of July, by Harriet Ziefert and Gustaf Miller
• Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney, by Leslie Kimmelman, Nancy Cote
• The Story of America's Birthday, by Patricia A. Pingry, Stacy Venturi-Pickett
• Red, White and Blue: The Story of the American Flag, by John Herman, Robin Roraback
• F Is for Flag, by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, Barbara Duke
• Betsy Ross, by Alexandra Wallner