Tell the children that Independence Day is celebrated on the fourth of July each year. It marks the day many years ago that the United States Became independent, or when we decided that we would be our own country. Have the class set up a birthday party for America. Talk about what games children play at their own birthday parties and play some of those games. If possible play "Stars and Stripes Forever" and encourage children to play imaginary instruments along with the music. >>Judy Designs in the Sky...

(Frere Jacques) Fourth of July, Fourth of July, It is fun, it is fun. A picnic in the park, And then after dark, Designs in the sky, Fourth of July.

On the Fourth of July... (London Bridge) It's our country's birthday, Birthday, birthday. It's our country's birthday, On the Fourth of July!

On Independence Day... (Mary Had a Little Lamb) Fireworks go snap, snap, snap! Crack, crack, crack! Zap, zap, zap! Fireworks make me clap, clap, clap On Independence Day!

Way up in the Sky... (Row, Row, Row Your Boat) Wave, wave, wave the flag, Hold it very high. Watch the colors gently wave, Way up in the sky.

March, march, march around, Hold the flag up high. Wave, wave, wave the flag, Way up in the sky.

Who's Birthday Is It?

Some birthdays come in winter, Some birthdays come in spring. On birthdays there are games to play And lots of songs to sing.

My favorite birthday is in july, And it doesn't belong to me! It's the birthday that lights up the sky For all the world to see!

Rockets glare, trumpets blare, And bands begins to play. Happy Birthday America It's Independence Day!