The 4th of July
Hello again dear friends! It is the 4th of July, and this year looks a little different than most years. We are not having huge celebrations with family because of the virus, and it is supposed to be 100 degrees by afternoon, so we will be staying inside. Regardless of the world circumstance or local weather, however, we will be taking the usual time to learn a little about our nation's history and talk about how we can be part of the story.
Just a few weeks ago, my husband, 2 oldest and I took a fast trip across the country to participate in summer program for Ensign Peak Academy, the school where I teach. On our way home, we decided to begin the introducing our kids to Hamilton: The Musical. They already have a strong love for Lin-Manuel Miranda, and with the catchy lyrics and hip-hop beat, I knew it wouldn't be a hard sell. We spent much of the 30 hour drive home, talking about Hamilton, his life, his contribution, and his mistakes, at least when we weren't listening to the music.
Needless to say, they kids were counting down the days until July 3rd, when Hamilton became available on Disney+. We pulled up our chairs and grabbed a small bowl of ice cream after the two youngest went to bed. I am pleased to report it didn't disappoint. The whole family is now wanting to learn more, and it is super fun to watch. I have been fascinated with the Hamiltons for many years, long before the musical transfixed the world. I love it when my family finds interest in things that I love.
What do you do to celebrate the 4th?
Just a few weeks ago, my husband, 2 oldest and I took a fast trip across the country to participate in summer program for Ensign Peak Academy, the school where I teach. On our way home, we decided to begin the introducing our kids to Hamilton: The Musical. They already have a strong love for Lin-Manuel Miranda, and with the catchy lyrics and hip-hop beat, I knew it wouldn't be a hard sell. We spent much of the 30 hour drive home, talking about Hamilton, his life, his contribution, and his mistakes, at least when we weren't listening to the music.
Needless to say, they kids were counting down the days until July 3rd, when Hamilton became available on Disney+. We pulled up our chairs and grabbed a small bowl of ice cream after the two youngest went to bed. I am pleased to report it didn't disappoint. The whole family is now wanting to learn more, and it is super fun to watch. I have been fascinated with the Hamiltons for many years, long before the musical transfixed the world. I love it when my family finds interest in things that I love.
Please pardon our mess; we live here.
If you are look for resources to teach younger kids about the American Revolution and founding of the nation, may I recommend Liberty's Kids and 1776. While neither are truly history accurate, they do a great job of capturing interest so that kids are ready to learn more.
What do you do to celebrate the 4th?
I love this! The kids are getting such a good love for history in a cool, realistic way. I taught social studies for 5th grade for many years. Kids always came in saying it was their least favorite subject, but we covered colonial America and the revolution. When they saw that it was really a big story being told in class every day, they got into it. I used Liberty's Kids with them every time we got to a big event. I could dedicate too much class time to it, but if I could, I would. I had a 9th grade teacher in the district email me to ask what the name of the show was that I showed my students because a past student that was now in her class recommended it. haha They liked it even more than I thought. 😂
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