Activities & Lessons

Grades 1–2 Summer Reading Activities: This Is America

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Caregiver Corner

Download our letter to you with tips and suggestions for extending this week’s activities with your family. Have a great week!

Welcome to This Is America! We’ll provide five days of reading and learning activities designed to engage your child in an exploration of our country and its symbols.

Reading Monday

It’s Monday, so let’s read about the Fourth of July!


July Fourth!

People do many things on July Fourth. Read about this important day.



Discuss the book: Why is July Fourth an important day? What happens during the parade? What can you see at night on July Fourth?

Media Tuesday

It’s Tuesday, so let’s watch a video!


America’s Birthday

Watch the video America’s Birthday to learn more about the Fourth of July.

Discuss the video: Why did the people in the colonies decide to make their own country? What other American holidays or symbols do you know about?

Writing Wednesday

It’s Wednesday, so let’s write!


Add a Page

Think about what you read in July Fourth! Write about another way people celebrate the Fourth of July to add to the book. Draw a picture to help support your writing.



More to Read!

For more reading about celebrating America, download America at Last.

Research Thursday

It’s Thursday, so let’s find out more about Independence Day!


Read about Independence Days

  • Search online with an adult or read nonfiction books about Independence Day celebrations in other countries.
  • Make a list of the three you found most interesting.
  • Write to complete this sentence: I think that the celebration in _____ is interesting because _____.

Project Friday

It’s Friday, so let’s create!


Draw a Flag

Create your own flag!

  • Imagine a flag you would like to display. It might be about your city, state, country, or anything you like.
  • Draw the flag about 4 inches by 4 inches on a piece of paper. Color it.
  • Cut it out and tape it to a craft stick or pencil.



Talk about what you learned about America this week with your friends and family!

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