Simple crafts, activities, and lessons to teach about our country’s founding

As a mother of young children, I regularly find myself trying to distill the grand concepts about our country, our history, our founding, and our freedoms to toddlers. It’s a daunting, but necessary, task. Even our toddlers are capable of understanding faith, bravery, rebellion, and liberty. We simply have to find fun, age-appropriate methods to teach them. 

The stories are engaging. What is more exciting than the great George Washington sneakily crossing the freezing Delaware River on Christmas night with boats full of soldiers to plant a surprise attack in Trenton the next morning? Thomas Jefferson risked his very life just to write the Declaration of Independence. 

If our children can memorize their favorite tales of princesses and knights, they too can know the stories of our Founders. There are so many exciting ways to bring these stories to life! 

Thomas Jefferson’s love for ice cream

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the first known American to record an ice cream recipe? French recipe books were known to include recipes for ice cream as early as the 1600s. It is believed that Jefferson was introduced to this delightful dessert during his time overseas, particularly in France in the 1780s. 

Upon his return to America, four ice molds were included among his 86 crates of belongings. They, along with an ice cream freezer and ladle, were documented in the inventory found in Jefferson’s home at Monticello in 1826. 

While references to ice cream in the U.S. appear as early as the 1740s, Jefferson is widely recognized for his role in greatly popularizing the treat during his presidency. There are at least six references to Jefferson serving the dessert at his house between 1801 and 1809. 

This recipe comes directly from the Jefferson household, courtesy of Jefferson’s French butler, Adrien Petit. Make it with your family, then sit down to enjoy this historic treat while reading a story about Thomas Jefferson. 

The Key to Freedom 

Teaching our children what “freedom” is can feel overwhelming. Many Americans today don’t even think twice about the myriad liberties we enjoy fully and freely. How do you explain to young minds what “could” be but isn’t? 

This Freedom Key lesson seeks to help teach children that such liberties are a gift and that freedom isn’t free. It was fought for, intentionally weaved into America’s founding, and continues to be protected through the sacrifices of brave Americans through all of our country’s storied history. Discuss what freedom is and how America was founded on this great principle.

George Washington lesson

Children are capable learners even at young ages; start building a scaffolding of historical knowledge early, so they can continue to build upon a strong foundation as they grow. Introduce the Founding Fathers, their lives, and contributions early. As time passes, delve deeper into just how brilliant and incredible these men were. 

For young children, this can be as simple as reading a book or coloring a picture. Children are inquisitive by nature. They will want to know more. This George Washington lesson is a 15-minute activity that will provide a hands-on opportunity for you and your child to learn about our first President together! 

Benjamin Franklin’s apple pie recipe

I have found that baking with my children is one of the best ways to slow down, spend quality time together, and yes, make a little mess. Apple pie is a staple in our home. It was also the favorite food of one of our great founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Franklin spent many years abroad in France during the Revolutionary War. During his time away from home, he would write to his wife and request that she send bushels of apples to him. 

Read a story about Franklin and spend the afternoon making apple pie to remember one of our most iconic founders. 

American flag banner

An ageless pastime is counting the number of American flags displayed on houses and businesses while running errands or road-tripping. Often, the youngest members of the family will begin to squeal with delight whenever a flag is spotted. 

Capitalize on that enthusiasm. Rather than purchasing your next flag banner, spend an afternoon making one. Take the opportunity to discuss what each of the 13 stripes represents, the colors of the flag, and the 50 stars. Turn on a patriotic playlist and sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” If you don’t need a giant flag banner in your home, turn these into hand-held flags or simply hang them on your refrigerator. The real key is taking the time to sit down and teach about our flag and what it represents. 

Coloring Pages

Looking for a new way to encourage more peace and quiet at home? Leave a box of paper, coloring pages, and crayons in an easily accessible spot for children to happily retrieve and use at-will. Include patriotic coloring pages to spur fun conversations about who George Washington was, what he was doing on a boat that cold winter night, why we were fighting a war, and what the Founders were doing in Liberty Hall. These coloring pages are all found in the children’s book, The Great George Washington, which seeks to teach about the life and contributions of our first president to children ages 3-8.

Foster familiarity and love

Raising children who know and love their country doesn’t require intense curriculum or formal teaching. These moments should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives: when we pray for protection for the troops fighting for our freedom, when we sing songs in the car, color pictures, read stories at bedtime, and bake desserts. 

Share the stories of our country’s history and heroes early and often. These are some of the best superhero stories, and they happen to be real!