We do not usually do a lot of formal learning during the summer, because we are running around with swim team and family trips. This coming school year we'll be studying American History! The middle-of-the-summer celebration of Independence Day gives a nice chance to slip some history review into our day over the summer. Since learning is a "line upon line" process, we'll do a little bit each year so my kids will gain a more full understanding by the time they finish their homeschooling journey.

Picture Books to Learn about The Declaration of Independence
I love to turn to engaging informational picture books for learning about all subjects! Here are some history books to help introduce the Declaration of Independence to children.
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Picture Books about the Declaration of Independence

The Story Of America's Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry. Ages 5-8. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

When Mr. Jefferson Came to Philadelphia: What I Learned of Freedom, 1776 by Ann Turner. Ages 6-10. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

Young John Quincy by Cheryl Harkness. Ages 6-10. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

Her Name Was Mary Katharine by Ella Schwartz. Ages 8-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

The Declaration of Independence from A to Z by Catherine L. Osorio. Ages 8-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh. Ages 8-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George. Ages 8-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.
Declaration of Independence Books for Older Children

America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney. Ages 8-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

The Declaration of Independence (A True Book) by Elaine Landau. Ages 10-12. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.

Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence by Russell Freedman. Ages 10+. Read the review at Rebecca Reads.
Web Resources for Learning about the Declaration of Independence
Here are some free resources, websites, and places you can visit to learn about the Declaration of Independence in anticipation of the holiday.
- Check out these free elementary-level worksheets. Can you label all of the 13 colonies?
- Learn about Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. If you can't travel there, check out the information about the site with the National Park service.
- Read about Thomas Jefferson's role in writing the Declaration of Independence at Monticello's Classroom by the Jefferson Foundation. (This site provides teaching ideas, written to a parent or teacher)
- Learn about the early drafts and influences on the Declaration of Indepence at the U.S. digital Library of Congress Exhibit. (This site provides information for parents and/or for older students)
- Read about the history and watch short learning videos on various related topics at History.com (This site shows ads before content.)
- Adapt the Gilder-Lehrman lesson plan with free printables for your children.
- Teach about the Declaration of Independence as a break-up letter by using this lesson idea from Thrive in Grade Five.
- Share some fascinating trivia about the Declaration of Independence with your kids.
- The brief animated video from BrainPop will give young children a nice overview of the signing of Declaration. (Subscription required; sometimes this particular video will be free to view on Independence Day.)
- Teaching about the Declaration with this differentiated set of free reading passages from Kids Discover.
- Watch the animated movies featuring the Liberty's Kids, all free at YouTube. The Declaration of Independence episode is, of course, most applicable.
- Study primary documents such as political cartoons and a song to learn about the Declaration of Independence in context, with these ideas from The Clever Teacher.
- Order a free copy of the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution (either digital or in print).
- Watch a TED-Ed video.
- Learn about the people in John Trumbull's painting of "The Declaration of Independence" at Wikipedia.
- Get teaching ideas from the many lesson ideas on the subject at iCivics.org.
More American History Activities
If you are interested in more activities about American history, checkout my blog posts and consider my fun American Trivia game!
Test Your Knowledge with a Hands-On American History Trivia Game
It's not only about the Declaration of Independence but it does provide plenty of American history and geography trivia fun for kids.
