Many will celebrate Memorial Day with friends and family to remember those that have fought and died for the United States of America! Below are a few activities to help introduce preschool and kindergarten children to one of the symbols of American Freedom: our FLAG.
Patriotic Craft Stick Puzzles for Kids
Materials needed: Large Craft Sticks, Red/White/Blue Paint, Paintbrushes, Pencils, and Smocks (or an old T-shirt) to protect clothing.
Each flag puzzle will need 7 craft sticks. On 3 of the craft sticks mark a line vertically to divide the craft sticks that will be painted with TWO colors (to form the blue area of the flag). Have the children paint 2 craft sticks WHITE, 2 craft sticks RED, 2 craft sticks BLUE/RED, and one craft stick BLUE/WHITE. Allow the craft sticks to dry thoroughly. When dry, scramble the craft sticks and ask the children to put the “flag” puzzle together.
If desired, the children can use foil stars to decorate the blue area of the flags.
For younger children: numbering the back of the craft sticks will help with placement.
FLAGS in a Jar Snack for Kids
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Butter
4 Cups of Miniature Marshmallows
6 Cups of Crispy Rice Cereal
Red/Blue Food Coloring
In 3 large microwave bowls, put one tablespoon of butter and 1 and 1/3 cups of miniature marshmallows. Microwave each bowl for approx. one minute (or until marshmallows are melted – watch closely so the mixture doesn’t scorch.) Stir each of the bowls well. In ONE bowl, add 6 drops of red food coloring and stir well. In another bowl, add 6 drops of blue food coloring and stir well. The third bowl should not have any food coloring added. In one bowl at a time, stir in 2 cups of crispy rice cereal. *Hint: it is easier to handle the mixtures with hands that are wet with cold water.
Layer the colored cereal mixtures into small glass jars. The treats can be made in advance and will stay fresh. The jars also make nice gifts from kids for Patriotic celebrations.
Patriotic Roll and Cover Math Game – Patriotic Roll and Cover
Materials needed: One Patriotic Roll and Cover (linked above) for each child, miniature marshmallows (or other small counters), and 2 dice for each child.
Have the children roll two dice, count the number of dots on the dice, and use the miniature marshmallows to cover the corresponding numbered flag.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!