Fourth of July Activities for Kids That Build Language

The Fourth of July is a great holiday for quality time with family. It is also a wonderful day to be outdoors in the summer sun. If you are looking for Fourth of July activities for kids, these ideas work in language practice while you celebrate. In addition, they target colors, letters, and counting, and they include two easy crafts you can make together.

Fourth of July Activities for Kids That Teach Colors

Red, White, and Blue Tie-Dye

Make your own tie-dyed gear with red, white, and blue dye. While you dye the items, and again when you wear them, name the colors as often as you can. When the tie-dye is done, ask your child which colors they can find in the pattern.

Red, White, and Blue Play-Dough

Next, make play-dough using red, white, and blue food coloring. Name the colors often while you mix the dough and while you play with it.

Red, White, and Blue Water Balloons

What is more fun on a hot summer day than a family water balloon fight? As you prepare the balloons, your child can tell you which balloon to fill. Then, as you throw them, ask which color they would like to throw.

Red, White, and Blue Snacks

As you prepare and eat holiday foods, talk about the colors of the snacks. Here are a few ideas.

• Bomb Pop popsicles
• Fruit pizza with strawberries and blueberries
• Red, white, and blue layered gelatin
• Red, white, and blue crispy rice treats
• Apples or strawberries dipped in white chocolate with blue sprinkles

Letter Play Outside

Also, use the time outside to practice letters. If your child is struggling to name letters, writing their own name is a fun and motivating place to start. Our post on using your child’s name to teach literacy has more ideas.

• Sidewalk chalk: add written words to your chalk creations.
• Finger paint: make a Fourth of July painting that includes letter practice.
• Shaving cream: spray some on a pan or plate and write letters together.

Counting Fun

You are bound to see the stars and stripes many times over the holiday. For example, whether they are on a flag, a decoration, a food, or a toy, use them to practice counting. Ask your child to help count the stars or stripes you see.

In addition, watermelon is a summer favorite. Help your child pull out the seeds, and when you have a small pile, count them together. For fun, make it a competition to see who can find more seeds.

Fourth of July Crafts

Patriotic Suncatcher

Materials: contact paper, 12 inch by 12 inch red or blue cardstock, red and blue tissue paper, white star cutouts, a ruler, a pencil, and scissors.

1. Use the ruler to draw a 1 inch border around the edge of the cardstock. Cut it out to make a square frame.
2. Peel the backing off one piece of contact paper and place it sticky side up on the table.
3. Next, press the frame onto the edges of the contact paper.
4. Then place a white star in the center, or place several stars in any pattern you like.
5. Have your child cut the tissue paper into small pieces and place them on the contact paper.
6. Finally, seal the project with a second piece of contact paper, sticky side down.
7. Hang it in a sunny window.

Sparkle Bottles

Materials: a water bottle or glass jar, silver glitter, plastic holiday necklaces cut into small pieces, red confetti stars, red, white, and blue pipe cleaners and straws, other small trinkets that fit through the opening, and red duct tape.

1. Fill the bottle or jar with water almost to the top.
2. Then add the necklace pieces, confetti, pipe cleaners, straws, and trinkets.
3. Next, pour in about 1 tablespoon of silver glitter.
4. Finally, screw on the lid and tape it shut with duct tape.
5. Shake and enjoy.

While you craft, talk about colors, shapes, and what comes next in each step. In addition, ask your child to describe what they see in the bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are easy Fourth of July activities for kids that build language?

Name colors while you make tie-dye, play-dough, and snacks. Also count stars, stripes, and watermelon seeds, and practice letters with sidewalk chalk or shaving cream.

How can I teach colors during the holiday?

Name each color often as you use it, then ask your child to find or choose colors. Red, white, and blue snacks and water balloons give many chances to practice.

Are these activities good for toddlers?

Yes. Choose the simple ones, like play-dough, snacks, and counting, and stay close for any activity with small pieces.

How ETLC Can Help

If your child has trouble with colors, letters, or early language, our speech-language pathologists can help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.

Learn more about speech and language therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.

You may also find these pages helpful:

• Use Your Child’s Name to Teach Literacy
• Speech and Language Skills Outdoors
• Speech and Language Through Play

About the Author

Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.