On the fourth of July we typically celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, baseball games and family reunions. The history behind this national holiday began when the Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were to be free and independent states. In our third reading unit in fourth grade we will be learning about the American Revolution. Students will be asked to read about the people (George Washington, King George III, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere, etc)  and the events (The French and Indian War, The Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s ride, The Boston Tea Party, etc.)  that led up to the American Revolution. We will learn about some complicated moments from the past and how these stories are chock-full of ideas about leadership, conflict, perseverance, and character. Whatever you do tomorrow, my hope for you is to have a fun, family-friend day! When you get time, I challenge you to read about a person or an event that led up to the American Revolution and to learn to think like a historian! Please email me any books you would recommend and I will put them on our site. Happy 4th of July!