Soldiers at Valley Forge in Winter
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Celebrating the Fourth of July
![[Encampment at Valley Forge. Washington and his wife visiting the troops]](https://assets.workybooks.com/INTERACTIVE/media/pd--Encampment-at-Valley-Forge--Washington-and-his-wi-1761026549254-681236273.webp)
Source: Library of Congress
The Fourth of July celebrates the day America declared its independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, leaders from the thirteen American colonies gathered in Philadelphia. They signed the Declaration of Independence, a document that told the world the colonies were now a free and independent nation. This historic event started the United States of America.
Before 1776, the American colonies were ruled by Britain. British laws and taxes made life difficult for many colonists. The colonists wanted to make their own laws and govern themselves. They believed everyone had the right to be free. After many protests and meetings, colonial leaders decided it was time to break away from British rule.
Writing the Declaration of Independence was a big task. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin were key leaders who helped write it. The document explained why the colonies wanted freedom. It said that all people are created equal and have rights that cannot be taken away. It also listed ways the British king had treated the colonies unfairly.
After signing the Declaration, people cheered, rang bells, and celebrated in the streets. But the fight for freedom was not over. The Revolutionary War continued for several more years. In the end, the colonies won their freedom and became the United States.
The Fourth of July is now a national holiday. Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, music, and the flying of the American flag. People gather for picnics and barbecues. Communities remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for independence. The day reminds everyone of the importance of freedom, unity, and patriotism.
For almost 250 years, Americans have honored this special day. The Fourth of July is a time to come together and celebrate the nation’s birthday. It helps people remember how the country was born and why freedom matters.
Interesting Fact: The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was rung on July 8, 1776, to celebrate the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Comprehension quiz (8 questions)
1. What happened on July 4, 1776?
2. Who helped write the Declaration?
3. What do Americans do on July 4th?
4. Why did colonists want independence?
5. What is the main idea of the passage?
6. How did the colonies become the United States?
7. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. True or false?
8. What does 'patriotism' mean?
Common Core standards for Soldiers at Valley Forge in Winter
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.
Perfect for the way you teach
- Build comprehension skills
- Auto-graded quiz
- Differentiated reading
- Read together at home
- Improve fluency
- Quiet reading time
- Reading curriculum support
- Independent practice
- Track Lexile growth
