Any 4th of July lesson should at least briefly mention the reasons and events surrounding the celebration. While first-graders might not yet be ready for an in-depth discussion of the causes of the Revolution, they can at least get a sense of what happened during that time. Discuss the idea of the Revolution and the independence from British rule, which led to the transformation of the 13 colonies to the United States. A simple quiz on these basic facts is appropriate.
Describe the national symbols of the country to give students a better idea of history and the celebration's meaning. Discuss the bald eagle, American flag, Liberty Bell, White House and Statue of Liberty. One potential exercise is to create a page with simple ideas on one side and pictures on the other side. Students draw lines from one side to the other to match the correct ideas with the symbol they represent.
You can give a lesson that helps students understand and identify the American Flag. Discuss the Star Spangled Banner and the ideas of the Revolutionary War. Explain why the flag is made of 13 stripes and 50 stars. Next, give the students the paper and art supplies to create their own flags. Grade them on accuracy to the actual flag.
Another idea is create a simulated fireworks art project. Provide students with different color paper, straws, markers, glitter and stars. In addition, offer them glue and safety scissors. To add some excitement to the project, display a video of a fireworks show. Ask the students to create their own fireworks on the paper provided.