Writing invitations for the Fourth of July

Jul 02 2007

Published by Anne-Marie at 6:51 am under Writing

Happy Fourth of July week to you all!

Usually, we’re camping in the mountains this time of year, but instead we’re home to enjoy the local festivities, including a really cool swing jazz festival this Saturday.

All of our activities from summer school to karate to baseball and ballet have been cancelled. So while we have more free time to go to the movies and play at the park, we’re still continuing our journaling and summer reading. I hope you’re doing the same, too.

Write Anyway, a blog over at 451Press.com has some great Independence Day writing prompts. And while you’re over there, check out 451Press’s Books & Writing, Cooking, Food & Wine, and Parenting & Family channels.

Writing Invitation One: Write your own Declaration of Independence
First, go over to the ushistory.org website and read the text from the Declaration of Independence. Pretty serious stuff. Now write your own light hearted declaration of independence from someone or something that‘s giving you a hard time. It could be your big brother who’s always teasing you. It could be about how hard it is to learn a new skill or get better at something you already do, like skateboarding or hitting a baseball. It could be about overcoming a bad habit, like biting your nails. Whatever the case may be, declare your independence from whatever is bugging you!

(Your child should have fun with this assignment, but there’s a serious side, too. It’s a good way to find out what’s annoying them – relationships, sports, teachers, friends, etc. – and should be a starting point for a discussion on how to better manage their frustrations.)

Writing Invitation Two: The best part of the Fourth of July
Write about what you like best about the holiday. Is it the fireworks, the town festival, or picnicking? Maybe it’s spending time with family and friends. Write down your fondest memories of past Fourth of July holidays.

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