Our Favorite Homeschool Resources for America’s 250th

July 4th celebrates the revolutionary ideas that all men are created equal with certain unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and that the government exists for the people with power given to them by the people. Two hundred and fifty years later, these ideas remain revolutionary! As parents, it is our responsibility to pass on these ideas to the next generation and teach them what it means to be a responsible and engaged citizen.

With America’s Semiquincentennial (the 250th birthday celebration) in 2026, a simple Google search reveals an overwhelming number of free resources available to teach children our American values. My goal today is not to just give you one more resource; rather, I would like to share a list of “Rainbow favorites.” This list includes a variety of free and affordable resources that help you bring history alive to children, teaching them what it cost to establish and protect these ideas, in the past and for the future.

• America 250 is the official website of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission that was created in 2016. Along with organizing America’s Block Party on July 4th, they envision a nation that helps others through charitable giving and volunteerism. Depending on the ages of your children, this is an excellent opportunity for parents and children to serve others. Check their website for more information.
• Master Books’ America at 250 Faith & Freedom is a free 6-week unit study for PK–12 that ties together our American freedom with faith in Jesus Christ. Other resources are suggested but not required. 
• Kids Discover Online offers a variety of videos and topical units for grades K–8.
• From Notgrass History, USA 250 and the USA 250 Activity Pack are filled with resources to help you celebrate America’s story. Whether you work through it all or simply pick what fits your family best, this collection of resources saves you hours of scouring websites for educational and fun activities.
• Charters of Freedom from the Little Library of Possibilities guides all ages into understanding the What and Why behind the Declaration of Independence in our quest to learn the “law of the land”—our Constitution.
• American Revolution Institute has a collection of lesson plans and videos for upper elementary through high school ages. Click the “Classroom” Tab to see all their offerings.
• Liberty’s Kids is an engaging cartoon series for elementary and older that teaches children about the times and events of the Revolutionary War.

• Bald Eagles: The Bird Behind the Symbol
• Changing America: African Americans and the Civil War
• Log Cabins, Tall Hats, and Big Words: An Abraham Lincoln Unit Study
• Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66
• Taming the Colorado River

• America’s 250 Enrichment Packages for Elementary, Middle School, and High School: We created these packages for busy families to have “on hand” for casual teaching during their day-to-day activities. Great for morning baskets or for building a unit study!
• The 4^th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh is a delightful story of what life was like on July 4th before fireworks and family picnics.
• George vs. George tells the story of the American Revolution from both the British and American side, specifically focusing on George Washington and King George III. 
• Liberty! How the American Revolution Began by Lucille Penner tells the story of how the Revolutionary War began and some of the events involved in winning American freedom.
• The American Revolution by Bruce Bliven, Jr. is a dramatic retelling of the Revolutionary War for middle schoolers.
• Black Heroes of the American Revolution by Burke Davis introduces the men and women of color who made great sacrifices for America’s freedom.
• Pocket Declaration of Independence and Constitution: A 250th Anniversary Edition!

Our favorite field trip is any historical field trip that holds your family’s interest! Regardless of the state you live in, an adventure awaits!

Virtual field trips are another option that introduce children to places or museums of historical value. If this model of learning fits your family, here are some ideas to get started:

• Beyond the Battlefield: A virtual field trip to the Museum of the American Revolutionary War
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon: A virtual tour around the grounds of Mount Vernon
• Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello 360-degree tour
• Tour the White House in 360 Degrees