American Holidays Teaching Resources
Explore the American holidays that shape US society with printable worksheets, bulletin board sets, digital centers, crafts and more elementary teaching resources created by teachers for teachers just like you!
This social studies teaching collection is curriculum-aligned and features resources that have been carefully reviewed and selected by the Teach Starter teacher team members for inclusion. That means that every resource is ready for your lesson planning, your classroom and your students!
New to teaching this section of social studies? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!
Why Is It Important for Kids to Learn About Holidays?
Ever wondered why we include holidays in the long list of social studies standards? Visiting the days that we, as Americans, set aside to celebrate is an important way to help our students understand the shared experiences and traditions that unite communities.
As we help shape the nation's future citizenry, looking at the historical context of celebrations from Presidents' Day to Memorial Day to Labor Day offers kids an opportunity to explore significant moments and figures that have shaped the United States while approaching the topics from a different — and often more approachable — angle. After all, many of our students have marked these holidays since before they even entered school, providing them with a familiarity that can spark enhanced interest in learning about the what, when and why of these important days.
U.S. Patriotic Holidays
American holidays are an integral part of the country's culture and heritage, so what are some of the holidays that you might broach in your social studies classes? Here are a few that would fall under the patriotic holiday umbrella.
- Independence Day (Fourth of July) — Steeped in history, July 4th celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
- Memorial Day — This May date honors and remembers the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
- Veterans Day — This November patriotic holiday honors all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
- Flag Day — Celebrated in June, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.
- Presidents' Day — Celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Presidents' Day honors all past and present U.S. presidents.
- Constitution Day — This September holiday recognizes the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.
- Patriot Day — This solemn patriotic holiday commemorates the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and honors the victims and heroes of that day. It's often marked as a national day of service.
- Armed Forces Day — This date in May (celebrated just before Memorial Day) recognizes and honors the men and women currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day — Another day with deep history, this date observes the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and pays tribute to the lives lost.
- D-Day — An important day in both American and world history, D-Day commemorates the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during World War II. It honors the bravery and sacrifice of the troops involved in the operation.
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The Constitution for Kids - Bill of Rights Word Search
Find and discuss words related to Constitution Day with a printable Bill of Rights word search.
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Poppy Craft - Pop Art Template
Create unique Veterans Day poppy crafts with a printable roll-a-design poppy art activity.
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Word Search - Memorial Day Words for Upper Grades
Build vocabulary skills with this Memorial Day word search for upper grades.
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Printable U.S. Constitution Day Worksheet Pack
Learn about Constitution Day in the United States with a pack of printable U.S. Constitution worksheets for 2nd and 3rd grade.
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If I Were President ...
A Presidents' Day writing activity.
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Constitution Day - Poster Template
Demonstrate knowledge of the Constitution Day holiday in the United States with a Constitution Day poster project.
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Veterans Day Crafts - Soldier Bear Template
Create the perfect Veteran’s Day bulletin board with our Veteran’s Day Soldier Bear Craft activity.
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Independence Day ABC Order Worksheet
Support your students in reviewing the vocabulary and concepts surrounding the Independence Day holiday with this fun ABC Order Worksheet.
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Design-a-Currency
An activity for students to design a coin and paper bill.
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Veterans Day Vocabulary Cards and Writing Center
Help your kindergartners and first graders understand the meaning of Veterans Day with a Veterans Day Write the Room display.
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Constitution Day Graphic Organizer
Organize your Constitution Day learning with a printable U.S. Constitution Day graphic organizer.
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Constitution Day Activity - Bill of Rights Banner
Help your students understand their citizens’ rights with a Constitution Day Bill of Rights Pennant Banner project.
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Memorial Day Collaborative Coloring Mural
Create a beautiful whole class wreath with this Memorial Day collaborative coloring sheet.
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Presidents' Day Digital Centers
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with a digital math and literacy activity deck for kindergarten and first grade.
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Presidents' Day Sorting Activity
Engage your learners in Presidents’ Day activities with a printable sorting center about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
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Presidents' Day Bingo
Identify symbols associated with Presidents’ Day with this Bingo game.
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Independence Day Paper Lantern Art Activity
A creative art activity to use when learning about the Independence Day celebration.
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Labor Day Mini Book
Learn about Labor Day with a primary-level printable book.
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Memorial Day - Poppy Craft Template
Reflect on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with this poppy template and reflective sentence starters.
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Independence Day Mini Book
Read, write, and draw to learn about Independence Day with a printable mini-book.
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Memorial Day Teaching Presentation
Reflect and show respect on Memorial Day with this informative teaching presentation.
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'I Have a Dream' Mobile
Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with this ‘I Have a Dream’ craft.
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Independence Day Coloring Sheets
Five coloring sheets to use on Independence Day.
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Veterans Day Flipbook
Learn about the importance of Veterans Day with this engaging flipbook template.
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History of Veterans Day Timeline Worksheet
Sequence the history of Veterans Day with a Printable Veterans Day timeline cut and paste activity.
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3D Poppy Craft With Writing Prompts
Create unique Veterans Day crafts with a printable 3D poppy template with writing prompts
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How to Draw a Soldier Directed Drawing
Celebrate Veterans Day at school and encourage creativity with a How to Draw a Soldier directed drawing activity.
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Veterans Day Facts and Opinions Worksheet
Identify Veterans Day facts and opinions with a printable Veterans Day Worksheet.
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My Little Veterans Day Coloring Book
Engage your little learners and build vocabulary skills with a printable Veterans Day Coloring Book.
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Printable Dog Tag Veterans Day Card
Spend time writing letters to veterans and gift them a heartfelt Veterans Day dog tag thank you card.
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Veterans Day Art Project - Collaborative Poppy Quilt
Create a poppy craft to display on Veterans Day with a printable collaborative quilt template.
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Veterans Day Activity Book - Printable Puzzles and Games
Have some Veterans Day fun with a printable Veterans Day activity book!