Baby sign language for Independence Day.

Celebrating Independence Day with the Baby Signs®Program

Tips and Activities for a Fun and Safe 4th of July

Hello Baby Signs® Families!

The 4th of July is a wonderful time for families to come together and celebrate Independence Day with festivities, food, and fireworks. For our littlest celebrants, it can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. This year, why not incorporate Baby Signs® into your holiday celebration? It’s a great way to enhance your child’s communication skills while making the day even more engaging and fun. Here are some tips and activities to help you celebrate the 4th of July!

Learning Signs Related to the 4th of July

Teach your little one some holiday-specific signs to help them express themselves during the celebrations. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Flag: Place right elbow in left hand. Wave hand back and forth to mimic a flag’s movement.
  • Fireworks: Hold up first palms out alternating hands as if fireworks are exploding
  • Red: Place index finger on lips, stroke down one time.
  • White: Place hand on chest, pull away from body closing fingertips.
  • Blue: Gently shake the “b” hand.

Preparing a Festive Picnic

Cooking and preparing food together is a great bonding activity. Make a patriotic picnic with your child using red, white, and blue foods. You can make fruit skewers with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, or create a fun flag-shaped veggie platter. Sign the names of the foods as you prepare them together.

Teaching Safety Signs

Fireworks can be loud and startling for young children. If you plan to watch fireworks, prepare your child by explaining what to expect and teaching the sign for fireworks. Watch from a distance if your child is sensitive to loud noises, and bring along noise-canceling headphones if needed.

Help your child express their feelings and stay safe during the celebrations by teaching these important signs:

  • Afraid: Move hands over body as if protecting it. This sign can help your child communicate if they are feeling scared during fireworks or loud events.
  • Listen: Cup your hand behind your ear as if you are trying to hear something better. This sign can encourage your child to pay attention to important sounds or instructions during the festivities.

We hope these ideas help you have a wonderful and educational 4th of July with your little ones. By incorporating basic signs into your celebration, you can enhance your child’s language skills and make the day even more memorable. Happy Independence Day from all of us at the Baby Signs® Program!


We’d love to see how you’re celebrating! Share your 4th of July activities with us on social media using the hashtag #BabySigns4thofJuly.

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Happy Signing!
The Baby Signs® Team