Creative Writing Activities Inspired by America’s 250th Birthday by Dr. Emily Levy, Ed. D., Founder & Director, EBL Coaching

America’s 250th birthday represents a significant milestone. It marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. While it’s a great time for us to reflect on our nation’s history and accomplishments, it’s also an ideal opportunity for kids to learn about our nation’s history while building their writing skills. Encourage your child to engage in these creative writing activities to help them develop stronger writing skills and appreciate our nation’s remarkable history.

Write Historical Journal Entries 

Inspire your child to tap into their creativity by writing historical journal entries. Have them keep a special journal just for this activity and imagine what life would have been like 250 years ago. They can pretend that they were living during that time and share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings as if they were there. They can write about topics like:

• They are a participant in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How would they contribute?
• They are living in Boston during the Boston Tea Party. What is life like? What is happening around them?
• They are a messenger delivering an important letter to George Washington. What does the letter say? How might it impact the events happening?
• They are a lighthouse keeper watching ships arrive along the coast. What do they see? What is happening around them?
• They are a child whose parent has gone off to fight in the Revolutionary War. How do they feel? What is life like at home?

Write a Speech for America’s 250th Birthday

Writing a speech is a fun way for your child to strengthen their persuasive writing skills while practicing critical thinking. In their speech, they may want to include historical achievements, challenges our nation overcame, and hopes they may have for the future.

An example of the beginning of a speech may be:

• Hello, everyone! Today is America’s 250th birthday, a milestone achievement for our nation. Two hundred and fifty years ago, our country’s founders announced that the American colonies would become an independent nation. Since that time, our fellow American citizens have worked hard to expand, improve, and protect our country. As we celebrate this anniversary, it’s a great time to reflect on the people who faced difficult challenges, worked hard, persevered, and dreamed of a better future for our nation. Their courage and drive remind us that we all can make a big difference in our community and our nation…

If I Could Meet a Founding Father Journal Entry

Encourage your child to explore history through the eyes of an interviewer by imagining they can speak to one of our nation’s Founding Fathers. Have them choose a historical figure and write a journal entry that includes the questions they would ask. They might ask questions like:

• What was life like in the 1700s?
• What did you do before you had a government position?
• Why did you decide to fight for independence?
• Were you scared during the Revolution?
• Were you ever worried that the colonies would lose the war?
• When you wrote the Declaration of Independence, did everyone agree on all points or were there arguments?
• How did it feel when you signed the Declaration of Independence?
• How did you and the other Founding Fathers make important decisions?
• What are your hopes for the future of America?
• If you could teach a lesson to children today, what would it be?

After coming up with their questions, your child should imagine how the Founding Father they chose might respond. They can write the answers from that person’s point-of-view in their journal. Once they’re done, have them reflect on the lessons or insights they learned.

Write a Historical Fiction Story

A great way for your child to explore the past in a creative way is by writing a historical fiction story. They can use their imagination to create a story inspired by topics such as George Washington, the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, or any historical event or figure that interests them. Some story ideas might include:

• Write a story about the night before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Maybe they sneak into the meeting room and secretly listen to the heated arguments happening before the Declaration is signed. Do they tell others what they heard or keep it a secret?
• Write a story about crossing the Delaware River in the middle of the night. They can imagine they are a young aid on George Washington’s River crossing. It is cold, supplies are low, and their job is to help keep the soldiers quiet, calm, and safe as they prepare for attack.
• They have the opportunity to travel with a Continental Army camp to help cook, sew clothes, and take care of animals. At the same time, they are extremely homesick and are struggling to bear the harsh conditions.

Compare America, 1776 to Today

Your child can enjoy learning about history and comparing it to today’s times. They might write about what has changed and what has stayed the same or even stage a conversation between a child from 1776 and a child from today. Some other ideas might be:

• Comparing a day in the life of a child in 1776 verses today. What was school like then versus now? What kind of food did they eat? What did they do for fun? They can write about what has changed and what has stayed the same.

• What are five things from 1776 that would surprise them today? Your child can write about how people relied on candlelight instead of electricity, read handwritten newspapers instead of online news, and lived without indoor plumbing. What other differences might they discover?

• Write about spending one week in 1776 and another week in 2026. How was life different? They can explore ways of communicating, food choices, transportation, family life, and other related topics.

Our nation has changed immensely since 1776. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a great opportunity for your child to explore the people, events, and ideas that helped shape our country’s history. Through creative writing and thoughtful reflection, your child can strengthen their writing skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the hardships, achievements, and legacy of the United States.

EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one in person and virtual tutoring for students in grades pre-K-12 with specialized learning needs. They use research-based, multi-sensory techniques, including the Orton Gillingham method, to develop students’ reading, writing, math, note taking, test taking, and executive functioning skills. Each student is evaluated and then receives an individualized learning plan to address their specific academic needs. Learn more at http://www.eblcoaching.com/. Dr. Emily Levy, Founder & Director, is happy to hear from anyone who is in need for their child. You may reach her thru her website, and mention you heard of her thru MotherhoodLater.

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