fourth of July ideas for high school kids

For Teens

Watch segments of West Wing and explain things they don’t understand

Debate social issues

Kids try to stump mom and dad with history trivia (Tricky way to help them learn! Allow some pop culture if that will motivate)

Make lists of things they like, and things they don’t like, and see which is longer (this can be passport country only, or both)

Watch a historical movie

Carve an amazing watermelon

Force them to wear a silly hat if they say predetermined word (red, for example)

Bore them with stories of family history

Plan discussion topics such as:

What was hard about last time in U.S.

What to do next time to make it better

What makes you feel uncomfortable

Strategies to cope with hard things

Teach a new skill they will need, such as how to write checks and balance book

Watch “Blast from the Past” and discuss the similarities with being an M.K. and what helped the main character to adjust

Make up your own list of “You know you’re an M.K.” or read what others have written

Make cartoons to illustrate humorous situations in both cultures

Open the time capsule they made during elementary years