DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Happy Birthday Canada!

Canada has a birthday on July 1st.  Canada Day is a national holiday in Canada that is celebrated with family picnics, barbeques, and fireworks.

Canada Day is always observed on July 1st unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case it is observed the following day.  (Though many people still celebrate on the Sunday).

A long time ago, Canada belonged to Great Britain.  Over time, parts of the country joined together and wanted to form their own government.

On July 1, 1867, the British government (under Queen Victoria) approved a plan which allowed Canada to become an independent country with its own government.  This new nation, which remained loyal to Britain, was called the Dominion of Canada.  At that time, the new Dominion of Canada had only four provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick).   These days, there are 10 provinces and 3 territories.

I've tried to provide a BRIEF history of Canada's Birthday that you can share with the kids on Canada Day.  If you're looking for more detail on Canadian history, check out the National Library of Canada's Confederation section or try our Canadian Trivia game.

all about Canada DayCelebrating Canada Day:

Canada Day is celebrated with a wide variety of parties, BBQ's, picnics and the like.  Check out DLTK's Canada Section for crafts, coloring, games and more.  Some of the crafts are just for fun while others make cute additions to picnics, parades, etc.

Mary Flynn from Songs4Teachers has kindly provided us with a simple song to learn for Canada Day.

Oh...  And by the way,  Mary and I are both Proud to be Canadians.  Mary is from Ontario and I (Leanne) am from Alberta!

Tasha (my 8 year old) has also worked hard researching the provinces and directing me on templates she needs.  We've put together some very nice sections to help kids learn about the provinces and territories.

coat of arms

Canada Day at Sunday School

Canadian Fast Fact:  The Canadian Coat of Arms has a motto on it:  A Mari usque ad Mare -- this means from Sea to Sea.

The motto is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8)".

Et voila, a Sunday School lesson is born.

Share the Coat of Arms, the motto, a bit of history about Canada Day and the scripture passage with the children in Sunday School.   (Coat of Arms coloring page)

You can also share the national anthem and point out that in our anthem we ask God to keep our land glorious and free.  Our anthem is part prayer.

 

Canada Day