View, Do and Read

Liberty's Kids teaches lessons that children can learn from today
By Jennifer Fletcher and Jessica Taylor

The new animated series Liberty's Kids introduces the exciting stories and people behind the birth of our nation.

The program is based on historical turning points, such as the Boston Tea Party, Valley Forge, Paul Revere's ride and the Declaration of Independence, as seen through the eyes of Sarah Phillips and James Hiller, two apprentices who work in Ben Franklin's print shop and discover first-hand the great adventures of the American Revolution.

Throughout the series, Sarah and James learn important lessons, such as the value of human rights, the importance of friendship and the power of making a difference.

View
Liberty's Kids airs weekdays at 4:30 p.m. on WHYY TV12. Watch several episodes as a family, then do the activities and read the books to help teach your children the lessons and stories from this important time in history.

Do
Winning and Losing This activity teaches children how to make choices and also how to deal with their feelings when they don't always get what they want.

Instructions: Plan an activity that everyone can vote on, such as: should you have apple juice or orange juice at snack time; should you play with modeling dough or paint; or should you play in the yard or walk to the park.

Before you vote, explain to your child that she may not get her preference. Be sure to reassure her that the other snack or activity will be available another time. Ask her how she feels when she wins and how she feels when she loses.

Can she remember a time when she lost in a game like running a race, catching a ball, playing a board game? You can point out that winning a game can seem more fun than losing, but just playing the game is the most fun of all. Lights of Liberty You and your child can experience colonial America and the Revolutionary War together where the events actually took place over 200 years ago at the Lights of Liberty show in Independence National Historic Park.

While you listen to an adult-oriented dialogue through your headset, your child can listen to a special children's version narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, who also voices one of the many characters in Liberty's Kids.

The show features dazzling special effects and a moving musical score performed by musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra. For more information, visit www.lightsofliberty.org.

Read
From Sea to Shining Sea: A Treasury of American Folklore and Folk Songs by Amy Cohn Through folktales, folksongs, poems and historical essays, this colorful book touches on the diverse cultures responsible for the richness of American heritage, teaching children the value of principles such as freedom and diversity. Recommended for preschool children.

Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose Originally written as a song, this rhyming story relates the perilous circumstance of an ant about to be squished under a boy's shoe. The ant pleads with the boy to think twice about his actions. The question "What do you think the boy should do?" should lead to a thoughtful discussion with your child. Recommended for school-aged children.

In the Time of the Drums by Kim L. Siegelson; illustrated by Brian Pinkney An award-winning illustrator pairs with a master storyteller to present a mesmerizing tale of slavery. Based on the legend of a Southern slave rebellion, this stirring picture book tells the story from the point of view of an African-American child. Recommended for school-aged children.