Despite an increase in the status of child education in afterschool programs over the last five years, today more than a quarter of the nation’s schoolchildren are on their own in the afternoons, and the parents of 18 million children say they would enroll their kids in afterschool programs if programs were available. These are among the findings from a new survey of nearly 30,000 households across the United States conducted for the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

America After 3 PM is the most extensive research on how America’s children are spending their afternoons. It found that the number of children left alone after the school day ends has risen to 15.1 million children (26 percent of school-age children) — an increase of 800,000 children since the 2004 edition of the study.

Thirty percent of middle schoolers (3.7 million kids) are on their own, as are four percent of elementary school children (1.1 million children). At the same time, Americans see afterschool programs as a solution: Nine in 10 adults surveyed agree that there should be “some type of organized activity or place for children and teens to go after school every day that provides opportunities to learn.”

“The bottom line is that more children need — and don’t have — afterschool programs today than five years ago,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “We have increased the number of children in afterschool programs over the last five years, but not enough to keep up with demand. Today in our country, too many parents are unable to enroll their kids in afterschool programs because they’re not available, transportation is unworkable, or they can’t afford the fees. As a nation, we need to increase our efforts to keep up with the rising demand and make sure that afterschool is available to all children who need it. Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.”

The results of the study were released at a Department of Education event featuring U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Washington, DC yesterday. “Thinking creatively about non-school hours is important,” Secretary Duncan said to a packed auditorium. “Thank you for helping create the model of what schools should look like.”

Next week, on October 15, the Afterschool Alliance and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund will release survey data from all 50 states.

Source: Afterschool Alliance

Children may not know the story behind the Statue of Liberty. So now that the 4th of July is nearing, sharing its history may be one of the best relevant children activities you can do.

The United States has many symbols – the Bald Eagle, Mount Rushmore, and others – but one that stands out for those coming to the United States from another country is the Statue of Liberty. In fact, this one statue is a monument to freedom easily recognizable all over the world.

Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, came up with the idea for the Statue of Liberty (also known as Liberty Enlightening the World) while he was visiting Egypt. Knowing how large he wanted the statue to be, he enlisted the help of Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower to help him create the structure of the statue. The statue was given to the United States in 1886 by the people of France in a gesture of friendship.

The statue of Lady Liberty, constructed entirely in France, traveled by boat from France to the New York harbor taking over a year for it to be reassembled. Standing in the New York Harbor welcoming immigrants, visitors, and those returning to the US after travel abroad, the statue is over 305 feet tall, including the pedestal. The statue is one of the first items visible when flying into New York.

The Statue of Liberty is a robed woman, believed to be Libertas, the ancient Roman goddess of freedom from slavery, oppression, and tyranny. She appears to be stepping forward with her left foot stepping on broken shackles. She holds a raised torch in one hand, symbolizing enlightenment. The tablet made of stone in her left hand represents knowledge.

The statue is made of steel undergirding with a copper layer on the outside; she now appears green due to oxidation. She wears a tiara with seven points. Many experts agree that the points represent the seven continents and seas. Inside the statue is the poem by Emma Lazarus entitled The New Colossus engraved on a bronze plaque which was added in 1903.

How did the statue become associated with freedom? Many historians credit this to the number of immigrants, counting in the millions over the years, who have come to the United States to find a new life. Many arrived on the shores of America fleeing oppression in their own homeland, so it’s no wonder the Statue of Liberty is seen as a symbol of freedom.

If you have never seen the Statue of Liberty in person, and you’re traveling to France, you can see a smaller version located in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. Another small model was given to Maceio, a city in the northwest of Brazil. Other versions can be found in locations around the United States and the world.

The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom for well over 100 years. If you have the opportunity, going to see it in person can be an event that you’ll remember for years to come. Who knows, you may have had relatives who immigrated to the United States and viewed the statue with fresh eyes and a heart yearning for freedom.

Children are used to seeing the American flag flying over government buildings and in their classrooms. They may not, however, understand the significance of the different parts of the flag. Do they know what the colors of our flag mean? This is an important aspect of child education so make sure to tell them.

When the flag was originally created, the colors on it held no significance. However, when the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal, the colors did have particular meanings. Those colors and their meanings were transferred to the Stars and Stripes at a later date, although no one knows exactly when.

* Red – There is some disagreement about what this color represents on the American flag. Originally the color was used on the Great Seal and was to represent hardiness and valor. Some have indicated that the color is indicative of the blood of the patriots who fought and died helping to make our country free and are still doing so.

* White – This color has always signified purity and innocence.

* Blue – Vigilance, perseverance and justice are what this color symbolizes.

The thirteen stripes are purported to represent the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The fifty stars are said to represent each of the fifty states that make up this great country.

If your children don’t know the story behind the flag, you may want to take time this year to teach them. Be sure to include the proper handling of the flag in a respectful manner.

1. Flags are not to be displayed at night unless they are fully illuminated.

2. The flag should not be flown in inclement weather.

3. The flag is not to be allowed to touch the ground. If it does, the flag should be properly disposed of.

4. Flags flown at half-staff are first hoisted to the top of the flag pole and then lowered. Normally you will see flags at half-staff, or half-mast, on governmental buildings only. Flags at half-staff signify the death of a former President. From sunrise to sunset they are placed at half-staff on May 15 for Peace Officers Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, from sunrise to sunset on September 11 which has been declared as Patriot Day, during October 5 to 11 for Fire Prevention Week, and then again on December 7 for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

While the President of the United States cannot require the citizens of the country to fly their personal flags at half-staff, he may request that they join the government in flying them in that manner. The President may, at his discretion, declare other days as being recognized by flying the flag at this position.

Perhaps you don’t know, or have forgotten the significance of the Stars and Stripes and its history. You may not be aware that the flag has be changed twenty-four times during is history. You can learn more about the flag’s history by visiting the official website about the American flag, www.USflag.org.

Each country in the world more than likely has a statement of allegiance that their citizens know and recite. It’s no different in the United States where the Pledge of Allegiance has been spoken in classrooms around the country since 1892. Many people, especially children, however, don’t know the history behind the Pledge; here’s a way to change that and enrich child education:

The Pledge of Allegiance is an oath that American citizens make to assert their loyalty to the country. It has been quoted at the beginning of the school day as well as during many public events. Each day, the U.S. Congress opens its session by reciting the Pledge. When reciting the Pledge, one would stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over their heart. If the person is a member of the military, they are allowed to leave their hats on and salute the flag.

Written in 1892 by Frances Bellamy, a Baptist minister, the Pledge of Allegiance was first printed in the children’s magazine The Youth’s Companion. The Pledge was written to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The original Pledge, however, read differently: “I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

By October 1892, President Benjamin Harrison made the proclamation that the Pledge would be recited during Columbus Day observances. Over the years, however, changes have been made to the Pledge. The first major change was from “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States” in 1923. The phrase “of America” was added a year later. On June 22, 1942, the Pledge was declared the national pledge by the U.S. Congress.

The phrase “under God” was added originally to the Pledge in 1951 by the Knights of Columbus, pulling the phrase from the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. The addition of this phrase to the national pledge, however, took considerably longer. Following a sermon by Reverend George M. Docherty, in 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower agreed that “under God” should be a part of the Pledge to help keep the United States humble despite its strength.

In recent years, some people have been trying to get the phrase “under God” taken back out of the Pledge. Their rationale is that having this phrase in the Pledge violates the protection in the Constitution about the establishment of religion.

In effect, when one pledges allegiance they are promising their loyalty to the ideals represented by the flag, loyalty to each of the states in the country, as well as to the government which unites all of us. The current Pledge of Allegiance is recited at the beginning of school and also during sports events around the country. It currently reads: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

One of the most important documents in the United States is the Declaration of Independence. However, so much about this document is unknown to a vast majority of the population. Public schools don’t stress its importance like they used to, so many people know very little about it. Why not test your family’s knowledge with this children activity? Find out if they know who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, before you can create a quiz or test to find out how much your family knows about the Declaration of Independence, you’ll want to learn all you can about it. The easiest way to learn is by going online and finding a copy of the document. You may also be able to find a copy in your local public library.

Take a close look at the document. Because it was handwritten, and signed by men of varying ages, some of the signatures may not be legible. Finding an online version of the document will give you a typed version to look at so you can understand the language of the document itself as well as getting help to read the signatures.

The following are some questions (with the answers) that you may want to ask. Since the answers are given, you will be able to determine how much your family knows about this important document and those that were instrumental in its existence.

Q: How many men signed the Declaration of Independence?
A: A total of 56 men signed the Declaration.

Q: Which colonies were represented by those who signed it?
A: All 13 of the original colonies had representatives to sign the Declaration, with Pennsylvania having the most delegates at 9.

Q: How many signers of the Declaration of Independence went on to hold national political offices in the fledgling country?
A: Two became President of the United States (Thomas Jefferson and John Adams) while three were Vice Presidents (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Elbridge Gerry). Two signers (John Adams and Benjamin Harrison) had sons that later became President.

Q: How many signers served their country in another political capacity?
A: 13 signers of the Declaration of Independence became governors of their respective states. 18 served in their state legislatures. 16 became state and federal judges following the Revolutionary War. Seven men went on to become members of the United States House of Representatives while six became United States Senators. Two men (James Wilson and Samuel Chase) were among the first Justices of the United States Supreme Court.

Q: Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
A: Thomas Jefferson, from Virginia, was selected to draft the Declaration and did so in 17 days.

Q: Which signer of the Declaration of Independence lived the longest?
A: Charles Carroll of Maryland died in 1832 at the age of 95.

Q: Was the Declaration of Independence actually signed on July 4, 1776?
A: No, the document was not signed until August 1, although the Congress did approve the wording of the document on July 4.

Q: Whose signature is the most easily recognizable?
A: John Hancock’s signature is nearly five inches long and was supposedly written large so King George could read it.

As citizens of the United States of America, we owe the men who signed the Declaration of Independence a debt of gratitude. After testing your family’s knowledge about the document, you may want to find a copy of it and try to memorize portions of it along with some of the names of the men who signed it.

Fourth of July is the holiday to celebrate the history of the United States. Common elements of the holiday are red, white, and blue colors. Why not make patriotic red, white, and blue cupcakes for your Fourth of July picnic for some interesting recipes for kids?

You’ve most likely made cupcakes before, so you know they aren’t difficult. You can create patriotic cupcakes in a number of ways. You can make colored cupcakes by using food coloring or you can decorate them with patriotic designs. Here are some ideas of ways to create red, white, and blue cupcakes your picnic guests will enjoy:

* Using a white cake mix of your choosing, follow the directions to make a cake. However, instead of merely frosting the cupcakes after they’ve cooled, take the time to decorate them differently. Ice each cupcake with Cool Whip and then place cherries and blueberries on the top. Be creative in how you decorate them to make them beautiful and yummy.

* Make and frost cupcakes as normal with cream cheese frosting. Use blueberries, red fruit leather, and the frosting to create a symbolic flag on top of the cupcakes. Of course, you’ll want to use small blueberries for the stars, the fruit leather for the red stripes, and the frosting as the white stripes.

If you’ve never made cream cheese frosting, it’s quite easy. Soften one package of cream cheese (8 ounces) and then blend it with 1/2 stick softened butter or margarine. Next, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla and gradually add one package (16 ounces) of powdered sugar until it is the correct spreading consistency.

* You can also create patriotic decorations on your cupcakes by using red and blue sprinkles on white frosting.  Carefully line the edge of the frosted cupcake with blue and then make a red star on top. Other colored candies can also be used for decoration.

* Using food coloring to make the cupcake batter red or blue is another option to consider. Layer the red batter on the bottom, followed by white, and then blue batter. The cupcake itself will be patriotic and it then can be decorated any way you please.

Let your children help you decorate the cupcakes. Not only will they have fun, they may surprise you with the patriotic designs they come up with. They’ll also feel proud about helping and can show off their artwork/cupcakes to those who may join you.

Patriotic red, white, and blue cupcakes will be a hit at your Fourth of July picnic or party. They’ll be easier to serve your family and guests. They’re sure to show your patriotic spirit on the day we celebrate freedom the birth and freedom of the United States of America.