Our Independence Day serves as a reminder of the significance of the freedom we have today, as well as of those who have sacrificed their lives for it. It is indeed a reflection of what we can do when we work together, and what we risk losing if we let others separate us.
Current circumstances, on the other hand, raise the question of whether we still recall the significance of India’s freedom tale. It is very important to explain the Independence of our country to children. To make it simple, here is some information regarding the 15th august celebration, what is Independence Day, and how to explain Independence Day to kids in simple and informative methods.
What is Independence Day?
Kids may be familiar with names like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, but they may not be familiar with what is Independence Day and the true story of our Independence. Our ancestors fought for about 200 years to gain Independence. The British Empire took political power in 1757, with the English East India Company victory in The battle of Plassey and taking control of the whole nation.
Following World War I, the British enacted oppressive and unscrupulous legislation. This started a period of non-cooperation and nonviolent activities, succeeded by the civil disobedience movement, which culminated in revolutionary calls for freedom. The following several decades were defined by continual battles for independence between the Indians and the British, finally, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru declared India’s independence at midnight on August 15, 1947.
For India, Independence Day is the day to honour our martyrs, a generation of freedom warriors who gave their lives for the dream of a free India. India became a sovereign country as a result of its efforts and hardships. Nevertheless, India’s independence was marred by the tragic carnage that resulted from the Partition of India and Pakistan, which uprooted an entire generation on both sides of the line.
The Prime Minister addresses the country from the Red Fort in the Capital, following the tradition set by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on India’s aims and objectives. Kite-flying, chocolate distribution, and reciting of the national song are all part of the celebrations at schools and universities around the country. Always remember that, in addition to Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, there were hundreds of other freedom fighters and leaders who fought for our country’s independence.
Also read: Fun Facts about India for Kids: 13 Facts that will Blow their Mind
How to Explain Independence Day to Kids?
The battle for independence in India is different from any other country. Therefore it can be difficult to explain what is independence day to kids. Here are a few methods to how to explain Independence Day to Kids in simple ways.
1. Reading Books
Many people have a misunderstanding that history is a subject to be taught in schools and colleges. Well, it’s wrong. There are plenty of history books available in the market which are crafted in a child-friendly manner.
It gives your child an experience of a time machine. Some books narrate real stories in a fictional manner. While reading, a book introduces a few of our freedom fighters, incidents and once you finish reading, you can ask them to say the things they understood or to narrate the events or incidents from their understanding.
2. Skits and Mono Acts
Once you teach the basics of the 15th August celebration, your child will become a favourite freedom fighter. Now you can encourage them to organize a skit or mono act. Make a script of your own or from the internet based on real incidents.
This is one of the best methods to how to explain Independence day to kids. When children prepare for skit or mono act, automatically they will learn a lot about their independence. They will also understand the struggles and the hardships our freedom fighters had to experience for the freedom of our country.
3. Visit a Historical Site
When children have the opportunity to visit historical landmarks, they will learn to appreciate our country even more. They can view in real life all of the priceless savings from our history that they had heard only in history classes. It gets imprinted in their mind and will never forget.
There are many must-visit places that were a part of the Indian freedom struggle like Kakori memorial, Jhansi Fort, Red Fort, Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, etc. Even if it’s just a short journey, youngsters will learn to see things from a fresh perspective. Above all, they will realize that it is not only a part of history but also a part of us.
4. Do Activities Together
Kids Independence Day can be celebrated by doing so many activities. Do simple tasks like making a poster of freedom fighters, important events, incidents, etc. In doing so, they will memorize those dates, incidents, events, names, etc fast.
Encourage kids to colour our national flag. Dressing up like a freedom fighter can also improve the patriotic spirit of your child. Remember to always be a part of their activities, because without your help it can be different for a few of the kids.
5. Explaining History as a Story
Learning history can be tricky and difficult. But it cannot be true all the time if you choose some interesting method to learn. Since most of the kids are fans of stories, you can teach them what is Independence Day in a fictional way.
It creates curiosity in students. So before explaining, ask them if they have any previous knowledge regarding the topic. You’ll be training your youngsters to be better prepared, more consciously involved human beings if you connect them in history via storytelling from an early age.
6. Audio-Visual Aids
Audiovisual aids increase kids’ interest and motivation by guiding them through the learning process. They communicate the same information as words, but they provide a basic understanding, which aids in knowledge acquisition. There are plenty of audios and videos available on youtube and other sites explaining what is Independence Day and the 15th August celebration.
Encourage kids to watch speeches, bio documentaries, or life stories of our freedom fighters. Children can learn a lot from these people as they have gone through real-life struggles and difficulties. You can also find animated videos and kids Independence can be celebrated by watching wonderful patriotic movies like Lagaan, Gandhi, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, etc.
7. Tell them How Much you Love Our Country
This is one of the easiest methods to how to explain Independence Day to kids because you can explain your love for the country without referring to any books or websites. Tell them the efforts and hard work our brave freedom fighters had put into to make a bright future for us because without them our Independence Day would not have been possible.
When kids hear all the incredible thoughts and reasons from their parents, automatically they will become true patriots and will understand the importance of Independence Day. Once you finish your experience, hear from them also. They may have their own simple and cute reasons for admiring our country.
Also read: 100 Easy General Knowledge Questions and Answers about India: A Must Read for Kids
Summing Up
Generations have passed us by, and it appears that we are staying in touch with the genuine essence of patriotism and the patriotic spirit that motivated our liberation warriors. There was a time when no one taught us to love our nations, but now things have changed. Our revolutionaries fought for independence for a reason, and as a result, children should be taught the importance of this from an early age.
The concept of freedom is important in our daily life. So depending on the age of your kid, introduce the concept of freedom to them. Explain to them how beautiful it is to be free and help to make kids Independence Day a memorable one.
