I love being as creative with my kids as my time and energy allow me to, but I think it is equally important to focus on very basic preschool skills, such as cutting, gluing, and holding a pen correctly. This was the premise for this simple, yet engaging 4th of July activity. In short, we made all-American collage placemats using the following materials: a stack of catalogs and magazines which were waiting to be recycled; several pairs of scissors; glue; two sheets of blue construction paper; and two self-sealing laminating pouches.