Veterans Day for Kids
Honoring Veterans Day and Remembrance Day: Teaching Students About the Importance of November 11
Veterans Day (in the United States) and Remembrance Day (in Commonwealth countries) offer students a meaningful opportunity to learn about courage, sacrifice, and appreciation for those who have served in the armed forces. As educators, guiding students through these observances fosters gratitude, historical awareness, and empathy. By engaging students in tangible activities, we can help them make meaningful connections to this important day, transforming it into more than a date on the calendar. Here’s a simple, impactful way to introduce these concepts in the classroom.
How Students Can Learn and Celebrate Veterans Day and Remembrance Day
1. Donate Halloween Candy (Nov. 1-8)
After Halloween, encourage students to set aside a portion of their candy to donate. This small sacrifice can help them empathize with veterans and current soldiers by doing something kind and thoughtful in the lead-up to November 11. Many schools partner with programs like Treats for Troops, which sends donated candy to soldiers overseas, allowing students to contribute in a tangible way.
You can also use the candy as a fun review by having students sort it into phonetic patterns. See the hilarity here. 🎃
2. Read Passages and Books on Military Service
In the days leading up to Veterans Day, incorporate reading materials that explain the origins and significance of the holiday. Reading Rev offers resources and lessons specifically tailored to helping students understand themes of bravery, sacrifice, and respect. One recommended book and lesson is The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh, which tells the inspiring story behind the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
These passages are in the VIP library as well as here.
3. Make Paper Poppies for November 11
Following their reading of The Poppy Lady, students can make their own red poppies from crepe paper to wear on November 11. This simple, yet symbolic gesture allows them to join the many people worldwide who wear a poppy in honor of veterans. Creating the poppies themselves fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the holiday’s meaning.
This unit can be found in the VIP library as well as here.
4. Write Letters of Appreciation
On Veterans Day, have students write letters to veterans, expressing their gratitude for their service. This act of kindness is a memorable way for students to articulate their appreciation and can make a meaningful difference to veterans who receive them. Along with these letters, students can add their donated Halloween candy for Treats for Troops, further contributing to the veterans’ community.
We loved these Veterans Day Pennants by Teacher's Brain - Cindy Martin and this clip art bundle.
By learning, creating, and giving, students gain a deeper understanding of Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, building respect for the individuals who serve and protect their country. Through these activities, we teach students the values of gratitude and sacrifice, helping them connect personally with the meaning of November 11.
