What are Creative Ways to Teach Children About Remembrance Day?
by Julie Diamond, OCT
Remembrance Day is a significant moment for Canadians, offering an opportunity to honour those who served and sacrificed for the country’s freedoms. However, for children, the themes of remembrance can sometimes feel distant or difficult to grasp. Engaging young learners creatively can make these historical moments more accessible, fostering understanding and empathy.
Here are some ways you can teach children about Remembrance Day in Canada through engaging, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and help them connect personally with this important day.
1. Storytelling Through Family History
One way to bring Remembrance Day to life for children is by connecting them with stories of their own family members or local heroes who served in the military.
- Research Together: If your family has a history of military service, spend time researching your family tree together, looking at old photos, or reading letters from ancestors who served. For older children, creating a family tree that highlights these connections can provide a personal link to history.
- Community Stories: If you don’t have a direct family connection, visit your local library or community center to find stories of local veterans. Sharing these community stories with children allows them to connect with real-life heroes who lived near them or attended the same schools.
This activity not only helps children understand the significance of Remembrance Day but also teaches the value of family heritage and community ties.
2. Create a Poppy Art Project
The red poppy is an iconic symbol of Remembrance Day, stemming from the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Get children involved in creating poppy-themed artwork to bring meaning to this symbol.
- Poppy Crafts: Younger kids can create simple poppies using construction paper, pipe cleaners, or tissue paper. Encourage them to think of each poppy as a tribute to a soldier or a veteran.
- Painting and Mixed Media: Older children may enjoy painting poppies on canvases or creating mixed-media collages that reflect their interpretations of remembrance. These artworks can then be displayed in the classroom, at home, or even in a school exhibition as part of a Remembrance Day display.
This creative process gives children a chance to reflect on the importance of honoring the memory of those who have served.
3. Read Books About Remembrance Day
Books are excellent tools for introducing complex topics in a way that children can understand. Here are a few age-appropriate options to consider:
- "A Poppy is to Remember" by Heather Patterson – This book explains the significance of the poppy as a symbol and is suitable for younger children.
- "Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion" by Jane Barclay – Through a story about a young boy learning about his grandfather’s experiences, this book brings the realities of war closer to children in a relatable way.
- "In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae" by Linda Granfield – Ideal for older children, this book delves into the history of the famous poem and the impact it has had worldwide.
Reading these books together and discussing the themes helps children build an emotional connection to the ideas of bravery, sacrifice, and remembrance.
4. Create a Remembrance Day Memory Box
A memory box is a powerful way to capture and reflect on memories, stories, and symbols of Remembrance Day.
- Gather Items: Start by collecting symbolic items like poppies, small Canadian flags, photos, and articles about veterans or the history of Remembrance Day.
- Personal Reflections: Encourage children to write letters or draw pictures that express their gratitude or reflections on what they’ve learned about Remembrance Day. Place these items in the box as keepsakes.
As a personal time capsule, a memory box allows children to revisit and add to it over the years, creating a lasting connection to the importance of remembering.
5. Compose Letters to Veterans
Writing letters to veterans can be an enriching experience that teaches gratitude and empathy.
- Thank You Cards or Letters: Work with children to create thank-you cards or letters that express their appreciation for veterans’ service. Remind them that veterans include many different people with unique stories.
- Letter Exchange Programs: Some organizations facilitate the exchange of letters between students and veterans. Research local or national programs to see if there’s an opportunity to participate. Children may even receive responses, which adds a personal connection to the experience.
Through this activity, children learn that their words of thanks can have a real, positive impact on others.
6. Participate in or Host a Remembrance Day Ceremony
Attending a Remembrance Day ceremony can be a meaningful experience for children, but you can also create a simplified version at home or in the classroom.
- Moment of Silence: Begin by explaining the purpose of the traditional moment of silence and let children observe it as they reflect on what they’ve learned about Remembrance Day.
- Student-Led Ceremonies: Older children might enjoy helping organize a small ceremony. They can read poems, share stories, or lay poppies as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.
These small ceremonies give children a structured way to honour the sacrifices of veterans in a respectful and memorable manner.
7. Teach Through Music and Poetry
Music and poetry capture emotions that words sometimes cannot, making them excellent tools for teaching children about sensitive subjects like Remembrance Day.
- Learn “In Flanders Fields”: The iconic poem by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae is a great starting point. Reciting or memorizing the poem helps children connect with its message on a deeper level.
- Explore Music: Many songs honour the military and those who serve, such as “A Pittance of Time” by Terry Kelly. Listening to these songs and discussing the lyrics can help children reflect on themes of courage, sacrifice, and gratitude.
Introducing music and poetry into your Remembrance Day activities allows children to experience these themes in a way that is accessible and moving.
8. Visit a Local War Memorial or Museum
For hands-on learning, consider visiting a local war memorial, museum, or historic site. These trips offer children the chance to experience history firsthand.
- Exploring the Site: Encourage children to ask questions about the artifacts and the stories behind them. Museums often provide interactive exhibits designed for young learners.
- Reflections on Site: After the visit, have children write or draw their reflections on what they learned. Discuss how memorials serve as a way to keep the memory of those who served alive.
Field trips can be especially impactful, providing a tangible connection to the lessons of Remembrance Day.
9. Make a Remembrance Day Scrapbook
Creating a Remembrance Day scrapbook allows children to document everything they’ve learned and experienced in a personalized keepsake.
- Incorporate Creative Elements: Include poems, drawings, quotes, photos from a ceremony, and reflections in the scrapbook.
- Annual Project: This can be a yearly tradition where children add new elements to their scrapbook each Remembrance Day, creating a long-term project that grows with them.
Scrapbooking not only reinforces learning but also offers children a tangible way to carry their experiences forward.
10. Involve Children in Community Acts of Remembrance
If your community hosts any Remembrance Day activities, like poppy planting, flag-raising, or fundraising for veterans, get children involved.
- Volunteer Together: Older children can help with community events, learning the importance of giving back in the spirit of remembrance.
- Participate in Fundraisers: Some organizations fundraise for veterans, and children can help make or sell poppies or donate part of their allowance to these causes.
Involving children in community remembrance activities reinforces the idea of shared responsibility in honouring those who served.
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By taking a creative approach, Remembrance Day can become a meaningful experience for children, helping them understand the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for Canada’s freedoms. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, art, and community engagement, children learn that remembrance is not just an annual event but a valued part of their Canadian identity.