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How can we help our students understand Memorial Day?
The teachers at the Teacher’s Academy are a military family! We actually celebrate our heroes all year long. As much as we love and support our soldiers (currently serving and retired) it is sometimes surprising to us that many people do not really understand the sacrifice military families make for the country.
What is Memorial Day?
On a personal note, my son is currently serving the in US Army. The emotional roller coaster of fear, pride and not knowing when we will see him again, takes its toll on this military mom’s heart. Memorial Day is a chance for the rest of the country to recognize the sacrifice the soldiers and their families make to ensure we can all live free. (Of course, my heart fills with joy when the country celebrates with me!)
Memorial Day- It is a special day in the United States dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military.
What are appropriate activities to teach the meaning of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about history, gratitude, patriotism, and community service in age-appropriate ways. Here are several educational Memorial Day activities school children can enjoy while learning the true meaning behind the day and support educational curriculum goals:
Activities that Support Reading and Writing Goals
1. Reading Picture Books
Many children’s books explain Memorial Day in kind, understandable language. Here are a few popular options:
Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco
Based on a true story, “Tucky Jo” a young WWII soldier, finds a friend in a little girl who helps him soothe his bug bites, and he gets to know her family and gives them some of his rations. Although the little girl doesn’t speak English, Tucky Jo and Little Heart share the language of kindness.
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
A story told through generations and finally written down by Pollacco. One boy hurt on the battlefield, rescued by another and taken to his mother’s house for recovery. The two boys were putting her in danger, two Union soldiers in Confederate territory! They had to get back to their outfits. Scared and uncertain, the boys were faced with a hard decision, and then marauding Confederate troops rode in.
(Who doesn’t love Patricia Pollacco?)
Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin
Hero Dad makes a difficult and tender subject more accessible to children with parents serving far from home.
Hero Mom by Melinda Hardin
The moms in the book are superheroes. They may not leap over tall buildings, and they may not have super-human speed. But these moms construct buildings, fly planes, and make tanks roll.
The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers.
A Day For Rememberin’ by Leah Henderson
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865.
The Wall by Eve Bunting
A father and his young son have come to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the name of the grandfather the little boy never knew. They share the sadness as well as the pride of having Grandpa’s name there.
Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld
A poetic and respectful tribute to the daily vigil kept by the sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The book captures the solemnity and dedication of this sacred duty.
2. Create Memorial Day Thank-You Cards
One of the simplest and most heartfelt activities is making thank-you cards for veterans, active military members, or military families. Children can draw patriotic symbols like flags, stars, and eagles while writing messages of appreciation.
This activity helps students:
- Practice gratitude
- Develop empathy
- Learn about military service
Schools can partner with local veterans’ organizations or nursing homes to distribute the cards.
3. Research Local Heroes
Older elementary and middle school students can research veterans or fallen service members from their local community. Students may:
- Interview family members
- Explore local memorials
- Study historical events involving American soldiers
This activity helps children connect national history to their own neighborhoods and families.
4. Write Reflection Essays or Poems
Encourage students to express what they have learned through creative writing. Younger children can write simple sentences, while older students may create essays or poems about:
- Freedom
- Courage
- Sacrifice
- Gratitude
Writing activities allow students to process emotions and ideas in personal ways.
Activities that Support the Arts
1. Make a Patriotic Craft
Hands-on crafts keep children engaged while reinforcing holiday themes.
Students can create:
- Paper American flags
- Red, white, and blue wreaths
- Poppy flowers (a symbol of remembrance)
- Star-spangled posters
Teachers can explain the symbolism behind each craft to deepen understanding.
2. Learn Patriotic Songs
Music can make history memorable and engaging. Students can learn classic patriotic songs such as:
- “America the Beautiful”
- “This Land Is Your Land”
- “God Bless America”
Teachers can explain the meaning behind the lyrics and how music has historically brought communities together during important national events.
3. Create a Memorial Day Bulletin Board
Classrooms can work together to create a collaborative display featuring:
- Photos of service members
- Student artwork
- Historical facts
- Inspirational quotes
A bulletin board encourages teamwork while serving as a visual reminder of the holiday’s importance.
Activities that Support Mindfulness
1. Hold a Moment of Silence Ceremony
A brief classroom or school-wide ceremony can help children understand the respectful nature of Memorial Day. Teachers can explain why Americans observe a national moment of remembrance.
Ideas for the ceremony include:
- Raising the American flag
- Playing patriotic music
- Reading a short poem
- Sharing stories of fallen heroes
Even young children can participate in a simple moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made for the country.
Why is it important to teach our students the Meaning Behind Memorial Day?
While parades and cookouts are popular traditions, Memorial Day’s deeper purpose is remembrance. By participating in educational activities, children gain a better understanding of sacrifice, national history, and the value of honoring those who served. Meaningful lessons do not have to be complicated. Simple conversations, creative projects, and acts of kindness can help students appreciate the importance of Memorial Day and carry those values with them throughout the year.
When schools and families work together to teach the meaning behind the holiday, children learn not only about history—but also about respect, gratitude, and community.
The Teacher’s Academy offers courses that inspire teachers to incorporate the reading, writing, the arts and wellness activities in the classroom all year long:
Integrating the Arts in the Classroom
We wish all or our teachers, students, soldiers and military families a safe, healthy Memorial Day!