Remembrance Day, observed on November 11th, is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in wars and conflicts around the world. It offers an opportunity not only to honour the past but also to teach children about empathy, gratitude, and the importance of peace. Through thoughtful, hands-on activities, we can help children connect with history, develop a sense of respect for those who came before us, and consider how they can contribute to a more peaceful future.
1. Creating a Poppy Meadow
Take children outdoors to create a temporary poppy meadow using paper or fabric poppies they’ve made. Scatter the poppies in a designated grassy area to form a field of remembrance, and hold a moment of silence to reflect on its significance.
This provides a hands-on way to connect with the symbol of remembrance while it also encourages creativity and respect.
Connection Tip: Discuss how poppies became a symbol of remembrance after World War I, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields.
The poppy became the symbol of remembrance after World War I, inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Written in 1915, the poem reflects on the bright red poppies that grew on the battlefields of Belgium and northern France, where countless soldiers had lost their lives. The resilience of the poppies, blooming amidst the devastation of war, came to represent hope and remembrance. In 1921, the Royal British Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol to honour those who served and to raise funds for veterans. Since then, wearing a poppy has become a poignant way to remember the sacrifices made in war and to promote peace for future generations.
2. Peace Stones
Have children collect and paint stones with symbols of peace, such as doves, hearts, or words like “hope” and “peace.” They can place these stones around the school grounds or local community as a gesture of kindness and unity.
This lesson encourages creativity and personal expression and fosters a sense of community and kindness.
Connection Tip: Use this activity to talk about how small gestures, like spreading kindness, can help create a more peaceful world.
3. Nature Walk of Reflection
Take children on a quiet walk through a local park or garden. Encourage them to observe nature, listen to the sounds around them, and think about what peace means to them. After the walk, have a group discussion or journaling session about their reflections.
This promotes mindfulness and self-reflection and helps children connect with nature and their thoughts.
4. Build a Remembrance Wreath
Gather natural materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers to create a remembrance wreath. Children can work together to assemble the wreath and place it in a special location as a symbol of gratitude and respect. This encourages teamwork and creativity and provides a tangible way to honour those who served.
Connection Tip: Talk about the different elements of the wreath and what they represent—leaves for life, flowers for hope, and twigs for strength.
5. Story Sharing Circle
Gather children in a circle and share stories about remembrance, whether from family members, local history, or famous figures. Encourage children to ask questions, share their thoughts, or tell their own stories.
In a world that be disconnected, this lesson develops empathy and understanding through storytelling. It encourages listening and respectful dialogue.
Connection Tip: Emphasise that remembrance isn’t just about war—it’s about appreciating those who have worked for peace and thinking about how we can contribute to a better world.
Additional Activities
- Make paper doves: Create paper doves as a symbol of peace and display them around the classroom or playground.
- Write a thank-you note: Have children write notes of gratitude to veterans or active service members.
- Create a peace garden: Plant flowers that symbolise peace, such as white lilies, and dedicate the garden to remembrance.
- Draw a peace mural: Work together to create a large mural depicting symbols of peace and unity.
- Hold a moment of silence outdoors: Gather in a peaceful outdoor spot and observe two minutes of silence to reflect on the meaning of the day.
Why Remembrance Matters
Remembrance Day is a time to honour the past while looking to the future. By teaching children about the sacrifices made by others, we help them understand the value of empathy, gratitude, and peace. Outdoor activities that encourage reflection, creativity, and connection can make this day meaningful and memorable, inspiring children to build a more peaceful world.
This Remembrance Day, let’s go beyond history lessons and create meaningful experiences that help children connect with the past, reflect on the present, and think about the future. Whether through poppy meadows, peace stones, or storytelling, each activity offers an opportunity to inspire empathy, gratitude, and hope.
