5 Veterans Day Activities for Students
On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who devoted their time and well-being to safeguard our freedoms, and we commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
Here are 5 ways to educate and commemorate Veterans Day with your students.
Virtual Field Trip
Google Arts & Culture is a remarkable platform that offers a unique opportunity for individuals to take virtual field trips to various historic sites and landmarks, including war monuments. By leveraging the platform, users can immerse themselves in rich and interactive experiences, allowing them to learn about and explore significant locations that hold cultural, historical, and artistic significance.
Use the Google Arts & Culture site to take a Virtual Tour of United States Veterans and War Memorials. This interactive site allows you to learn and virtually explore each memorial. The platform's virtual tours are not just static images but interactive experiences that empower users to explore the memorials at their own pace. Users can navigate through the memorials, zoom in on details, and access informative content that explains the historical context, significance, and artistic elements of each monument. This interactive approach ensures that users can truly engage with the content and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Google Arts & Culture doesn't limit the experience to static imagery. Users can also access multimedia content such as videos, narrated tours, and interviews with experts and veterans who can provide insights and personal stories related to the memorials. This multimedia content enriches the virtual field trip experience by offering a more comprehensive and immersive perspective.
2. Write Letters
The Operation Gratitude website serves as a valuable resource for teachers to engage students in writing letters to veterans. This educational tool allows teachers to facilitate activities that instill gratitude, empathy, and an understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans among their students. It provides a direct and meaningful way for students to connect with and show appreciation for those who have served their country.
The website includes letter-writing guides and also color sheets for younger children.
To send letters you will…
Download the letter-writing guide to review the program guidelines.
Have the students write the letters.
Fill out a donation form from the website. You will then receive your instructions on where to ship the letters.
Ship the letters!
3. Wreaths Across America
The Wreaths Across America website offers an invaluable resource for teachers looking to engage their students in meaningful lessons about patriotism, honor, and the importance of remembering and honoring veterans. The organization's commitment to educating the younger generation is evident through its comprehensive curriculum, which includes lesson plans and printable student activities tailored to students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Here are some of the many resources the site provides specifically for teachers.
Lesson Plans: The Wreaths Across America curriculum provides teachers with well-structured lesson plans that can be seamlessly integrated into various subjects, such as history, social studies, and civics. These lesson plans are designed to align with common educational standards, making it easy for educators to incorporate them into their existing curriculum. Teachers can access a range of age-appropriate materials, from simple discussions of the significance of honoring veterans to more complex topics like the history of the Arlington National Cemetery and the National Moment of Remembrance.
Printable Student Activities: In addition to lesson plans, the website offers a wealth of printable student activities that cater to different age groups and learning styles. These activities include coloring pages, word searches, crossword puzzles, and interactive quizzes that not only reinforce the curriculum but also make learning about honoring veterans a fun and engaging experience for students. Teachers can use these activities in the classroom or assign them for homework to enhance their students' understanding of the subject matter.
Visual and Multimedia Resources: The Wreaths Across America website also provides access to a variety of visual and multimedia resources, including videos, photos, and presentations. These resources can help teachers create dynamic and interactive lessons that capture students' attention and deepen their understanding of the importance of honoring veterans and the history of the organization.
Field Trip Opportunities: While the primary focus of the website is on classroom-based resources, it also offers information on how teachers can organize field trips to participate in wreath-laying ceremonies and events at local cemeteries. These real-life experiences can provide students with a profound and tangible connection to the concepts they've learned in the classroom.
Community Involvement: The website encourages teachers and students to become actively involved in Wreaths Across America events by organizing fundraisers or participating in wreath-laying ceremonies. This community engagement can instill a sense of civic responsibility and a deeper understanding of the principles of service and remembrance.
The Wreaths Across America website is a valuable tool for teachers seeking to educate their students about the importance of honoring veterans and instilling values of patriotism and service. The curriculum and resources provided by the organization make it easier for educators to integrate these important lessons into their classroom activities and promote a strong sense of civic duty among their students.
4. Veteran’s Portrait Project
This project allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the rich diversity within the veteran community. It emphasizes the idea that while we may differ in numerous ways, we unite in our shared commitment to protect and serve our country. Beyond the surface, this project delves into the everyday lives of soldiers, allowing students to connect with the human stories behind their military service.
The Veterans Portrait Project can be used for elementary students to help put a face to the word “veteran.” But it is particularly well-suited for middle and high school students as it provides a multifaceted and age-appropriate approach to learning about Veterans Day. It encourages students to explore the unique backgrounds, experiences, and personal journeys of veterans, fostering a sense of empathy, respect, and a greater appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for our nation. This immersive experience not only deepens students' awareness of Veterans Day but also promotes the values of inclusivity and unity, demonstrating that our differences are an essential part of what makes our nation strong.
5. Veterans Day Pinterest Board
Looking for more? Check out this Veterans Day Pinterest board chalked full of activities and resources for all ages. You are sure to find an activity that matches the grade level you teach and an activity that works for your class!
As we partake in these Veterans Day activities, let us not forget the immense sacrifices made by our current and past military men and women. They dedicate their lives to protecting our nation and preserving our cherished freedoms. It's crucial to instill in our students not just a sense of gratitude but also an understanding of the enduring significance of honoring our veterans. These activities remind us of the valor and commitment that allow us all to enjoy the privileges we hold dear. So, thank you to our veterans, whose selfless sacrifices continue to safeguard us all and inspire future generations to appreciate and uphold the principles of freedom and service.
