This month, our group spent time learning all about Remembrance Day and what it means to us. We began by talking together about why we take time to remember. The children shared thoughtful ideas like, “It’s for remembering the soldiers who passed,” and mentioned poppies, Flanders field, and how people wear poppies to show respect.
To show what Remembrance Day meant to them, the children worked hard on a variety of crafts to decorate our board. They coloured and painted army helmets and soldier silhouettes, each adding their own special touches. Some chose traditional camouflage designs, while others filled their artwork with poppies or red and white colours or creative patterns that represented what remembrance felt like to them. It was wonderful to see how each child’s ideas were unique and meaningful.
Later in the week, we had a very special visitor, a veteran named Dan, who served in the military for more than 12 years! He came to speak with the School-age and JKK classes about his experiences and the many different things soldiers do. The children were surprised to learn that even when we’re not at war, soldiers still work hard to help others around the world. Dan shared stories from his time in Afghanistan and Pakistan where he helped bring medicine, food, clean water, and helped rebuild homes after natural disasters.
The children were full of curiosity and asked so many great questions! When one friend asked, “How did you get all that stuff over there?” Dan explained that supplies were brought in by helicopters, which the kids thought was amazing! They were especially fascinated when he told them about a 30-pound bullet, and everyone had a hard time believing something that big could exist!
They also wanted to know what soldiers eat and where they sleep. When Dan told the children they sleep in dugout holes covered in tarps and eat dehydrated food, the children couldn’t believe it, one friend even asked, “Why didn’t you just bring your bed?” which made everyone laugh.
The children were also excited to see Dan’s medals and learn that each one was earned for a different personal achievement. They listened carefully and showed so much respect and interest throughout his visit.
After the presentation, the children gave Dan a big thank you card and a round of applause for sharing his stories with us. Back in the classroom, we thought our poppy crafts were finished, but to our surprise, the children wanted to make even more! It was clear that their understanding had deepened, and they wanted to keep showing appreciation for the sacrifices the veterans have made.
This learning experience helped the children gain a stronger sense of gratitude, empathy and respect. Through their questions, artwork, and conversations, they showed how much they’ve grown in understanding the true meaning of Remembrance Day.
