How to Teach Veteran's Day in Kindergarten

Study pictures of Arlington Cemetery to teach kids about Veterans Day.

During World War I, a temporary cease-fire between the Allies and Germany went into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. The official ending of World War I came on June 28, 1919. Later that year, President Wilson designated November 11 as Armistice Day. In 1958, President Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day, to celebrate all members of the armed forces, alive and dead, who have served the United States. Schools around the country celebrate the holiday, whether or not they observe a day off. Even kindergartners can share in the celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Books about Veterans Day
• Pictures of American symbols
• Art supplies
• Patriotic music

Instructions

1. Give the children a short background on the holiday. Read to them some age-appropriate books about the holiday. Check with your local librarian or order some of the following books from your favorite book retailer: "Veterans Day" by Jacqueline S. Cotton, part of the Rookie Read-About Holidays series; "Veterans Day" by Marlene Targ Brill; "The Wall" by Eve Bunting; "Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veterans Day Story" by Heather French Henry; "Veterans Day" by Robin Nelson, from the First Step Nonfiction series; "Veterans Day" by Mir Tamin Ansary, from the Holiday Histories Series; "Veterans Day" by Arlene Worsley, from the American Holidays Series; "Veterans Day" by Mari C. Schuh, from the National Holidays Series; "Veterans Day" by Amanda Doering Tourville, from the Our Nation's Pride series.

2. Invite local veterans to come in to speak to the children about what Veterans Day means to them.

3. Make letters, cards and pictures to give to veterans at your local VA hospital.

4. Observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to commemorate the signing of the armistice.

5. Look at pictures of famous memorials, such as the World War I ow World War II memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and the Normandy beaches.

6. Read other patriotic children's books such as the following: "America: A Patriotic Primer" by Lynne Cheney or "America the Beautiful: A Pop-up Book" illustrated by Robert Sabuda.

7. Make different American flag crafts or create your own flag. Fill in a coloring sheet. Create red, white and blue projects.

8. Talk about other American symbols, such as the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle and the White House. Read books from the "American Symbols: Welcome to Reading Books" series by Lloyd G. Douglas.

9. Listen to patriotic music. Have a parade in the classroom, through the halls, around the gym or playground as you listen to patriotic music and wave your American flag creations.

10. Celebrate symbols of peace in honor of the peaceful significance of Armistice Day and Veterans Day.

Resources

• Department of Veterans Affairs: Kids & Teachers Page