Have you ever had a student ask a question that completely shifted how you approached a lesson? Behind every holiday or special event we celebrate in class, there’s a chance to spark curiosity, and students often surprise us with their questions. On Veterans Day, some children may not fully grasp the significance of honoring those who’ve served our country, but as educators, we can help bring these ideas to life, giving students a purpose to engage meaningfully with the day.
Veterans Day offers a unique opportunity to introduce concepts of bravery, service, and gratitude. It’s a day to explain that we’re honoring people who’ve dedicated themselves to protecting others. To children, words like “soldier” and “military” often conjure images of brave, adventurous figures, and some may even have a family member or neighbor who is a veteran.
I remember Oliver, a student in my class, bringing in a photo album of his grandfather, a veteran. Those old, black-and-white photos became a powerful teaching tool, sparking endless questions from his classmates. This real connection made the topic vivid and meaningful for everyone.
That natural curiosity is one of the most beautiful aspects of teaching young children. Questions like: “Where do veterans live?” “Are veterans good or bad?” or “Do we know any veterans?” Why the name Veterans? What happens to a veteran when he gets older? Do girls want to and can they be veterans? When children grow up, do they want to be veterans?" give us a starting point for discussions filled with wonder and learning.
As students get older, though, the habit of asking questions often fades; they focus more on answering than exploring. This shift happens partly because of an educational system that emphasizes tests and “right” answers over inquiry and imagination.
That’s why I make it a priority in every lesson to encourage open-ended questioning. I’ll often ask students to close their eyes and think about any question they have, no matter how big or small. This activity energizes their curiosity, making the lesson richer and more engaging for everyone.
Asking children to answer their own questions and then comparing their responses with a well-researched, developed answer sparks curiosity and the desire to discover whether their guesses and opinions were correct.
Aside from the questions that always lead to new knowledge I had never explored, which have given meaning to concepts and a deeper understanding of what children are exposed to, I realized that any concept can become more familiar and accessible to a child as long as it is approached thoughtfully.
Here are some practical, age-appropriate tips to help students connect with Veterans Day meaningfully and reflectively:
1. Explain Who Veterans Are Through Stories
Start with simple, relatable stories about veterans, especially if they involve people the children may know, like a neighbor or family member. Stories make the concept of service real and connected to their lives. Oliver’s grandpa, for example, brought this holiday to life in our classroom by showing what it truly means to serve.
2. Focus on Core Values Like Courage and Service
Discuss values like bravery, kindness, and teamwork. Use questions like, “What does it mean to help others?” or “Can you think of a time you were brave?” These help children connect personally with the idea of service.
3. Use Role-Playing or Pretend Play to Explore Service
Kids love make-believe! Create a pretend game where they play helpers in their community—firefighters, police officers, or even superheroes. This helps them understand the role of helping and protecting others, as veterans do.
4. Connect Veterans’ Service to Everyday Actions
Relate veterans' service to actions they can relate to, like helping a friend or taking care of their family. This shows them that service and caring are values they can live out, even as kids.
5. Introduce Symbols in a Simple, Child-Friendly Way
Show them symbols like the American flag, military uniforms, or medals, and explain their meanings. Help them associate these symbols with respect and honor, and most importantly, explain why we honor veterans. Without a “why,” these symbols may lack meaning.
6. Create Art Together to Show Appreciation
Once students understand the significance of Veterans Day, have them make thank-you cards or draw pictures of appreciation. This lets them express gratitude in a hands-on, creative way, making the lesson more memorable.
7. Encourage Reflection with Open-Ended Questions
Ask, “Why do you think it’s important to help others?” or “What would you say to someone who keeps us safe?” Questions like these encourage students to reflect on service and kindness, making these concepts personal and relevant.
To make Veterans Day meaningful and reflective in your classroom, I’m sharing a resource I created for my own students. Take a look, gather some ideas, and perhaps even use them in your class. I hope it inspires both you and your students to celebrate this special day with greater understanding and gratitude.
How do you make annual events easier to understand, give them meaning, and inspire your students to want to learn more about them?
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