Veterans Day Lessons for Students of All Ages

When students learn about and celebrate Veterans Day, they learn more than historical facts. Celebrating this holiday teaches patriotism and empathy while allowing children to honor and show gratitude to the men and women who fight for our freedoms and protect our nation. Teaching students about Veterans Day develops character in other ways by teaching the value of sacrifice, loyalty, and commitment to the greater good. These values will turn them into active community leaders and equip them for success far beyond the classroom. To teach students about Veterans Day, consider the following activities.

• Let them hear from the veterans themselves: Let students hear inspiring stories from our nation’s true heroes to catalyze a true change.
• Implement project-based learning: Get students to work on projects and assignments together. Make sure they spark conversation to spark their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Use writing assignments: Have your students reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made and how they could apply that lesson to their lives.
• Use assignments that spark discussions: Use a mix of written and discussion-based activities so they have the opportunity to develop their thoughts, express them, and gain new perspectives. Discussions can help students be more empathetic, creative, analytical, and accepting of views from people who come from different backgrounds.
• Watch educational videos: Show students engaging educational videos that put them in the shoes of veterans so they can empathize with their experience.
• Use values-based activities: Use values activities to demonstrate and instill the character traits of service members and the unbelievable sacrifices they have made.
• Host a supply drive for Veterans in local nursing homes: Have your students organize a supply drive to give back to the veterans who have given everything to us.
• Volunteer at a local VA: Check out the Student Volunteer Program through Veterans Affairs.
• Say thank you: Have students write thank you letters to one of the 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services