Build a Gratitude Symbol
This lesson helps families explore the meaning of Veterans Day by understanding what it means to serve and how to show gratitude. Children will design and create a unique symbol of appreciation for military veterans using simple household items.
The lesson goal is learners will understand what a veteran is and the meaning of their service to our country. They will then be able to design and create a unique symbol to express their gratitude and reflect on the importance of remembrance.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Breakfast Heroes5 Min
- Discuss what's for breakfast and who helped prepare or provide it.
- Move on when Child names a few people who help them or their community.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels - 2
Designing Our Thanks8 Min
- Introduce Veterans Day and ask about showing thanks to veterans.
- Brainstorm ideas for a gratitude symbol using paper, pen, and breakfast items.
- Move on when Child has a simple plan or idea for their symbol and the materials they might use.
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels - 3
What is a Veteran?6 Min
- Discuss the meaning of 'veteran' and 'service' with guiding questions.
- Move on when Child can explain 'veteran' and 'service' in their own words, connecting them to the idea of helping or protecting.
Photo by Nathan Marcam on Pexels - 4
Crafting Gratitude9 Min
- Lay out paper, pen, and a small selection of breakfast items.
- Encourage the child to create their gratitude symbol using materials.
- Move on when Student has completed their physical gratitude symbol.
Photo by Kamaji Ogino on Pexels - 5
Sharing Our Symbols2 Min
- Ask the child to explain their symbol and what they learned today.
- Move on when Student shares the meaning of their symbol and one key takeaway from the lesson.
Photo by Andrew Patrick Photo on Pexels
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