Honoring Our Veterans
This lesson challenges learners to understand the meaning of Veterans Day and to create a tangible expression of gratitude for those who have served. It encourages empathy, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach to civic engagement.
The lesson goal is learners will understand what it means to be a veteran and the importance of service to one's country. They will be able to express gratitude in a personal and meaningful way, recognizing their role in honoring those who have served and reflecting on civic duty.
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction: What is a Veteran?5 Min
- Ask: 'When you hear the word 'hero', who comes to mind?'
- Ask: 'What do you think a 'veteran' is or does?'
- Move on when Student has shared their initial thoughts on 'heroes' and 'veterans'.
Photo by Linda Rusinko on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan: Showing Appreciation8 Min
- Ask: 'What does it mean to appreciate someone?'
- Ask: 'If you wanted to say 'thank you' to a veteran, how would you do it?'
- Ask: 'What could we make or write with our materials to show appreciation?'
- Gather the chosen materials together for the activity.
- Move on when Student has brainstormed ideas for showing appreciation and decided on a concrete item to create.
- 3
Discussion: Defining Service and Sacrifice6 Min
- Explain: A veteran is someone who served in their country's military to protect and help.
- Explain: Service is doing important work for others or a cause, often requiring sacrifice.
- Ask: 'What might a veteran give up or put aside to serve their country?'
- Ask: 'Can someone show service to their community even if not in the military?'
- Move on when Student can explain 'veteran' and 'service' and offer an example of sacrifice or community service in their own words. The adult can provide: A veteran is an individual who has completed military service. This can involve many roles beyond combat, such as logistics, healthcare, or engineering, and can be recognized by their commitment to duty and country. The deeper level for an older child might include different branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) or different eras of conflict, but this is not expected for younger learners.
Photo by Kres Thomas on Pexels - 4
Activity: Crafting Gratitude9 Min
- Give your child the chosen materials to start their creation.
- Ask: 'What message do you want your creation to send?'
- Encourage them to consider symbols or words that convey thanks.
- Let them work independently, offering help only when asked.
- Move on when Student has completed their 'Thank You for Service' item.
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels - 5
Summary: My Personal Thanks2 Min
- Ask: 'What was the most interesting thing you learned today?'
- Ask: 'How does it feel to create something to thank someone for their service?'
- Move on when Student shares one key takeaway or reflection about veterans or their activity.
Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels
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