The Poppy's Red Story
Life Skills
30 Min
activityDiscover the powerful story behind the red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for Veterans Day. Learn why this flower became so important and create your own paper poppies to wear or share with veterans.
The lesson goal is learners will understand why the red poppy is a special symbol for Veterans Day, tracing its origins to World War I and key individuals like Moina Michael. They will also be able to create their own paper poppy, making a tangible sign of respect and gratitude for veterans.
What You Need
Missing something? Don't let it stop you.
The app offers easy alternatives for every item you have at home.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Symbols of Remembrance5 Min
- Identify a red object and discuss its color.
- Ask them to share symbols they already know.
- Move on when The child can identify a red object and offer an example of a symbol and what it represents.
Photo by SERHAT TUĞ on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan: The Poppy's Place8 Min
- Introduce the poppy and ask what it might symbolize.
- Gather the red and green paper, scissors, and glue.
- Discuss and plan the steps to make a paper poppy.
- Move on when The child has identified the poppy as a symbol, brainstormed how to make a paper poppy, and gathered the materials.
Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on Pexels - 3
Decoding the Red Poppy6 Min
- Explain the poppy's meaning and historical origin.
- Ask them questions about remembrance and the poppy's story.
- Move on when The child can explain that the poppy is a symbol of remembrance, linking it to the historical context of World War I and the poem 'In Flanders Fields'.
Photo by Arsonela K on Pexels - 4
Crafting Our Poppies9 Min
- Cut or tear red paper into petal shapes.
- Arrange and glue the red petals to form a poppy flower.
- Add a green stem or leaf to the poppy using paper and glue.
- Move on when The child has completed making at least one paper poppy.
Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Pexels - 5
Wearing Our Remembrance2 Min
- Ask them to reflect on their poppy and its meaning.
- Discuss how they might use their poppy for Veterans Day.
- Move on when The child can articulate what the poppy symbolizes and expresses a plan for their poppy for Veterans Day.
Photo by Елена Климович on Pexels
Why do we wear red poppies?
Life Skills30 MinactivityDiscover the powerful story behind the red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for Veterans Day. Learn why this flower became so important and create your own paper poppies to wear or share with veterans.
Our Goal is learners will understand why the red poppy is a special symbol for Veterans Day, tracing its origins to World War I and key individuals like Moina Michael. They will also be able to create their own paper poppy, making a tangible sign of respect and gratitude for veterans.
What You Need
Missing something? In the app, Mai suggests swap ideas.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Symbols of Remembrance5 Min
- Identify a red object and discuss its color.
- Ask them to share symbols they already know.
- Move on when The child can identify a red object and offer an example of a symbol and what it represents.
Photo by SERHAT TUĞ on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan: The Poppy's Place8 Min
- Introduce the poppy and ask what it might symbolize.
- Gather the red and green paper, scissors, and glue.
- Discuss and plan the steps to make a paper poppy.
- Move on when The child has identified the poppy as a symbol, brainstormed how to make a paper poppy, and gathered the materials.
Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on Pexels - 3
Decoding the Red Poppy6 Min
- Explain the poppy's meaning and historical origin.
- Ask them questions about remembrance and the poppy's story.
- Move on when The child can explain that the poppy is a symbol of remembrance, linking it to the historical context of World War I and the poem 'In Flanders Fields'.
Photo by Arsonela K on Pexels - 4
Crafting Our Poppies9 Min
- Cut or tear red paper into petal shapes.
- Arrange and glue the red petals to form a poppy flower.
- Add a green stem or leaf to the poppy using paper and glue.
- Move on when The child has completed making at least one paper poppy.
Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Pexels - 5
Wearing Our Remembrance2 Min
- Ask them to reflect on their poppy and its meaning.
- Discuss how they might use their poppy for Veterans Day.
- Move on when The child can articulate what the poppy symbolizes and expresses a plan for their poppy for Veterans Day.
Photo by Елена Климович on Pexels
In The Mai App
Bring This Spark To Life
Same Spark, with Mai by your side
Mai Leads It
Mai leads the Spark out loud, so they can learn on their own.
Step-By-Step
Get every step with Mai's tips, one at a time, at your pace.
Quick Swaps
Missing something? Mai suggests swap ideas, so you can start now.
Beyond The Spark
After, a fun fact, a challenge and a Table Talk question.