Veterans: Thank and Create
This hands-on lesson challenges children to understand the concept of service and gratitude by creating personalized thank-you messages for veterans. They will explore what it means to be a veteran and reflect on the importance of acknowledging their contributions to our country.
Our goal: Children will learn to define what it means to be a veteran and understand the concept of military service to our country. They will apply this understanding by crafting a personalized message of gratitude, articulating why it's important to appreciate these contributions.
What You Need
Paper (various types) • Writing/Drawing tools • Decorative items • Scissors • Glue • Markers • Crayons
and this is just the baseline.
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Learning Guide
A simple guide to lead you through the kickoff, the core challenge, and everything in between.
Mai’s Tips
- The purpose of stage 2 is to give the child agency and ownership over their creation. Allowing them to choose materials and plan their message makes the 'thank you' more meaningful to them, rather than just following instructions for a craft.
- A common misconception is that 'veteran' only refers to old people or people from specific wars. If the child shows this, gently broaden their understanding by mentioning young veterans, or veterans who served in peacetime, or different roles they might have had (e.g., medics, engineers).
- If the concept of 'service' is too abstract, simplify by asking about times they've helped someone without expecting anything in return, like helping a younger sibling or a neighbor. 'Serving your country is like helping your whole community, but on a really big scale.'
- Glitter, if used, is notoriously difficult to clean. Suggest putting down newspaper or doing the glitter application over a tray to contain the mess.
1Introduction to Gratitude 5 min
Begin by talking about the concept of helping others and showing thanks. Ask questions to draw out their prior understanding of gratitude and community. The goal is to establish a foundation for discussing Veterans Day.
Done when: Student shares examples of helping and expressing thanks, showing an understanding of gratitude.
2Explore & Plan Our Thanks 8 min
Guide your child in brainstorming ideas for their thank-you creation. Encourage them to think about the message they want to convey and then help them select and gather the materials they'll need for their project.
Done when: Student has decided on a type of thank-you message (card, letter, drawing) and has gathered their chosen materials.
3Understanding Veterans and Service 6 min
Introduce the terms 'veteran' and 'service', first by asking for their guesses, then providing a clear definition. Help them connect these terms to the thank-you messages they are creating.
Done when: Student can explain in their own words who a veteran is and what service means, linking it to military contributions.
4Creating Our Thank-You Messages 9 min
Facilitate the creative process for making their thank-you messages. Encourage them to incorporate what they've learned about veterans and service into their artwork or writing.
Done when: Student has completed their thank-you card, letter, or drawing.
5Sharing Our Appreciation 2 min
Guide a reflection on their completed work and discuss how they might share their gratitude with veterans. Reinforce the value of their contribution.
Done when: Student shares one feeling or thought about creating and sharing their thank-you message.
Beyond The Spark
Fuel their curiosity beyond the Spark with bonus extras.
Table Talk
Showing appreciation for veterans is a way to understand the sacrifices people make for their community and country, fostering empathy and civic responsibility.
Did You Know?
Veterans Day was first called Armistice Day, celebrated to mark the end of World War I, and its name changed in 1954 to honor all American veterans.
Challenge
Research a specific branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) and draw or write about what they do to serve the country.
Quick Recap Quiz 4 min
Customize this quiz, add questions, or follow your child's lead! Each question has a 'Parent Tip' to help them find the answer without giving it away.
1. What is a veteran?
- Someone who has served in the military
- Someone who is very old
Remind them that veterans can be any age, as long as they served in the military.
2. What does 'service' mean when we talk about veterans?
- Doing something for yourself
- Doing something for your country or community
Emphasize that military service is about helping the entire country.
3. Why do we celebrate Veterans Day?
- To thank people for their military service
- To celebrate a new season
Connect it back to the idea of gratitude and recognizing contributions.
4. If someone works at a grocery store, are they a veteran?
- Only if they also served in the military
- Yes, all workers are veterans
Reinforce that the defining characteristic of a veteran is military service, not just any job.
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