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Are you excited about the 2026 Winter Olympics? The opening ceremonies are over, and the excitement of the first events is already building. For the next few weeks, we can focus on watching our athletes on the world stage and celebrating their achievements.  Big events like the Winter Olympics naturally spark curiosity and conversation in the classroom. The nice thing is that you don’t have to be watching events live to make the most of that excitement. Whether you’re following highlights during the Games or revisiting them afterward, the Olympics provide plenty of opportunities for meaningful learning across the curriculum. Here are some easy-to-implement activities that work well during the Olympics and long after the closing ceremonies. 1. Medal Tracking and Data CollectionMedal counts are a simple way to bring real-world data into your math lessons. Students can:
 2. Writing From an Athlete’s Point of ViewThe stories behind the athletes are often what students connect with most. Writing ideas include:
 3. Learning About Winter Sports (Then and Now)Many winter sports have changed over time, which opens the door to great discussions. Students can:
 4. Olympic-Themed Math ChallengesSports-themed problems often feel more approachable than traditional worksheets. Try:
 5. Country Studies and Mapping ActivitiesThe Olympics are a natural entry point into geography. Students can:
 6. Class Discussions and ReflectionSome of the best learning happens through conversation. Discussion topics might include:
 7. Creative Art and Design ActivitiesFor a lighter, creative connection:
 The beauty of using the Olympics as a theme is that you can choose one or two ideas that fit your schedule and your students. You don’t need to do everything, and you don’t need to follow the events day by day. If having ready-made activities helps during busy weeks, I’ve gathered many of these ideas into a Winter Sports Activities Bundle that supports both math and literacy learning through a winter sports theme:  Whether you’re using the excitement of the Games in real time or revisiting them afterward, Olympic-themed activities can help keep learning connected, engaging, and meaningful. These ideas can also be used in other years when winter sports events happen. You can grab onto the excitement of the season and let the learning soar. Enjoy the moments.   Related Posts It’s hard to believe that another four years have passed and the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away. All around the world, people will soon be watching highlights and updates from a wide variety of sports, cheering on athletes who have trained for years for this moment. I still remember when the Olympics were held in Vancouver, just a ferry ride away from where we live. My class was so excited. Because the Games were happening right here in our province, the Olympics felt especially personal. We followed events closely, tracked Canadian athletes, and the sense of national pride was radiating throughout the school. Since many of the events were happening in real time, we were able to share special moments each day. Those spontaneous conversations about a surprising win, a close finish, or a new sport the children had never seen before were just as valuable as the planned lessons.  Using the Olympics as a Classroom ThemeNaturally, the Winter Olympics became a theme in our classroom. I created lessons and activities that connected to what the children were already curious about, which made learning feel relevant and exciting. We learned about different winter sports and how some of them have changed over the years. The children were fascinated to see how equipment, rules, and even events themselves had evolved. These discussions led naturally into questions, comparisons, and great conversations.  Math Connections: Real Data That MattersThe Olympics provide endless opportunities to work with meaningful data. We collected information using medal trackers, compared totals between countries, and talked about patterns we noticed. Students practiced graphing, tallying, comparing numbers, and solving problems using real-world information that mattered to them. Because the data came from an event they were following closely, engagement was high, and the math felt purposeful rather than abstract.  Making Connections: Math And Literacy ThemesWriting activities tied in beautifully with the Olympic theme. Students wrote stories inspired by athletes, imagined what it would be like to compete in a winter sport, and responded to events they had watched or learned about. We read nonfiction texts about the Olympics, athletes, and winter sports, building background knowledge while practicing comprehension skills. Oral discussions were just as important. Discussing events, sharing opinions, and asking questions helped students develop their language skills and confidence. Using sports themed math task cards helped kids focus more as they attempted the different strategies.  Why Themes Like This Work So WellWhat I loved most was how easy it was to weave the Winter Olympics into so many areas of the curriculum. The Games provided a shared experience, one that motivated even reluctant learners and encouraged meaningful engagement. Themes like this remind us that learning doesn’t have to feel disconnected from the world around us. When students are already curious and excited, we can build on that interest and make learning feel natural.  If you’re looking for ready-to-use activities, you can take a look at some of the resources we used in this Winter Sports Activities Bundle, which supports both literacy and math through a winter sports theme:  If you would like a free template to create your own task cards, here is a winter sports themed one I created.  In just a couple of weeks, we’ll once again be watching for updates and highlights, this time from the Winter Games in Italy. The time difference will make things a little different, and many classrooms will be checking results and highlights rather than watching live events. Still, the excitement will be there. We’ll be sharing our pride as athletes compete, celebrating achievements, and using the Games as a way to connect classroom learning to the wider world.  The Winter Olympics offer a wonderful opportunity to build lessons that are timely, engaging, and meaningful for both students and teachers. Check in next time for some activities that can be used during and after the games end. Related Posts Are you looking for ways to teach younger children about Canada? Teaching geography and research skills to younger students can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time.  Grade 3 is a perfect time to introduce children to basic research skills and resources. Learning about the country they live in is a great place to start. Teaching Canadian geography and research skills in Grade 3 is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and build foundational knowledge about our country. By combining engaging activities with structured research, kids develop critical thinking, organization, and a deeper appreciation for Canada’s diversity. A Resource To Introduce Kids To Canada's Geography A great way to introduce kids to Canada’s geography is by focusing on the provinces and territories as a whole. My Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle is a perfect resource to begin this journey. These booklets are designed specifically with younger children in mind, using simple language and vivid photographs to make research accessible and enjoyable. They come in a French version as well.
What These Booklets Cover:
Why These Booklets Work
Teaching Basic Research Skills to Grade 3 StudentsWith structured guidance, children in Grade 3 can begin to gather, organize, and present information confidently. Here are some tips to make this process enjoyable and effective: Scaffold Research Tasks
Encourage Collaboration
 Engaging Activities for Exploring Provinces and TerritoriesPractical Strategies for Research Projects
End the unit with a classroom showcase. Invite kids to present their projects to peers or even parents. This celebration not only reinforces learning but also builds confidence in their research abilities. Integrating Subjects
Using resources like the Canada My Country booklets and the Canadian Provinces and Territories Research Bundle allows you to teach geography and research skills in a way that’s engaging and manageable. The use of simple language and vivid photographs ensures that every child can participate and succeed. Children develop a sense of pride in their country and the ability to communicate their findings effectively.
Ready to inspire your kids? Want more Canadian Social Studies resources? Check out these resources to bring Canadian geography to life in your classroom!  Related Posts
Research can be an exciting way for young children to explore the world around them. However, when working with primary students, it's important to provide materials that are simple enough for them to understand while still offering key facts. Whether in a classroom or a homeschool setting, guiding children through research helps them develop important skills like reading for information, organizing their thoughts, and sharing what they’ve learned.  Why Teach Research Skills Early?Even at a young age, children are naturally curious. Teaching them how to find, organize, and share information helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Research also encourages independence, as students learn to look for answers on their own instead of always relying on the teacher.  A Simple Research Model for Primary StudentsYoung learners need a structured approach to research. Here’s a step-by-step process that works well: 1. Start With the Big Picture Begin by studying a broad topic together as a class. For example:
 2. Assign Individual or Small Group Topics Once the class understands the big picture, divide the research into smaller topics. Each student or small group can focus on one part, such as:
 3. Organizing Key Details For primary students, research should focus on big ideas rather than overwhelming amounts of detail. A simple research template might include:
 4. Research With Support For younger children, research doesn’t mean handing them a book or a website and expecting them to pull out key facts on their own. Instead: ✅ Use guided reading sessions where you read together and model how to find important details. ✅ Provide kid-friendly research materials with simple text and visuals. ✅ Use group discussions to share findings and build understanding.  5. Let Students Choose How to Present Their Work After students complete their research, they can decide how to share their learning. Having a selection of presentation choices allows them to express what they’ve learned in a way that suits their strengths. Some options include:
 6. Reflecting on Learning Once projects are complete, students can share them with the class, discuss what they found most interesting, and ask questions about each other’s topics. This builds confidence and reinforces learning.  To help young children feel successful with research: ✅ Use structured research pages – Simplify the process with templates that guide them to key facts. ✅ Provide visuals – Maps, pictures, and diagrams make learning more engaging. ✅ Offer a clear expectations sheet – A simple criteria list ensures students understand what to include in their projects. ✅ Encourage creativity – Let students choose how to present their research in a way that interests them.  By introducing research in a step-by-step, supported way, even young children can develop strong research skills while exploring topics in a meaningful and engaging way! Before diving into research about different countries or regions, young children need a solid foundation in understanding and using maps. Just like we start with number sense in math before tackling addition and subtraction, we need to introduce basic mapping skills before expecting kids to navigate world geography. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, here are some fun and effective ways to help children develop map skills.  Why Map Skills MatterMaps do more than show us where places are; they help children develop spatial thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the world around them. Whether in a classroom or a homeschooling environment, giving kids the tools to interpret maps early on will set them up for success in their geography studies.  Making Map Skills Engaging for Young ChildrenStart with Familiar Places Begin by looking at maps of places children know well—like their home, neighborhood, or school. You can use simple hand-drawn maps, printed maps, or even an interactive digital map to show locations they recognize. Ask questions like, “Where do we go to get groceries?” or “Can you find our street on this map?”  Use a Compass Rose and Directions Teach kids about the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) using simple activities. One fun way is to stand outside and figure out which way the sun rises (East) and sets (West). You can also create a treasure hunt where they have to follow directional clues to find a hidden object.  Introduce Symbols and Legends Maps are full of symbols that represent real-world objects. Show children a basic map key and explain how different icons stand for things like roads, mountains, rivers, or buildings. Let them create their own mini-maps of a familiar place, using symbols to mark important spots.  Play with Puzzles and Games Map puzzles and geography board games are great ways to reinforce spatial awareness. Simple jigsaw puzzles of continents, countries, or states help kids see how places fit together. Online games or printable worksheets with map-related challenges can also make learning interactive.  Create Personal Maps Encourage kids to draw their own maps of a room, their house, or a local park. This helps them think critically about how things are positioned relative to one another. For an added challenge, have them include a compass rose, a legend, and labels.  Explore Different Types of Maps Show children that not all maps look the same. Some maps focus on physical features like mountains and rivers, while others highlight roads, weather patterns, or population. Look at a globe together to show how the Earth is represented in 3D.  Applying Map Skills to ResearchOnce children have a strong foundation in reading and interpreting maps, they will be better equipped to research and understand different countries. They’ll be able to pinpoint locations, analyze how geography affects climate and culture, and make connections between places.  By taking the time to build these fundamental skills first, we make geography learning more meaningful and enjoyable. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or at home, these activities will help young children gain confidence in exploring the world—one map at a time! You've taught your children about communities and you've done activities to explore how communities vary and what each type of community might need or contribute to the areas around them. Now what? Try building a 3D community. Building a 3D community model is a fantastic way to engage kids in learning about urban, suburban, and rural communities. This project is a unique combination of teamwork, creativity, and real-world application. By involving families, kids get a chance to connect their learning at school with their experiences at home, resulting in a truly collaborative effort.  The Project FrameworkI have had great success with this project over the years and it was always a favorite for my students. The best part is that my students were the planners and designers so they took ownership from the very beginning. Check out Types of Communities: Urban, Suburban, Rural Communities & Creating A Community Model. This resource includes detailed lesson plans and templates to help guide the process from start to finish. It's class-designed, so each student takes responsibility for working on the design and type of community chosen. They are also responsible for their own parcel of land. Students work in pairs to create essential service buildings, while families provide support by helping design and construct individual properties. For homeschooled kids, the family members would share those responsibilities.  Step 1: Choosing a Community TypeBegin by discussing the three main types of communities: urban, suburban, and rural. Use your lessons to review the characteristics of each, including population density, common types of buildings, and services. Encourage kids to decide as a group which type of community they want to create for their model. This decision can be made through a class vote, ensuring everyone feels included in the process. Once the decision is made, collaboratively brainstorm the community’s overall design, including zones for housing, services, and recreation. This resource may help. Types Of Communities|Urban Suburban Rural Communities|What Is A Community Bundle  Step 2: Identifying Key Buildings and ServicesOnce the type of community is chosen, brainstorm what buildings and services are essential. For example:
Divide children into small groups to research and design specific buildings, considering their purpose and importance to the community. Beyond their homes, kids work in pairs to create vital community buildings, such as:
 Step 3: City PlanningCity planning is where creativity and strategy come into play. Start with a discussion about why certain buildings need to be placed in specific locations. For instance:
Once the plan is finalized, assign groups to start constructing their buildings using materials such as cardboard, clay, or other craft supplies.  Step 4: Assigning Parcels of LandEach child receives a parcel of land—a small piece of the community to call their own. Their task is to create their home, incorporating features they feel are important. Encourage them to think about:
 Step 5: Collaborating with FamiliesThis project extends into the home, giving families an opportunity to get involved. Encourage families to:
 Step 6: Building the 3D ModelWith the blueprint as a guide, children can bring their vision to life. Provide materials like recycled boxes, craft paper, paint, and glue. Assign each group a section of the community to build. As the model takes shape, encourage collaboration between groups to ensure the pieces fit together seamlessly. Step 7: Assembling the Community ModelOnce all individual parcels and service buildings are completed, it’s time to assemble the community! Bring everything together on a large base (like a piece of plywood or cardboard) and arrange the parcels according to the class design. Discuss as a group how to ensure roads, pathways, and other shared spaces connect seamlessly. Note: I used a section of the classroom and marked off the area with tape. The different parcels of land and service buildings were fitted into the area. I cut out pieces of cardboard for each parcel of land and placed it on the floor area ahead of time to ensure that all of the parts would fit within the given space when it was assembled. Then I handed out the pieces of cardboard to each student to use as their base. Check out some photos from some of my previous classes' 3D communities
Step 8: Culminating CelebrationThe highlight of the project is a community celebration where students and families come together to showcase their work. Ideas for the event include:
 By giving each child ownership of their parcel and involving families in the process, this 3D community model project becomes a rich learning experience. It teaches children about the functions of communities, encourages collaboration, and bridges the gap between home and school. With teamwork, creativity, and celebration, your class can create something truly special! Related Posts
Guided reading is a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction, and incorporating seasonal themes can add a touch of magic to your lessons. Winter provides a wealth of opportunities to engage students with relatable content while helping them grow as readers. In this post, we'll explore strategies for implementing guided reading using novel studies and winter themes to captivate your primary students and boost their literacy skills.  Selecting Winter-Themed TextsChoosing the right texts is the foundation of successful guided reading. Consider selecting books that feature winter settings or themes to create a sense of connection and excitement. Picture Books: For early readers, winter-themed picture books like "Owl At Home" by Arnold Lobelor provide rich illustrations and simple text perfect for group discussions. Short Chapter Books: For more advanced readers, books like "Emma's Magic Winter" by Jean Little or "The Kids In Ms Coleman's Class - Snow War" by Ann M. Martin can offer more depth and complexity while maintaining a seasonal theme. Using guided reading studies helps to adapt discussions and activities for winter topics, incorporating the themes into vocabulary and comprehension exercises.  Pre-Reading ActivitiesSet the stage for success with pre-reading activities that build background knowledge and excitement. Winter Word Wall: Create a word wall with winter-themed vocabulary. Encourage students to make predictions about the text using these words. Picture Walk: If using picture books, take a "picture walk" through the book—previewing illustrations and discussing what might happen in the story. Sensory Exploration: Bring in winter-related items like mittens, scarves, or even a bowl of snow (if feasible) to spark curiosity and connect students to the setting.  Guided Reading SessionsDuring guided reading, focus on key literacy skills while leveraging the winter theme to keep students engaged. Comprehension Questions: Tailor questions to reflect the seasonal content. For example, ask, "How does the character stay warm in the story?" or "What challenges do they face because of the snow?" Vocabulary Work: Highlight winter-specific words and discuss their meanings. Encourage students to use these words in their responses. Fluency Practice: Have students take turns reading aloud passages that describe winter scenes, focusing on expression and pacing.  Post-Reading ActivitiesExtend learning with engaging post-reading activities that tie in with the winter theme. Descriptive Writing: Have students write about a favorite scene from the book. Encourage them to include sensory details like what the snow feels like or how a warm fire smells. Creative Projects: Have students draw their interpretation of a key winter scene from the book or create a diorama to represent the setting. Discussion Circles: Facilitate a group discussion about the story’s themes and how the characters adapt to winter challenges.  Integrating Centers with Guided Reading ThemesUse your winter-themed guided reading texts as a springboard for literacy centers. Vocabulary Center: Provide word cards from the story and have students match them with definitions or use them in sentences. Writing Center: Encourage students to write alternate endings or sequels to the story. Comprehension Center: Create a matching game with questions and answers based on the text’s content. Tips for Managing Guided Reading GroupsBalancing multiple groups in guided reading can be challenging. Here are some tips to streamline the process: Plan Rotations: Create a clear schedule for group rotations and ensure independent activities are meaningful and self-explanatory. Use Visual Aids: Post visual instructions for each center to minimize interruptions. Check-In Time: Schedule brief one-on-one check-ins with students to assess their progress and provide feedback.  By incorporating winter themes into your guided reading sessions, you can make literacy instruction both meaningful and memorable. Using seasonal texts, creative activities, and guided reading novel studies, you’ll create a rich learning experience that students will enjoy and remember.  Related Posts
We all know how important it is to teach sight words — those high-frequency words that pop up constantly in texts. Being able to recognize them instantly makes a huge difference in reading fluency. Sight words don’t always follow regular phonetic rules, so sounding them out can be tricky for beginners. Although high frequency sight words are key to developing reading fluency, practicing them can get repetitive and kids can lose interest in studying them.  Why It’s So Important to Teach Sight WordsSight words are everywhere in the texts we read, and being able to recognize them on sight allows students to read smoothly without getting bogged down by decoding. This fluency frees up their minds to focus on the story and meaning, which is the real goal of reading. By making sight word practice fun and seasonal, we’re not only building reading fluency but also helping kids see reading as something enjoyable and achievable. That confidence boost goes a long way!  Why Small Groups Matter for Sight Word MasteryLet's face it, not everyone is ready to learn the same things at the same time. The wide range of abilities and readiness in classes these days makes small group instruction necessary if we want our students to be successful in their learning. Small group instruction lets you tailor sight word activities to individual students’ needs, providing ample practice with the support of the teacher and peers. Small groups also create a safe space where they feel more comfortable participating, making mistakes, and trying new strategies for learning. While they play sight word games, you can provide real-time feedback, correct misconceptions, and offer hints to guide them towards the correct answer. This also helps them practice self-correction—a valuable skill in reading development.  Small Group Games: Making Practice Fun and InteractiveGames naturally engage kids and make repetitive practice feel fresh and exciting. Sight word games can be customized to target the specific sight words each child needs to practice. Small group games allow children to participate actively, supporting each other and benefiting from guided feedback. Here are some different games and activities that can engage them and keep them learning.  Sight Word Bingo with Various ThemesBingo is a classroom classic, and switching things up with various themes can keep it feeling fresh. I use 220 High-Frequency Sight Words Bingo Cards and 95 Common Nouns Sight Word Bingo Cards and add in different themed cards that I’ve created. The kids love it! They stay engaged while practicing those essential sight words that will help them read more fluidly. I’m not changing the words, just the visuals, so the game feels new without needing extra prep time. Plus, as they recognize these words faster, their reading confidence grows, and they’re better prepared to tackle new texts independently.  Memory Match With a TwistMemory Match is another simple game that’s great for reinforcing sight words in small groups. I just switch up the images to match the time of year or theme—pumpkin pie cards in the fall, winter sports, valentines or groundhogs in February, animals, planets, etc. The words stay consistent, but the themed visuals keep the kids’ attention. They’re practicing the same high-frequency words over and over in a way that feels new. This consistency is what helps them recognize these words instantly, which really pays off when they encounter them in books or lessons. I make 2 sets of the words to play the match game and choose different sets of words to practice based on the needs of the students.  Pairing Sight Words with Actions: Kinesthetic LearningFor students who benefit from movement, adding physical activity to sight word practice can help solidify word recognition. Sight Word Hopscotch Tape or write sight words on the floor, creating a hopscotch path. As students hop through, they read each word aloud. This game can be adapted for different sight word lists, whether focusing on high-frequency words or common nouns. It's a fantastic way to incorporate a movement break while practicing reading skills. Swat the Word for Extra Movement For those high-energy days, try Swat The Word. Spread themed sight word cards on the table or wall, hand out flyswatters, and call out words for the kids to “swat.” Whether they’re swatting groundhogs in February or sports in May, they’re practicing those sight words without even realizing it. It’s hands-on, keeps them engaged, and gives them a break from sitting still while they focus on their sight words.  Why Themed Sight Word Practice WorksKeeping the same set of words while switching up visuals works wonders. The new visuals keep it fresh, and kids build that solid sight word base without getting bored. Each time they see those words with different images, it reinforces their recognition—plus, they get to try out a new theme. If you’re looking to keep sight word practice fun and effective all year, I have a bunch of themed resources in my store’s sight word category. Here's a sampler of my construction kids sight word games for you to try out. You can check out the full set here.   Whether you’re trying out Sight Word Bingo or playing Hopscotch in the classroom, the goal is to create a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence and fluency with sight words. With the right tools and activities, sight word recognition becomes less of a challenge and more of an adventure! Here’s to helping our students become confident readers! 🎉 Related Posts
Glyphs are a fun and creative way to collect data in the classroom while engaging students in math and critical thinking. They allow students to visually represent information about themselves or a specific topic, then use these representations for data analysis, comparison, and graphing. If you’re looking for an interactive, hands-on approach to teaching data collection and interpretation, glyphs are a fantastic option.  What Is a Glyph?A glyph is a simple picture or symbol that students create by following a set of directions based on their personal preferences, experiences, or answers to specific questions. Each aspect of the glyph represents different data points. For example, in a pumpkin glyph, a student’s choice of pumpkin shape, stem color, or facial expression may reflect their preferences for different topics, their favorite activities, characteristics, or even survey results about the class.  Collecting Data with GlyphsData collection with glyphs is both straightforward and engaging. Begin by designing a set of questions or prompts, where each student’s answer corresponds to a part of the glyph. For example, in my 'Pumpkin Glyphs resource, students might choose different colored stems to represent if they are left or right handed or different shaped eyes based on the color of their eyes. The result is a unique pumpkin glyph for each student, where each detail represents a piece of information about them. This process turns a typical survey into a creative activity, allowing students to express themselves while generating real, usable data.  Comparing DataOnce students have completed their glyphs, you can begin comparing data across the class. Display the pumpkin glyphs on the board and have students identify similarities and differences in their glyphs based on specific criteria. For instance, students can compare how many chose the same eye shapes, indicating they share the same characteristic. This promotes discussion about similarities and differences, helping students recognize patterns and analyze group data. In a more structured comparison, you can sort the glyphs into categories. For example, in the 'Pumpkin Glyphs activity, students might group all the pumpkins with round eyes together, then count and compare them to those with triangle eyes. This visual sorting activity can easily lead into creating graphs to represent the data.  Graphing Glyph DataGlyphs naturally lend themselves to graphing activities. After comparing their glyphs, students can create bar graphs, pictographs, or tally charts to represent the data they’ve gathered. For instance, in my pumpkin-themed activity, after sorting by eye shape, students could create a bar graph showing how many students chose each type of eye. This helps students connect the abstract idea of data collection to a visual representation, reinforcing both their graphing skills and their understanding of data. You can extend the graphing activity by asking follow-up questions: "What is the most common pumpkin shape in the class?" or "How many more students chose green stems than brown?" These kinds of questions challenge students to interpret the graph and make inferences based on the data. Cross-Curricular ConnectionsGlyphs are a great tool for cross-curricular learning. While primarily a math-focused activity, glyphs can also tie into literacy and social studies. You can create glyphs based on books the class has read, social topics like traditions or holidays, or even science topics such as weather preferences. This provides a meaningful way to integrate data collection and graphing with other subjects.  Here is step by step guide and templates for using glyphs in your classroom.  This baby block glyph was a favorite of mine for student led conferences because it gave the parents and kids a chance to talk about when the kids were babies. Afterwards the class looked at the glyphs and made comparisons and connections.  Using glyphs for data collection, comparisons, and graphing is an exciting way to help students understand the power of data in a visual and engaging manner. The best part is that glyphs provide students with a hands-on, artistic way to express themselves while practicing important math skills like data sorting, comparison, and graph creation.  If you're interested in implementing glyphs in your classroom, check out my Glyphs Bundle in my Teachers Pay Teachers store to add a creative twist to your data lessons. Happy teaching! Related Posts
November 11, known as Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, is a time to remember the brave people who have fought to protect our freedom. In school, it’s important to help students understand why we honor this day and teach them about the importance of peace and kindness. It’s also important to make sure all students, including those who may have come to our country as refugees, feel safe and included during these conversations.  Why we rememberOn Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, we often think about the soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, which happened many years ago. But it’s important for students to know that wars are still happening around the world today, and people are still fighting to protect freedom. There are soldiers right now who are working to keep people safe, and there are families who have left their homes because of war. This is why we remember—not just for the past, but for the present and the future, too. Talking about these ideas can be difficult for students, especially those who may have experienced war or had to leave their home countries as refugees. It’s important to create a classroom environment where all students feel cared for and supported.  Classroom Activities to Celebrate Remembrance Day/Veterans DayHere are some simple and meaningful activities to help students understand the importance of November 11, while making sure everyone feels welcome. Two Minutes of Silence At 11:00 a.m., many people stay silent for two minutes to honor those who fought in wars. It’s a time to think about peace and those who help protect it. Let students know it’s okay if they feel quiet or even sad during this moment. I used to play the video A Pittance Of Time by Terry Kelly for my class that focuses on this idea.  Poppy Art The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day. Students can create their own poppy art projects using paper, markers, or paint. Explain how the poppy helps us remember soldiers who fought in wars. This can also be a good time to talk about how people are still fighting for peace today and why we need to support each other, including people who have come to our country to be safe.  Reading Stories Share simple stories about bravery, friendship, and helping others. Some stories might be about soldiers, while others could talk about kindness to people who are in need, including refugees. This helps students understand that we can all make a difference by being kind and caring toward others. Peace Doves Students can create peace doves to display in the classroom. Talk about what peace means and how we can work for peace in our own lives. Explain that welcoming people who are affected by war is one way we can show kindness and help bring peace to the world.  Writing Letters Encourage students to write letters of thanks to soldiers or veterans. You can also have students write welcome letters to refugees or new families who have joined the school, showing that they are part of the community and that everyone cares about them. Class Wreath Work together to create a class wreath using paper poppies. Each student can write a message of peace or hope on their poppy. Make sure these messages include thoughts about being kind and helping others, especially those who are new to the country or affected by war.  Talk About Peace Have a class discussion about what peace means and how we can all work toward peace. Encourage students to think of ways they can be peacemakers in school, at home, and in their communities. Talk about how helping refugees and being kind to people who are different from us is a way to spread peace.  Here is a writing page that might be helpful. Check out this blog post for how I used it. For more resources, check out my Remembrance Day/Veterans Day category in my TPT store.
For students who may have experienced war, like those who came to the country as refugees, these conversations can bring up difficult feelings. It’s important to let them know they are safe and give them space to share their feelings if they want. Showing kindness and understanding will help them feel included and valued.  By doing these activities, you’re helping students learn about the importance of remembering those who fought for freedom, while also teaching them to care for others and work toward peace. November 11 is not just a day to look back at the past, but also to think about how we can create a better future together. Related Posts
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About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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