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Every year, on November 11, schools pause for a moment of silence. The bells stop ringing, voices go quiet, and even the youngest students sense that this is a moment to think about something important. In Canada, we have the day off so that families can attend ceremonies at the cenotaph or watch them on television. For primary children, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day can be hard to understand. They might not know what “war” really means or why we wear poppies. That’s why it’s so important to take time to talk about why we remember in ways that make sense to them.  Explaining the Meaning of November 11You don’t need to go into the heavy details of history to help children understand. For young kids, it’s enough to say that many years ago, people worked very hard to keep our countries safe and free. November 11 is a day when we take time to thank those who helped give us freedom and peace during times of conflict. You can compare it to saying thank you to firefighters or doctors, people who help others. Soldiers, nurses, and helpers in war did the same, often far away from home. If your students have family members in the military or who came as refugees, it’s also a time to honor their experiences. Talking about peace, kindness, and freedom can include many different stories.  Helping Children Understand FreedomNow, when I see the news about wars happening in other parts of the world, I think about the children and families living through those experiences. It makes me even more aware of how lucky we are to live in a place where we have the freedom to go to school, play, learn, and speak our minds. And it reminds me why we take time to pause and reflect on November 11: to honor those who have worked to protect that freedom, both long ago and today. Some children may already see pictures or hear discussions about conflicts in other parts of the world. This is a good chance to help them recognize what freedom means and why it’s so important to care for and protect it through kindness and respect for others.  Simple and Respectful Classroom ActivitiesHere are some gentle ways to help your students reflect and show appreciation:
 Reflecting on Peace TodayTalking about wars from long ago also gives an opportunity to discuss peace in our own lives. Some families in your class may have come from places where conflict still exists. Focusing on hope, gratitude, and kindness helps all children feel included and safe. Even young kids can learn that remembrance isn’t just about the past, it’s about making choices today that show respect, care, and peace in everyday life.  More Activities To Extend LearningVideos can be a powerful way to bring these concepts to life for young children. A Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly: This short, memorable song shows children why even a brief moment of silence is meaningful. After watching, ask:
After watching the videos, students can create simple reflections, drawings, short writings, or a “Kindness Pledge” to make the ideas concrete and personal.  This is a writing prompt that I used in my classroom each year to allow students to reflect on what peace meant to them. It is a page from my resource Remembrance Day/Veterans Day Activities.  Resources for Your ClassroomIf you’d like more ready-to-use poems, writing templates, and activities, I’ve shared several resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Check out my Remembrance Day/Veterans Day category.    Related Posts Comments are closed.
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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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