When it comes to Memorial Day, many kids have no idea that it means anything more than an extra day out of school. As parents and guardians, it is our job to educate them about the importance of this wonderful holiday. Memorial Day is a great time to build Patriotism in your child’s mind and to show them why our country is the greatest on earth. Below are some ideas to help them understand the importance of this National Holiday.
Activities to Teach your Child about Memorial Day
Have a History Lesson
Needless to say, a history lesson can be rather boring to young children. Considering this, make it a game instead of a lecture. Use flash fact cards, play a memory game or simply tell a unique story about a fallen soldier that they can be proud of. Regardless, it is important for them to understand that the day is about men and women that have died for our country.
Observe the Moment of Silence at 3 PM and Important Tradition
With kids, traditions are really what we make them. If we put importance on an annual event, they will do the same. Knowing this, why not adopt the national moment of silence that is observed for Memorial Day every year? Once a year at 3 pm on Memorial Day, the entire nation is supposed to observe a moment of silence in remembrance. Teach your kids to do this every year and they will grow up with respect for it.
Learn About Your Military Relatives
Have your kids write an essay or informative story about a relative that has served. This can be someone current, or someone that is far back in your lineage that passed away in service to our country. Have them research the information, or interview the relative where possible to get the important details. Then at the family gathering, the child can read their research to the rest of the family. They will take great pride in the task most of the time.
Gather for a Family Cookout
Family reunions with extended members is a very important part of your kid’s growing up. Knowing the others in their family will give them a sense of pride and it will also help them to feel like they are not alone. When you gather, make it about those that gave their service to our country within the family and celebrate their memory. Patriotic games will help to lighten the day and keep the kids entertained.
Learn a Patriotic Song Together
Singing is a wonderful way to celebrate Memorial Day. Have your kids learn a patriotic song or two and put on a concert. This will be a good time for all and your kids will feel tons of pride in their country. Singing a song can be a powerful way to connect the importance of Memorial Day.
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Rikki says
You missed a good one. If you live near a Veteran’s Cemetery, go and place flags on the grave markers of fallen soldiers. We did this with my Daughter’s American Heritage Girl’s troop last year and will do so again this year. Most groups who do this do so early in the morning, so if you want to place flags, make sure you go early. The cemetery should have flags you can use.
Brandy @ Our Thrifty Home says
This is wonderful. So many view this day as just a day off or an excuse to have a sale.
Every year we consider this a school day and we do some activity based around the meaning of this special day.
Thanks for sharing!