Last week, the JK1 students participated in a number of activities to learn about Remembrance Day. Although the students are young, it is never too early to talk about the importance of remembering those who fought for peace and freedom, especially those who paid the ultimate price.
Ms. Faris started the week by reading a book called Remembrance Day, which explained what is Remembrance Day, why we celebrate this day, as well as why we wear a poppy. Many of the concepts introduced were new but Ms. Faris had other activities planned to continue to build on this lesson.
Later during the week, before she read a second book about Remembrance Day, Ms. Faris reviewed some of the facts that was shared in the first book. Some of the students raised their hands to answer. All of them listened carefully as Ms. Faris read the new book, A Poppy Is To Remember by Heather Patterson.
After the story, Ms. Faris showed uniform pieces, a knapsack, and a flashlight that had belonged to a “real” soldier. Although the items were much too big for the students to wear properly, many of them had fun just trying them on. The most intriguing item they tried was the helmet. Many were surprised by its heaviness on their head.
Afterwards, students had an opportunity to make their own poppies out of red tissue paper and black pompoms. They could either crumple the pieces of tissue to create a 3D effect or they could glue the pieces directly on the poppy base. The completed poppies were later used to decorate the classroom door.
At other points in the week, students created more poppies using muffin liners. They also coloured paper crosses. Each of these activities slowly reminded the students about why we celebrate Remembrance Day and the meaning of the poppy.
Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, a moment of silence will be observed in the entire school. Students will hear the playing of the “Last Post” over the school PA system, and they will all be wearing poppies. Through the inclusion of some of these activities in their week, we hope that our JK1 class will participate with a certain level of understanding and continue to build on their appreciation for Remembrance Day.