Veterans Day Lesson Ideas for Elementary and Middle School

Armistice Day or Veterans Day Lesson Ideas

When is Veterans Day? In the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day (also known as Armistice Day) on November 11. You probably know a war veteran:  a school teacher, a principal, a grandparent, a cousin, or a member of your church. Just ask! Often, when we think of Veterans, we think of historical wars and senior citizens, but there are many young war veterans these days. We hope you'll try some of these Veterans Day lesson ideas and then go out into your community and thank a war veteran.

Scroll down for Veterans Day Videos for Middle School and a fun song for preschoolers!

What can you do to teach about and help celebrate Veterans Day? Educate and engage with a history lesson or simply thank a Veteran. You can do both, when you combine a Veterans Day history lesson with a letter writing campaign. We found some awesome, editable letter to soldiers and thank you card templates for elementary at TeacherSherpa.com.

Hop over to TeacherSherpa to find printable Veterans Day games and activities to add to your lesson plans.

Get more Veterans Day Printables or printable Letters to Soldiers that will work for Middle Schoolers too.

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Hey kids, did you know War Veterans are men and women who served in any branch of the military including the National Guard? You may know a veteran who served in one of these wars:

World War 1
World War 2
Vietnam
Korean
Iraq
Afghanistan

Called Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include American veterans of all wars. On November 11, we honor the wartime service of men and women in all branches of the armed forces.

Here's a quick video that gives a great explanation on the history of Veterans Day.

Brainpop has a nice video about the armed forces.

Check out PBS for Veterans Day Lesson Plans for all ages.

Veterans Day activities for middle school (grade 6-8.)

Veterans Day Videos for Middle School

Middle School Veterans Day video from Scholastics.


War Videos from Crash Course in US HISTORY:

World War 2



Korea and Vietnam



Iraq



Here's another video and activities about Vietnam from Brainpop.


This cute song from Kiboomers is fun for preschoolers.




Fun Fact:

Veterans Day is not Veteran's Day because it is not a day owned by Veterans. If it were a day owned by all Vets, it would be called Veterans' Day. Veterans Day is a day to celebrate Veterans. Yep, I've been messing that up for years, and I know the rule. Childrens' not Children's -  Child's not Childs' - Kids' not Kid's.

In fact, this blog was originally titled 'A Kid's Creative Chaos' then I dropped the 'A' and kept the logo, 'Kid's Creative Chaos.' It took me years to realize my error. Humiliating. In my head, it was still one kid's creative chaos (my son's.) Now, I just incorrectly call it 'Kids Creative Chaos' because it looks better.  Sigh. The more you know, the more you realize you don't know.


Recommended:

Veterans Day Crafts and Decor

Community Service Projects


Follow us on Pinterest for more lesson ideas for homeschoolers and elementary.

Fun Patriotic Party Ideas and Activities

Red, White, and Blue Party Decor for Fourth of July

Red, white, and blue decorations make these fun patriotic party ideas and activities special! If you are looking for simple party decor for an indoor or outdoor party, these star spangled holiday decorations fit the bill. We found gorgeous Fourth of July bunting and more from Oriental Trading. Read on for ideas and activities for a patriotic theme party that works for birthdays, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Labor Day, or Independence Day celebrations and backyard barbecues. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links and was sponsored by OTC.

Oriental Trading gave us our choice of products for review for this party post. The kids have summer birthdays just before and after the Fourth of July. American flag theme decor decorates our rustic country living and dining room, so these items are a welcome compliment to the decor. With the great prices at OTC, you will be ready to celebrate a party or backyard barbecue without breaking your budget.

Have the Best Patriotic Party with these Ideas from Oriental Trading

What says Independence Day more than red, white, and blue bunting? Okay, fireworks do, but the second best answer is definitely bunting. We found several kinds of bunting for decorating for a patriotic party. Below, the flag bunting is durable and outdoor friendly. Tie knots every few feet to give it and old-fashioned flair.

Outdoor red, white, and blue bunting for Fourth of July party decor.

Hang bunting in a twisted swag for a simple outdoor holiday decoration.

Galvanized buckets make a festive flatware caddy.

Traditional Fourth of July bunting used as a window valance.

Rustic American flag burlap table runner.

Americana dining room with red, white, and blue holiday party decorations.

Celebrate Independence Day with Fun Activities like these:

Most Independence Day parties involve fun outdoor activities. We found patriotic inflatable pool noodles (perfect for pool jousting) and inflatable USA boxing gloves. Mayhem is ready to rumble.

Inflatables for fun Fourth of July party activities.

Fun, inflatable boxing gloves from Oriental Trading.

No outdoor party is complete without a bounce house. You can purchase small ones for the backyard from OTC or go all out with a big bouncy castle like this one from Moonwalk Madness in Plainfield, Indiana.

Recommended:

United States Homeschool Lesson

Safety Tips for Fourth of July

Patriotic Dessert for Party

Backyard Barbecue Cookbooks

Easy Independence Day Activities and Crafts from Pinterest

Red, White, and Blue Kid Kabobs

Fourth of July Craft

Outdoor Games and Activities for Independence Day

Summer Beach Theme Party

Halloween Party Ideas from Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading (affiliate)

Veterans Day Craft Ideas for Kids

When is Veterans Day?

          We get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase from an affiliate link.

Veterans Day is November 11. Looking for activities and crafts for Veterans Day? These Veterans Day Patriotic craft ideas for kids are easy to make, especially when you make traceables for preschool and elementary students. Veterans, (Yes) Veterans', (If you must) Veteran's (No.)

 

Have you heard of the Hug a Hero Project? Every town needs to start one! The non-profit organization raises money to help local heroes in need. Do you know a Veteran? How can you help?

A simple way to help, is to remember your local heroes on Veterans Day. Visit a Veterans Hospital or a local retirement community and share a hug! We made these cards to share with our local Veterans. You can also make a bunch of cards and hand them out at a Veterans Day Parade or celebration.

Make a Veterans Day Hug a Hero Card Craft Activity Middle School Elementary Preschool Homeschool.

To Make a Votive Candle to Light for a fallen Soldier, visit the local Dollar Store. Get some votive cups in patriotic colors, battery powered votives, and glitter glue. Use the glue to paint a flag onto the votive cup. We just drew some silver lines and a blue square to represent the United State's Flag. Easy Peasy! 

You can make several votives to give as gifts to families of fallen soldiers. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to remember our heroes on Veterans Day.

Recommended:

Patriotic Crafts and Games

Veterans Day Books for Kids

Patriotic Activities for Independence Day