Memorial Day Read Alouds
A Day for Rememberin' by Leah Henderson
Based on a true event, a moving story of the first Memorial Day through the eyes of a young boy. Eli and his family joined the crowds with flowers, crosses and wreaths as they marched and sang together in honor of those who lost their lives fighting during the Civil War. This story shines a light on the history of the important holiday and reminds us to honor those who put their lives on their line for the country.
The Wall by Eve Bunting
A story of a boy visiting the Vietnam memorial wall in Washington, D.C and seeing the 58,000 names written on the wall. As the boy is visiting he meets a wheel-chair bound Veteran and has many questions. The boy and his father remember and honor veterans and those who have lost their lives while the boy learns with his curios questions. A great read for Memorial day and to explore children's curiosities about Memorial day and American Service members. A great story for children 5 and up.
Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld
Learn more about the guards at Arlington National cemetery who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with 21 steps. These guards keep vigil at all times to honor and remember America's fallen. Making sure the solders who have made the ultimate sacrificer are never alone no matter what type of weather, time of day, or event is happening in the world. Their standard is perfection for all 21 steps, every turn, and in every moment. Read the sobering tale of how the unnamed men came to Arlington and how their fellow soldiers keep visual.
The White Table by Margot Raven
The White table is a story of remembrance to service members fallen, missing or held captive in the line of duty. The White Table takes place in many mess halls as a table that no one will ever sit. A tale of a family setting a white table for dinner to honor their Uncle John and the significance of each item placed at the table tells the story of the White Table. The white table helps to bring a true understanding and appreciation and appreciation of the sacrifice members of the Armed Forces and their families may give. Read this beautifully told and illustrated story to learn more about this way to honor fallen heroes.
Memorial Day Activities
Patriotic Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are a great way to have younger students in Preschool through 1st/2nd grade to work on fine motor skills, sensory integration, and provide sensory space for exploring, discovery and growth. This patriotic sensory bin is a great bit of fun for students to practice their CVC words and early literacy skills while having sensory time. Get yours here!
Video Field Trips and Information
A great way to engage kids who may not know much about the Vietnam War Memorial or Memorial day is through videos and virtual field trips. Below are links to an informational Memorial day video and a virtual field trip to the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Vietnam War Memorial Wall Virtual Trip - Click Here!
Memorial Day Video- Click Here!
Stars and Stripes I Spy
I Spy is great fun for students but also a way to practice counting and one to one correspondence.This is themed with patriotic symbols and fun summer pictures to celebrate the unoffical start of summer. Get yours here!
Memorial Day Research File Folder Report
Want to have students learn more about Memorial Day and it's history? Look no further! This is the activity for you. Included in this product is three QR codes and links to student ready articles and videos to learn more about Memorial Day, note sheets and templates for the file folder report and directions of how to assemble the report. This is a fun way to learn more and share information students have learned in a non-traditional file folder form. Get yours here!
These are only a few fun activities. Enjoy doing fun activities with your children and students. Happy Unofficial Start of summer! Next week well talk about my June favorites! See you next week!
Comments