Every year on November 11th, we observe Armistice Day, a special day that reminds us to stop, reflect, and remember those who served during times of war. It’s an important day in many countries around the world, but especially in the UK, where it’s a time to honor the brave soldiers who fought for peace and freedom during World War I and in conflicts since then.
For preschoolers, Armistice Day offers an opportunity to introduce important lessons about kindness, peace, and remembering those who help others. Let's explore the history of Armistice Day, its significance, and how it can teach young children valuable life lessons.
Armistice Day marks the end of World War I, which officially ended on November 11th, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. On that day, fighting stopped, and an agreement called an "armistice" was signed between the countries involved in the war. The "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" became a symbol of peace, and ever since, November 11th has been a day of remembrance.
Today, we observe Armistice Day to honor all the soldiers who have served in the armed forces, not just from World War I, but from all conflicts. In the UK, the day is marked by a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m., during which people pause to reflect and remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect others.
Although the concept of war may be difficult for preschoolers to fully understand, Armistice Day offers many meaningful lessons that are important for young children to learn.
The Importance of Peace: At the heart of Armistice Day is the message of peace. We can explain to preschoolers that this special day is about remembering how people worked together to stop fighting and make the world a safer, kinder place. It’s a great opportunity to teach children how important it is to get along with others, share, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Kindness and Helping Others: On Armistice Day, we honor the soldiers who helped protect their country and the people they loved. Preschoolers can learn about the idea of helping others and being brave when it comes to standing up for what is right. We can talk to them about small acts of kindness they can do every day to make their world a better place, just like the soldiers did in their own way.
Gratitude and Remembrance: Even though preschoolers may not have personal connections to the soldiers who served, we can teach them about the importance of saying "thank you" and remembering people who have done something special. Armistice Day can help children understand that it’s important to be grateful to those who help keep us safe, whether it’s soldiers, teachers, doctors, or even their own family members.
Symbols of Remembrance: The Poppy: One of the key symbols of Armistice Day is the poppy flower. Poppies became a symbol of remembrance after World War I, as they were among the first flowers to grow in the battlefields of Europe. Preschoolers can learn about this bright, red flower as a symbol of hope and peace. Making paper poppies or coloring poppy pictures is a simple, hands-on activity that helps children connect with the significance of the day.
Although the history of Armistice Day is serious, there are age-appropriate ways to teach preschoolers about the meaning behind the day and celebrate its values of peace, kindness, and gratitude. Here are some activities you can do with young children to help them understand Armistice Day:
A Moment of Silence: Participating in the two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. is a meaningful way to honor Armistice Day. You can explain to preschoolers that during the silence, we are thinking about the people who helped protect others. For young children, even a shorter period of quiet reflection can help them understand the importance of taking a moment to be still and thoughtful.
Making Paper Poppies: Crafting poppies is a simple and fun way for preschoolers to engage with the symbols of Armistice Day. You can make paper poppies using red tissue paper, cupcake liners, or colored paper, and display them as a symbol of remembrance. This activity helps children express themselves creatively while learning about the significance of the poppy.
Reading Stories About Peace: Reading books that focus on themes of peace, kindness, and helping others is a great way to introduce the ideas behind Armistice Day to preschoolers. Picture books such as "The Peace Book" by Todd Parr or "What Does Peace Feel Like?" by Vladimir Radunsky can help children understand the concept of peace in simple and relatable terms.
Talking About Gratitude: Preschoolers can learn the importance of saying thank you, just as we thank soldiers and others who help make the world a better place. You can create a "thankful tree" in your classroom or home, where children can add paper leaves with things they are thankful for, helping them reflect on the good things in their lives.
Exploring Simple Acts of Kindness: Armistice Day is a great opportunity to talk to preschoolers about being kind and helping others, just like the soldiers did. You can encourage children to do small acts of kindness throughout the day, like sharing toys, helping a friend, or drawing a picture for someone. These actions reinforce the idea that even little things can make a big difference.
Armistice Day is not just a time for adults to remember the past; it’s also a valuable opportunity to teach preschoolers about important values like peace, kindness, and gratitude. By introducing these concepts in simple ways, we can help young children develop an appreciation for the sacrifices others have made and encourage them to be kind and thoughtful in their everyday lives.
As we observe Armistice Day this November 11th, let’s take the time to help preschoolers understand that even though they are small, they can make a big difference in creating a world where kindness, peace, and understanding grow—just like the poppies that bloom every year to remind us to remember.