Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. In addition to being the unofficial start of summer, it's a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. This patriotic holiday is also a wonderful reason to introduce preschoolers to basic history and integrate USA themes into the curriculum.
Here are 10 Memorial Day activity ideas for preschoolers:
Pictures and letters to soldiers: Have preschoolers write thank-you notes and color pictures for soldiers to show their appreciation. Organizations like A Million Thanks are able to use those letters to brighten the day of active and retired military people.
Songs: Look online for Memorial Day and other patriotic songs and integrate them into music time. The Memorial Day Flag Song for Kids by The Kiboomers is a great example and it's easy for preschoolers to sing along during the thank-you's.
USA wreath: Use a paper plate with the center cut out as the foundation of the wreath. Then have kids use foam stars in red, white and blue to decorate. Once dry, add a string so parents can hang proudly at home.
Patriotic patterns: Learning patterns is a key skill for preschoolers, so have fun by transforming learning time with some red, white and blue items for kids to manipulate. If you don't have items of these colors on hand, use poker chips as they typically are these colors.
Room decor: Give your classroom a patriotic makeover that can be enjoyed through the Fourth of July or longer! A great classroom activity for this is to make red, white and blue paper chains. Everyone can help and feel good about being part of a team.
Story time: Look for age-appropriate books about basic American history to read at story time. You might even select a book on a specific historical figure like George Washington or Abe Lincoln.
Flags: Create cute American flags by painting wooden craft sticks red and white. Once dry, glue to a base craft stick, leaving a handle. Then add a blue square with white crayon dots in the corner to complete the flag. Glued To My Crafts offers simple directions for this fun activity.
Memorial Day parade: Many communities have parades Memorial Day weekend. Classes can have a mini parade by using the flags students created and playing music while walking around the room or through the hallways at school.
Healthy snack: Pull a little patriotism into snack time with a healthy treat. Scoop vanilla yogurt into bowls and then top with sliced strawberries and blueberries. The red, white and blue colors are as pretty as they are delicious!
Patriotic sensory table: Dye white rice red and blue at home. Once dry, bring in red, white and blue rice and add to the sensory table at school. Include plastic star beads as well as scoops and cups so kids can play and enjoy.
Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. In addition to being the unofficial start of summer, it's a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.