As the holidays gear up, your preschoolers are probably focused on turkeys, trees and presents. However, it's important to honor another day that happens before the holidays arrive: Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, and it's an important day to honor all active and retired military people. Preschool directors and teachers can introduce this holiday to students in a variety of meaningful ways in the week leading up to it.
Discuss the U.S. military branches: Most kids recognize a soldier dressed in uniform, but they likely don't know about the different types of military branches. Discuss the five main U.S. military groups and how they are different: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
Talk about veterans: Who is a veteran? Students probably cross paths with a veteran every day and don't know it. It could be a teacher, the bus driver, your neighbor or even your family. Ask kids if they know anyone who is or was in the military and have them share with the group.
Candy drive: Veterans Day falls within weeks of Halloween, so it can be meaningful to host a candy drive and donate what's raised to deployed troops. Organizations like Soldiers' Angels collect candy and send to service members around the world to brighten their day and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Special guest: If you know a student's parent was in the military, ask if they would come in for a short discussion with the class. Have them discuss their military job in an age-appropriate way and then lead the group in discussing the sacrifices soldiers make to protect our freedoms, such as not being home for holidays.
Color pictures for troops: They may not be able to write letters, but preschoolers can lift the spirits of veterans by coloring pictures and donating them to Operation Gratitude. Talk about how these pictures will help make veterans smile, especially those who aren't home to celebrate the holidays. Remember to add the child's first name only and age to give context to the picture.
Have a flag scavenger hunt: If your preschool is in a town, you might plan a walk to find all the local American flags. There is probably one at the school, city hall, the library and even some stores. If you're not located in an area where this is possible, get some small American flags at the dollar store and place them throughout the school for your scavenger hunt.
Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, and it's an important day to honor all active and retired military people. Preschool directors and teachers can introduce this holiday to students in a variety of meaningful ways in the week leading up to it.