Children love holidays. They provide a rhythm to the calendar year and a concrete way of marking the passing of time. Even less well-known holidays like Read Across America Day (March 2) or National Donut Day (June 2) can be an opportunity to celebrate with your family. There are also more serious holidays that can help kids learn about the history of the country they live in, such as Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to share the meaning of this day with your children. Here are a few ideas for helping your child feel connected to those who serve in the military.
1. Connect Memorial Day to Your Family
In many communities, Memorial Day signals the end of school, the opening of pools, and the beginning of summer. Although these are fun milestones, the deeper meaning of Memorial Day is important to share with children. If you have any veterans in your family, Memorial Day is a great day to take out their service photos, if they have passed, or ask them about their service, if they are still with us.
2. Honor the Armed Forces on Memorial Day
Towns and cities across the U.S. often have Memorial Day celebrations, parades, or activities to honor the armed forces. Take time to participate in some of these activities in your community. Your little one can lay a wreath on a soldier’s memorial or help decorate your lawn with American flags. While you’re engaged in these activities, it’s helpful to explain the concept of the military. Keep things simple for kids under the age of 6. You can describe military personnel as being “like policemen who serve the whole U.S.A., not just our town.”
3. Make it a Musical Memorial Day
There are so many patriotic songs that kids love to sing. They may have learned some of these songs in their preschool music class, but you can also introduce them to a few new songs as well. “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “America The Beautiful,” or the National Anthem are all good options.
4. Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue
Although young children may have seen the flag displayed, they may not know its meaning. Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity to share the story of Betsy Ross and explain the meaning of the colors, stars, and stripes on the flag. While you’re telling them about the flag, you can make a delicious snack that looks like the Stars and Stripes! Gather up graham crackers, sweetened cream cheese, blueberries, and cut strawberries. Have your children decorate their crackers to look like the American flag.
Choose A Preschool That Celebrates With Your Child
The Gardner School celebrates developmental milestones, individual accomplishments, and national holidays with your little ones. The act of marking a special day is an important way for kids to feel connected to their communities. Contact us to learn more, or check out our virtual tours on our website for The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll quickly see why parents choose The Gardner School to help build resilient, compassionate, and engaged young learners.