(Ages 5-8)
Introduction
Start by asking students if they know what Remembrance Day is. Explain that every year on November 11, Canadians take time to remember and thank people who served in Canada's military. Some of these people are called Veterans.
Tell students they are going to watch a video called Who is a Veteran? They will meet Simone and Win and learn about Veterans and the different ways they served Canada.
Watch the animated video Who is a Veteran?
Ask students to listen for:
- Who Veterans are
- Some of the jobs Veterans may have done
- Why we remember Veterans on Remembrance Day
Video discussion
What did Win and Simone learn?
- How did Canadian Armed Forces members help people? Make a list of all of the jobs students remember seeing in the video.
- What do Veterans look like? Can we tell if someone is a Veteran by looking at them?
- Where do Veterans live?
Ask students how it makes them feel that Canada’s Veterans helped other countries in need.
Lead the discussion so students include personal feelings like happiness and pride as well as thankfulness.
Explain to students that Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week are about remembering the past. It is our chance to learn about the Veterans who have helped people and to thank them.
Veteran guest speakers
Explain that sometimes Veterans visit schools to share their stories. Listening to those stories is one way we can remember and say thank you.
Refer to Questions for a Veteran for guidance on brainstorming questions and discussing respectful behaviour during a Veteran visit. Adjust language and expectations for a younger audience by emphasizing kindness. Explain that some questions—such as asking if someone was hurt or had to hurt others—may make a guest speaker feel uncomfortable. Preparing a list of questions before the speaker arrives will ensure students are prepared and engaged.
Wrap-up
Remembrance Day is a special day when Canadians remember and thank Veterans. Learning about their stories helps us understand how they helped Canada and why we continue to honour them today.