Memorial Day is a short, meaningful time to help young children learn to say “thank you” and remember people who served. In early childhood settings, we keep lessons simple, respectful, and hopeful. This guide gives child care providers and directors easy ideas for a calm #MemorialDay experience with #Preschool and #Activities for #Children in your #Classroom.
Why does Memorial Day matter for young children?
Memorial Day helps children practice values that fit early learning goals:
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Respect: learning gentle, kind ways to talk about important days
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Gratitude: saying “thank you” to helpers and service members
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Community: understanding that people work together to keep others safe
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Social-emotional skills: calm reflection, empathy, and caring words
Keep the tone peaceful and focused on helpers. Avoid graphic or detailed talk about war.
How can I explain Memorial Day in a simple, sensitive way?
Children need short, honest answers.
Try this simple script:
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“Memorial Day is a day we remember people who helped our country and are not here anymore. We say thank you.”
If children ask questions, keep answers brief:
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“It is okay to feel sad or confused. Today we are focusing on remembering and being kind.”
Easy steps for teaching the idea
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Read a short picture book or a simple nonfiction page.
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Show one symbol (a small flag or a red poppy).
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Do a quiet thank-you moment (30–60 seconds max for preschool).
You can also use “some families” language:
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“Some families remember Memorial Day in different ways.”
What Memorial Day activities from ChildCareEd can I use right away?
These two ChildCareEd resources are perfect for quick planning and staff-friendly ideas:
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https://www.childcareed.com/r-00814-memorial-day-activities.html
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https://www.childcareed.com/r-00815-memorial-day-activities-for-preschoolers.html
Use them to pick 2–3 activities that fit your age group, time, and staffing.
What hands-on red, white, and blue activities work for toddlers through school-age?
Hands-on play helps children learn through doing. Choose a few activities and rotate in small groups.
Easy ideas (choose 3–5)
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Paper flags and windsocks
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Construction paper + streamers + glue.
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Practice patterns: red-white-red-white.
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Star stamping
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Use star sponges or cookie cutters with paint.
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Great for fine motor skills.
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Sensory bin (supervised)
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Dyed rice/pasta in red, white, and blue.
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Add scoops, cups, and large stars (avoid small items for toddlers).
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Parade and instruments
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Make shakers with sealed containers (taped shut).
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March calmly in a hallway or outside.
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Handprint “poppy garden”
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Red handprints for petals, green stems, and a thumbprint center.
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Make a classroom display: “We remember and say thank you.”
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Sparkle calm bottles
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Bottles with water + glitter glue (sealed tightly).
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Use as a calm-down tool during transitions.
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Thank-you notes
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Children draw pictures or dictate a short message:
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“Thank you for helping.”
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“We appreciate you.”
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Food activity reminder
If you do a snack activity (like fruit flags), follow allergies, permissions, and licensing rules—state requirements vary.
How can I involve families and the community safely and meaningfully?
Family involvement can be simple and optional. Keep it short so children don’t get overwhelmed.
Low-pressure family ideas
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Invite families to a short flag display or “thank-you wall” (20–30 minutes).
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Send home a simple take-home page:
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one book suggestion,
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one craft idea,
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one question to talk about: “Who helps our community?”
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Create a community helper board near drop-off:
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families add drawings or names of helpers (teachers, nurses, firefighters).
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If you invite a guest
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Screen the guest, follow visitor policies, and keep it brief.
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Focus on “community helpers” and “service,” not scary details.
How do I keep Memorial Day activities respectful, safe, and developmentally appropriate?
Respect and safety come first.
Quick safety and respect checklist
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Use non-toxic, washable supplies.
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Supervise sensory play and avoid choking hazards.
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Keep any quiet reflection under one minute for preschoolers.
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Offer quiet alternatives for children who feel upset.
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Avoid assuming children have a family military connection.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Making lessons too sad or detailed for young children
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Using small parts with toddlers
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Pressuring children to share personal family stories
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Planning long assemblies instead of short stations
Conclusion
Memorial Day activities can be calm, respectful, and meaningful for young children. Use a short story, simple symbols, hands-on art, and a brief thank-you moment. Keep activities optional, safe, and developmentally appropriate and invite families in simple, welcoming ways.
For staff-friendly planning support, start with these ChildCareEd resources:
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https://www.childcareed.com/r-00814-memorial-day-activities.html
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https://www.childcareed.com/r-00815-memorial-day-activities-for-preschoolers.html
Quick FAQ
Q: How long should a Memorial Day lesson be?
A: 10–20 minutes for toddlers, and up to 30–40 minutes for preschoolers with breaks.
Q: Can we send letters or pictures to service members?
A: Yes—check local organizations first and avoid sharing children’s personal information publicly.
Q: What if a family has experienced a loss?
A: Offer quiet alternatives and talk privately with the family about what’s best for their child.
Q: Where can I find more lesson plans?
A: Use ChildCareEd’s Memorial Day resources linked above for quick, organized ideas.
