When I think about Memorial Day I often think about a day off work, cookouts, time with family and friends, and summer time is coming. Memorial Day is a day off for me however its meaning is much more important than that. I think that Memorial Day is day to remind us about why we live in the USA. I live here to have all the freedoms I can, but I wouldn’t be here without the help of others. I think it is important to remember all the men and women who stand up for us around the world. It is important to remember those who are still alive and those who aren’t. I don’t come from a big military family background but I married a ten year veteran of the Navy. Being married to a veteran has changed my views of the military and I am very proud to call him my husband, but more so one who has fought for our freedoms and life here.
I do try to address the importance of Memorial Day with my students. As we discuss its importance we also read books about our flag and our country. Some students are open to talking about their family members who have served in such branches as the Coast Guard, National Guard, and Army. In the past we have collected items to send overseas for the troops there. Sometimes it is hard for six and seven year olds to make such a connection to a very adult topic. Through class discussions sometimes the students will realize they want to be in the military when they get older.
Great ideas for addressing Memorial Day in the classroom. It's a challenge to address abstract ideas with young children, and we also have to approach topics such as the death of soldiers carefully.
ReplyDeleteI need to become more involved in discussing holidays, such as Memorial Day, with my students. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with everything else, I feel that my students aren't getting all of the knowledge they should be getting. I like how you read books about the flag and our country to help them understand the importance of it as well.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Sneads Ferry, NC which backs up to Camp Lejeune. Living there and having students with parents in the military gave me a true perspective on what the children of military parents go through when their parents are deployed. The children are very aware of the sacrifice that their parents are willing to make for the freedom of this country. They keep up with the news and have a very realistic view of current events, because those events can change their lives forever if a loved one is lost. God bless our military and God bless their children!
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