A Memorial Day Remembrance at School

American flags blowing in the breeze
planted by children
in the Memory Garden,
where beloved classroom pets are buried
along with markers for deceased parents and children.

A perfect place for a school-wide
Memorial Day Remembrance.

Mike, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant,
did a wonderful job of telling children and families about
Memorial Day, which used to be called
Decoration Day.
Mike shook hands or high-fived every child.

The Aqua Roomers held the giant American flag
and led everyone in singing
“God Bless America.”
We sang school-wide favorites,
“Red,White, and Blue”
and “God Bless the USA.”

Mike joined us for snack and watching
The Singing Sergeants on YouTube.

 

Of course writing and decorating a giant thank you letter
was a perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Jennie

Unknown's avatar

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
This entry was posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

56 Responses to A Memorial Day Remembrance at School

  1. beth's avatar beth says:

    a beautiful ceremony, Jennie. so meaningful coming from mike and connected to their lives and shared with their favorite teacher, a perfect life lesson, not to be forgotten.

  2. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:

    Your memorial garden is a real treasure, Jennie. It teaches children about death, and about remembrance too.

    Best wishes, Pete.

  3. That’s great, Jennie! A great experience for all. We have to thank them who served for our freedom. Best wishes, Michael

  4. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:

    That’s a wonderful experience and such an important lesson for the children (for all of us, really), Jennie.

  5. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:

    What a perfect way to celebrate the day. Instilling a respect for those who ensured our freedom is important.

  6. I love your garden, and that Mike gives his time to explain it all to the youngest. Thank you for making this happen.

  7. A perfect way to remember those who gave so much to us.

  8. This was a memorable way to instill patriotism in young children.

  9. Hi Jennie, another wonderful Memorial Day experience for the children 🌸

  10. How very touching to see this, and how meaningful for these young children to have this experience!

  11. I just love the Aqua Roomers thank you notes!

  12. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor says:

    Your students will remember this day forever. It’s a valuable lesson for children to learn about the origins of Memorial Day. Good on Mike for being an important part of the day.

  13. This is such a wonderful tradition you have with your Aqua Roomers, Jennie.

  14. It’s very touching to think about this little remembrance festival held by small children with big hearts. Thank you, Jennie, for letting us be part of it too. Hugs.

  15. dgkaye's avatar dgkaye says:

    So beautiful Jennie. It’s important to teach them. 💜

  16. Ally Bean's avatar Ally Bean says:

    Lovely way to teach respect for those who serve in the military.

  17. Great post for Memorial Day!

  18. L. Marie's avatar L. Marie says:

    I love that the children learn how to honor vets at a young age!

  19. What a lovely post, Jennie. How wonderful that your kids are learning about the true meaning of Memorial Day. You’re amazing.

  20. Ken Jackson's avatar Ken Jackson says:

    What a perfect setting for the children to experience the freedom of play, made possible by those who have sacrificed.

  21. Carla's avatar Carla says:

    We say “Lest We Forget” but you help that to happen, Jennie. What a great ceremony to teach your students about the price of freedom and remembering those heroes.

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