Remembrance Day is marked on the 11th of November every year in the UK and other countries, a day to remember those in the armed forces who have been lost in the line of duty. It comes from the end of the First World War, where the armistice was signed on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”.
Introducing young children to Remembrance Day in an age-appropriate way helps foster an understanding of the world, empathy, and respect. Below are some thoughtful and creative Remembrance Day activities for EYFS that promote learning, reflection, and creativity while aligning with EYFS Areas of Development.
Blossoms Recommended Remembrance Day Activities for Early Years:
1. a. Poppy Crafts
Teach children about the symbolism of the poppy by creating poppy crafts. Using red tissue paper, paint, or coloured card, children can create poppy flowers to take home. You can also use this opportunity to explain the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, though this is better done with the older children as the really little ones won’t understand.
This activity supports fine motor skills and creativity while gently introducing the concept of remembrance.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Expressive Arts and Design (Creating with Materials)
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
- Understanding the World (Past and Present)
1. b. Loose Part Poppies
Children can develop their understanding of the poppy through loose parts play. Provide a range of red and green coloured loose parts such as buttons, pom poms, lollipop sticks, red and green milk bottle tops and Duplo blocks for the children to use.
Encourage them to make poppies with the loose parts – stem, petals and a differently-coloured centre (technically made of the ‘ovary’ and ‘stamens’, but don’t expect kids to learn that!). This activity will encourage the children to use their imagination, and to encourage collaboration you could also make a larger poppy together in groups.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills)
- Understanding the World (The Natural World)
- Personal Social and Emotional Development (Building Relationships)
3. Story Time and Discussion
Read a simplified, gentle book or poem about peace. Books like Can You Say Peace? or stories about courage and bravery can help introduce these themes.
After reading, encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, building language and comprehension skills while also discussing the importance of remembering.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Literacy (Comprehension, Word Reading)
- Communication and Language (Listening, Attention and Understanding)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Managing Self)
4. Create a Remembrance Garden
Set up a small remembrance garden or space in your classroom or outdoor area where children can place their handmade poppies or other symbols of remembrance, working together with others to make sure everyone’s work gets some space.
This activity allows children to create something meaningful, and it provides a visual representation of their learning and reflections.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Understanding the World (Past and Present)
- Expressive Arts and Design (Being Imaginative and Expressive)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (Building Relationships)
5. Simple Remembrance Songs
Teach children a simple song about peace or togetherness, which ties into the themes of Remembrance Day while also being a good theme to teach children generally.
Songs with actions or gentle melodies can help young children participate in and remember these important messages if repeated beyond Remembrance Day, while also developing their rhythm and language skills.
EYFS Areas of Learning and Development:
- Communication and Language (Listening, Attention and Understanding, Speaking)
- Expressive Arts and Design (Being Imaginative and Expressive)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (People, Culture and Communities)
Learning about Remembrance Day by incorporating Remembrance Day activities for EYFS into the surrounding weeks is a thoughtful way to develop young children’s Understanding of the World.
From creating poppy crafts to simple reflections and story time, these activities help foster a deeper understanding of important values while supporting across areas of the EYFS like creativity, language, and emotional growth and more.
