Children
create a Memorial Day word web and use it to create a poem about
Memorial Day.
What
You Need
writing paper
and pencils
poster paper
crayons and
markers
What to Do
Hold a
discussion about the meaning of Memorial Day and why we
observe the holiday in the United States. Explain that this
is a special day set aside for all Americans to remember the
people who have died in wars. Originally, the holiday was
called Decoration Day because people decorated the graves of
soldiers who died in the Civil War with flags and flowers.
Today communities across the nation hold parades and lay
wreaths on monuments to those people who died in different
wars. People remember the bravery of those soldiers who died
fighting for their country.
Have children work in pairs making a word web of ideas
related to Memorial Day.
They can review
the words in the web and underline the best words for their
poems.
Have children
write the first draft and share it with their partner.
Then they can
revise their poems, making suggested changes and checking
spelling and punctuation. Remind children that poems can be
powerful if they use colorful words, or if they have
interesting sounds or rhymes.
Have children
reprint the final draft of the poem neatly on poster paper
and illustrate it.
Teaching Options
After the
brainstorming session, some children may want to describe
orally what Memorial Day means to them.
If there are
parents or other members of the community who have served in
the armed services, invite them to come and speak to the
children about the meaning of Memorial Day. Children can
write questions before the guests arrive. Encourage the
guests to answer children's questions.
You may want to
invite other classes to come and hear the children's poems.
Teach children songs related to the Civil War such as
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and "The
Battle Hymn of the Republic" as part of the program
they share with other classes.
What
You Need
