A guide for using our resources

Students will explain the many ways that people show thanks for veterans.

Vocabulary: veterans, armed forces, message, appreciate

Social Studies Focus: Veterans Day

  1. Watch a Video:
    Thank You, Veterans!

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Thank You, Veterans!

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Make a Poster

    Skill: use visuals

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets 

    Reading Checkpoint

    Skill: key details

     

    Mystery Picture

    Skill: phonemic awareness

     

    Word Work

    Skill: vocabulary

     

  5. Lesson Boosters 

  • Paired Text: Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein

     

  • Background Builder: Question Words

     

  • Phonemic Awareness: Vowel sounds

     

  • Hands-on Activity: Have a Class Parade

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1 key details; RF.1.3 phonics and word analysis; L.1.2 standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling; L.1.6 use new vocabulary; W.1.8 write to answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein

  • Show children that veterans can be people they know in their communities. This makes the concept of what a veteran is more concrete for young children.
  • This book is a great way to introduce children to the branches of the military and to thank heroes for their service.

Background Builder: Question Words

  • Ask students to list words they hear when people ask questions. Answers should include who, what, when, where, why, and how.
  • After reading, ask a question using each of the primary question words. For example: Who was this article talking about? What could you do to thank veterans? When do we celebrate Veterans Day? Where could you go to celebrate with other people? Why is it important to celebrate this holiday?

Phonemic Awareness: Vowel Sounds

  • Review short and long vowel sounds with students.
  • Say the following words from the article. Then ask students to repeat each word, isolate the vowel sound, and share if it is a short or long vowel sound. Words from the article: brave, hug, fl ag, feel.

Hands-On Activity: Have a Class Parade

Skills: social awareness, writing/drawing

Materials: Parade Poster Template skills sheet, scissors, glue, construction paper, crayons, and Popsicle sticks

  • Let students show their thanks for veterans by designing their own posters and participating in a class parade.
  • Provide students with materials to make a parade sign, including construction paper, scissors, art materials, and a copy of the Parade Poster template. They can pick an image from the skill sheet to place in the center of their poster and color. Then have them design the rest of the poster. Students may choose to add Popsicle sticks to the back of their signs to hold them up during the parade.
  • Play marching band music or use the chant from the article as students march around the room and hold up their signs.