A guide for using our resources

Children explore various ways to celebrate Veterans Day.

Vocabulary: veterans, celebrate, parade

Social Studies Focus: Veterans Day

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RL.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 understand phonemes; RF.1.3 decode words; W.1.8 writing; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• You can sing along to this book as you admire the beautiful illustrations and learn about this national holiday.

• Tell students that sometimes two consonants can come together to make one sound. Use magnet letters or sticky notes to show letters t and h coming together. Have students practice making the sound /th/. Practice saying the sound in familiar words such as Thursday and thirsty. Then ask students to find words that begin with th- in the issue. They can circle them. Then repeat the activity with another digraph. Have students hunt for the two words in the issue that begin with the /ph/ sound.

Skill: writing, social awareness

Materials: Build a Letter skill sheets, pencils, scissors, glue, construction paper, large envelope, stamps

• Students will write a thank-you note to a veteran while identifying all the parts of a letter!
• Provide each student with a Build a Letter skill sheet. Review each part of a letter and give students scissors and construction paper.
• Have them cut out each section and arrange them to make a letter. Students can refer to the back page of their issue for a reminder of where each section goes!
• Review students’ work and then allow students to glue their sections onto the construction paper. Then they can fill in each section with their message to a veteran. Have students write their first name only in the signature box!
• Let students decorate the border of their letter. Please avoid using glitter.
• Last, collect letters into a large envelope. Include your school’s contact information. Address the envelope and ship to:
  • Operation Gratitude
  • 21100 Lassen St.
  • Chatsworth, CA 91311-4278