Veterans Day is a special holiday in America on November 11. It's a great time for us to teach our students about the sacrifice our service members made. It's also a time to show gratitude and get a better understanding of our military. Would you like to teach your elementary students about Veterans Day? These videos have got you covered!
1. Veterans Day Animation from BrainPOP
Can your students tell the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? And do they know America has over 20 million military veterans?
This fact-filled video from BrainPOP explains everything your students need to know about Veterans Day. It also explores the risks our service members face.
Learn more: Brain Pop
2. Nuggets of Information: Veterans Day for Kids
Bald Beagle make terrific videos for younger children.
So if you teach lower elementary, this video will be perfect.
The talking chicken nugget will teach your students what a veteran is and why they should always say thanks to our service members (and not just on Veterans Day!).
Learn more: Bald Beagle
3. Veterans Day: Thank you!
It's important to say thanks on Veterans Day, and this video shows your students why.
Students will learn key facts about veterans day, such as what a veteran is and the how our armed forces keep us safe.
The clear voiceover and well-selected images ensure your class won't lose interest.
Learn more: Scholastic
4. Our Amazing Military!
Students will learn a ton about our military history from this video.
It’s packed with fantastic clips of planes, ships, tanks and satellites.
The information is clearly presented.
There’s even a hovercraft, which your students will be crazy about!
Learn more: Clever Kids
5. Military Children
Having parents in the military can be really tough.
It means moving home every few years, often leaving friends behind.
But military life also has some upsides.
This video about life as a military kid will really resonate with your students.
Learn more: PBS News Hour
6. Soldiers Returning Home
What does every soldier want? To be reunited with family.
What does every family want? To know that their loved one is safe.
This compilation video shows the pain and joy of soldiers returning home.
It teaches students about the sacrifices our soldiers and their families make to keep us safe.
Learn more: ESPN
7. Veterans: Heroes in our Neighborhood
In this video Tristan reads 'Heroes In Our Neighborhood' by Valeria Pfundstein.
It's a beautifully written story about the people in our communities who were once in the armed forces.
Tristan's storytelling really brings this book to life.
It's great for teaching younger children about Veterans Day.
Learn more: Storytime with Tristan
8. A Veterans Day Story
The middle school students in this story aren't very interested in military history.
Veterans Day to them isn't a fun holiday like Christmas or Halloween.
But when Grandad Bud visits the school and talks about World War 2, all of the children are eager to learn more about November 11.
Learn more: Colleen Buck
9. Battleship: A Veterans Day Game
Battleship is a P.E. activity for Veterans Day. Students need to throw balls and control a moving object. To win the game they’ll need to use strategies to keep their ‘cargo’ safe from opponents.
Battleship is simple to play and it's a fun extra lesson to go along with regular Veterans Day activities.
Learn more: PE School
10. Veterans Day Musical Activity
Want to get your students up on their feet?
This beat and rhythm activity is a fantastic way to celebrate Veterans Day. Students need to march, salute and follow orders.
It’s a fun way to challenge students and teach them about our armed forces.
Learn more: Bow Tie Music
11. How to Draw a Soldier Saluting
Do your students love drawing?
With this activity they'll create a cool picture of a soldier. It takes good pen control, so is best for older elementary students. The clear instructions make it easy to follow though.
Students can celebrate November 11 and make an artwork to be proud of.
Learn more: Art for Kids Hub
12. Write a Letter to a Soldier
Do your students know how to show gratitude? Why not teach them the importance of saying thanks by writing a letter to a soldier this Veterans Day.
You can show them this middle school video for some extra inspiration. The soldiers' reactions to the letters show just how important it is to say thanks.
Learn more: USA Today
13. Soldiers Coming Home to Dogs
Do dogs miss people? Yes! And this video proves it.
Students will love to see these dogs greeting soldiers. It will teach students about the sacrifice soldiers make being away for long periods.
This video will raise a smile among students of all ages.
Learn more: The Dodo
14. Soldiers with PTSD
Chad was one of the many military veterans close to breaking point when he returned from Afghanistan. He was angry all the time and couldn't sleep.
But service dog Norman helped him turn his life around. This video is a great lesson for all students on the role service dogs have in helping our veterans.
Learn more: CBC News
15. Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred place. It's where we remember soldiers who died but were never found.
This video from CNN shows the tomb guards and their world-famous rituals. Your students will learn about the respect we show to those who died in service to America.
Learn more: CNN
16. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Behind the Scenes
Would you like to work a 24-hour shift?
Well that's exactly what guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier do.
It also takes them up to 12 hours just to prepare their uniforms.
This video teaches students about one of the most sacred places in the US military history.
Learn more: CBS
17. Women Veterans
Did you know that that there are more than 64,000 women in the US army?
This video is a tribute to our many female veterans. Use it to inform students about the important role women play in keeping our country safe.
Learn more: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
18. A Veterans Day Song for Kindergarten
If you're teaching kindergarten, you can't go wrong with The Kiboomers.
This song is a fabulous intro to Veterans Day for younger children. It teaches students how to say thank you to the soldiers who keep our country safe.
Learn more: The Kiboomers - Kids Music Channel
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