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Through our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ABteachers), we asked: “How meaningful is Remembrance Day to your students?”
Tracey MacNeil: For the last few years, I have read a children’s story about Anne Frank to my Grade 2 classes. I feel it’s crucial for kids to try to understand what it might have been like living during war time, and how lucky we are to be free. My students often have deep connections to share after we read it — it's awesome!
Annette Bruised Head: We had a ceremony at our school. Three veterans came and shared prayers and stories. We incorporated our Blackfoot traditions of song and flag carrier. Our younger students performed O Canada and In Flanders Field with drums. Several students and the veterans let us know they appreciated the ceremony. Our students were respectful and we will continue to connect our strong warrior culture with the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Rose Lapointe: Had a long conversation about how we need to inform students about the definition of veteran. It’s not just someone who fought in WWI or WWII.
Patti Gagnon: It’s quite meaningful. The schools I have taught in put a great deal of effort into making it so. In the past I have had students participate in the legion contests and Postcards for Peace. It’s an important lesson in developing empathy and global awareness, not to mention that it's the right thing to do.
Charlene Daub: I try very hard to make it important to them, especially the sacrifice. It’s hard to get them past the “that looks cool” to realize it’s not. I spent two days talking about how to honour vets and what peace means.
