History at key stages 1 and 2 (Year 2)

Unit 17: What are we remembering on Remembrance Day?
Section 3: Why do we have Remembrance Day?

Objectives

Children should learn:

that commemorations are linked to specific events in the past which really happened
when World War I and Armistice Day occurred
why specific symbols are associated with commemorations

Activities

Outcomes

Children:

Explain that the origins lie in World War I (1914-18). Discuss with the children how it relates in time to other famous events/people that they may have already encountered or to generations of their families.

Explain briefly that the war lasted a long time, that soldiers from countries all over the world fought in the war and many died and people were very sad. Tell the children that the soldiers saw the poppies growing in the battlefields and how they came to represent both loss and hope.

Tell the children how the Armistice (ceasefire) to end the war happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (11.00 am, 11 November, 1918) and that this was the moment the guns fell silent.

know that World War I happened a long time ago and that many soldiers from all over the world died in the war
make links between the date of the Armistice and the subsequent timing of Remembrance Day
explain why the poppy was chosen as a symbol of remembrance

Points to note

Any discussion of war and remembrance will introduce aspects of death, killing and loss. There are strong links here between history and the spiritual dimension of the curriculum. Teachers will need to consider the extent to which these issues are appropriate for the particular circumstances of their school, as well as the level of detail.

It is important to recognise the extent of involvement of soldiers and civilians from across the world in the British army in World War I, including soldiers from India, Africa and elsewhere.

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.


	1. Why are people wearing poppies this week?
	2. Who do we remember on Remembrance Day?
	3. Why do we have Remembrance Day?
	4. What happens on Remembrance Day?
	5. Why is it important to remember?