Aberfoyle Remembrance Day Assembly

Teaching young children about death and dying without creating nightmares can be a tricky subject to introduce. At the same time, you cannot change what happened 101 years ago on Nov. 11th. This curriculum topic for school children is discussed every year at Aberfoyle School when making poppy wreaths to lay at the pretend cenotaph in the gymnasium.

This past Monday was no different as the subject of Remembrance Day was demonstrated by watching a video about fallen soldiers, listening to singing by the primary choir, standing while listening to a bugle play, paying our respects with a minute of silence, listening to a reading of the poem of Flanders Fields and watching a drama presentation about getting along with others. Most importantly learning about why all of these events are pertinent to every Canadian young and old.

In my teaching career I always wonder:

What do children take away from a presentation?

Was the content just right or too much?

Has the level of his/her understanding increased?

So to satisfy my curiosity I interviewed several children of a variety of ages. Some of their answers were insightful.

I will again let you be the judge.

My question: What does Remembrance Day mean to you? (FYI-no help from adults was given)

Jk Betty:

because the soldiers died
it’s sad

Gr. 1 Charlotte:

to remember people who was in the war
to think of people you loved who didn’t come back from the war

Gr. 1. Gavin:

to be peaceful
to be patient

Gr. 2. Henry:

to remember the soldiers who died in the war

Gr. 3 Lily:

-to remember the people who died and to not forget
-give hope to people who lived

Gr. 4 Guntas:

-it’s to remember what happened in WW1 and WW2
-to remember the people who fought for our country and to support people who survived the war

Gr. 5 Cailin:

to remember the people who died and fought for our country in the war

Gr. 6 Pradnesh:

to honour soldiers/veterans who fought for our freedom that we have today
to make sure we give them respect because our lives would be very different today if they had not fought for us

Congratulations to all the teachers and parents who continue to have these difficult conversations.

by Margaret Hauwert

Part of the choir singing “The Call” by Regina Spektor