School’s almost out! Time for popsicles, swimming pools, and maybe even a staycation! Students are more than ready to blast off into summer break! However, there’s one more important day to teach—Memorial Day. Most students know Memorial Day as a fun three-day weekend, but this holiday holds special meaning. Memorial Day is a special day to honor some super important people. These heroes deserve a big “thank you” even during the end-of-school scramble. Thankfully, these resources for teaching Memorial Day will teach students the meaning behind the holiday and make them proud to be an American! 

Teaching Memorial Day in the Classroom

Memorial Day isn’t just a day off from school. Here in America, it’s a time to remember fallen soldiers and celebrate the freedoms they fought so hard to protect.  Learning about them in class isn’t just about memorizing dates or battles. It’s about understanding why freedom is so important.

Additionally, students can learn about how these heroes made sacrifices so we can enjoy things like summer break, backyard games, and even the fireworks shows we love!  Luckily, these amazing resources for teaching Memorial Day will teach students the true importance of such a meaningful holiday. 

Memorial Day Close Reading

The end of year is always busy in upper elementary. Students need fun and engaging lessons to keep their minds off summer vacation and still focused on school. Luckily, one of the best ways of teaching Memorial Day is with Memorial Day Close Reading Passages.

These fun reading passages and activities about Memorial Day will help students crack the code on this important day. Students will learn about the history of Memorial Day, how Americans celebrate this day, and why it’s important to remember the soldiers who died serving our country. 

Close Reading Model

At the end of year, students can get a little lazy. Sometimes, students even race through a book or a reading passage without really stopping to think about what’s going on. However, these close reading passages for teaching Memorial Day can change that! 

Close reading is like being a reading detective. Students take a closer look at the text, like examining clues in a mystery. They ask questions, dig deeper, and try to understand the author’s message – it’s way more than just knowing the words on the page!

Thankfully, the Memorial Day Close Reading Passages provides step-by-step instructions on how to follow the close reading model as below. For a complete breakdown of a close reading step-by-step approach, check out these 4 simple strategies for teaching close reading.

• Step 1: First Reading – Determine what the text says.
• Step 2: Second Reading – Determine how the text says it.
• Step 3: Third Reading – Determine what the text means.
• Step 4: Written Comprehension – Write and respond to the text.

Students will become stronger readers and thinkers with close reading. This is a crucial skill students can use in school and beyond!

Differentiation for Teaching Memorial Day

Using reading resources for teaching Memorial Day is a fantastic way to engage students in the topic. However, when it comes to reading, teachers must make sure all students can comprehend what they read. Especially when they are learning all about Memorial Day. 

Luckily, the Memorial Day Close Reading Passages are written at 2 different levels to allow for differentiation during instruction. Students will read the same content, but can focus on passages that match their level. 

This way, all students get to learn about Memorial Day, but at their own reading level.   

Activities for Teaching Memorial Day

Of course, reading about the history and celebration of Memorial Day is only part of the learning. Students need engaging activities to process all the Memorial Day information they learn. 

There are so many engaging activities included in the Memorial Day Close Reading Passages. Specifically, students will complete a fun Think-Pair-Share activity to spark discussion and use their critical thinking skills. Additionally, there are text-dependent questions to have students digging deeper into the text, while vocabulary practice sharpens their understanding of important words. 

Finally, a written response activity lets students showcase their knowledge and pay tribute to fallen soldiers through their own words. Honestly, teachers will feel so proud as they read each students heartfelt words about Memorial Day. 

Posters and More 

Teaching Memorial Day is more than just a lesson. Teachers can immerse students in the celebration of Memorial Day as well. Create a patriotic atmosphere in your classroom to honor Memorial Day with fun decorations!  

Here are a few cheap and easy ways to decorate:

1. American Banner Flags – String these across a classroom wall or whiteboard for Memorial Day flair. 
2. Mini American Flags with Stand – Place these on students desk the afternoon before the Memorial Day lesson, to increase student excitement! 
3. Paper Fan Decorations – Add flair to the classroom with pom poms and tassel garland in fun American colors! 

Also, their are special close reading posters included in the Memorial Day Close Reading Passages. Place these around the classroom to remind students of close reading steps. 

Fun Memorial Day Activities 

Once students have a good grasp on the history and purpose of Memorial Day, make sure to implement one of these fun ideas below! These resources for teaching Memorial Day will grab students’ attention, make them learn hands-on, and teach them signs of respect during this meaningful holiday. 

1. Memorial Day Video – This short video from PBS Kids will help explain the purpose of Memorial Day with great story-telling and fun graphics.
2. Flag Folding – Teach students how to fold an American flag properly. Practice flag folding as a class, or watch this quick video.
3. Taps – Briefly explain the history of Taps to students. Then, watch a Navyman play Taps while students stand with hand on heart, or invite someone who can play Taps to play in person! 
4.  DIY Patriotic Pinwheel Craft – Bring out the red, white, and blue and decorate a fun patriotic pinwheel students can take home.
5. Poetry – Read the famous poem ‘In Flanders Field’, learn about The Poppy Story, then create one of these amazing poppy crafts for kids by Kids Craft Room.

Honestly, these resources for teaching Memorial Day are the perfect way to end the school year on a high note! They’ll help your students understand why Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend.

With engaging activities like close reading passages, discussions, and even crafts, these resources will make learning about Memorial Day fun and meaningful. So, don’t let the end of year scramble stop you from teaching about this important day. These resources will make learning about Memorial Day a breeze – and a blast!

Grab these FREE close reading strategies posters!

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