As we enter the holiday season, there is one special holiday we don’t want to leave out—Veterans Day! This important holiday is celebrated on November 11 by people all over the United States. It’s a time for us to honor the brave men and women who have served in the military, keeping our country safe and free. As teachers, it’s really important to share the meaning of this day with our students. It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about helping kids understand the values of respect, kindness, and appreciation for those who serve. Thankfully, there are two Veterans Day activities for upper elementary students that will help them explore the special meaning of the day and remember its significance!

Celebrating Veterans Day
Celebrating Veterans Day in upper elementary is a fantastic way to introduce the “why” behind the special day. When we take time to honor veterans, we teach kids about gratitude and respect for those who protect our freedom. It’s a great opportunity to engage students with stories of real-life heroes, allowing them to connect emotionally and learn about history in a meaningful way.
Plus, it encourages discussions about teamwork, courage, and what it means to be a good citizen. By celebrating Veterans Day, we’re not just remembering the past—we’re also shaping compassionate and informed future leaders!
Veterans Day Reading Passages
There are so many aspects of Veterans Day students can learn. However, the history behind Veteran’s Day may be the most important. Thankfully, these Veterans Day Close Reading Passages focus on just this!
Students will read a nonfiction text about the history of Veterans Day while working through the close reading process. Since close reading is an essential skill, this resource breaks down the close reading model to ensure student understanding. Students will use the steps to close reading as a guide through the close reading process.
It is crucial for students to stay engaged while reading nonfiction. Nonfiction texts can include a variety of facts, dates, names, or details that students must know. Luckily, as students read about the reasons behind this special day, they will practice annotating with the Mark It Up! annotation cards. Annotating encourages students to engage with the text actively. Plus, it will allow them to predict, summarize key points, and deepen their understanding.
During the close reading process, students will use text-dependent questions to ensure their understanding of Veterans Day. Additionally, students will practice Veterans Day vocabulary, discuss Veterans Day with a group, and practice making text connections to themselves and the real world.
Although Veterans Day is November 11, introducing this national holiday a few days before will help prepare students to honor veterans. These Veterans Day Close Reading Passages will help students deep-dive into a week-long close reading lesson.
Veterans Day Reading Comprehension
Creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond academics in upper elementary is essential! Thankfully, this Veterans Day Reading and Writing Packet is designed to instill values of empathy, respect, and gratitude in your students.
This ready-to-use resource includes a two-page reading comprehension passage where students will discover all the important concepts about Veterans Day. Additionally, there are engaging questions, fascinating facts about Veterans Day and the U.S. flag, and vocabulary practice.
Since reading comprehension can be challenging, students will practice showing what they know, as well as comparing and contrasting Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Truly, students will love learning about Veterans Day with this engaging activity!
Veterans Day Thank You Cards
Reading and learning about Veterans Day is important. However, finding a Veterans Day activity to honor veterans will create a meaningful experience for students and veterans alike. Luckily, this Veterans Day Reading and Writing Packet includes a thank you card writing template!
The fun thank you card template allows students to express gratitude to the veterans serving our country. Additionally, writing a thank you card helps students practice their writing skills while encouraging them to think about the sacrifices that veterans make.
Lastly, the writing template is easy to use, so students can focus on their heartfelt messages. Above all, students will learn the importance of honoring heroes and can make a real difference in the lives of veterans.
Additional Veterans Day Activities
While many schools host a special Veterans Day ceremony at their school, there are several other ways for students to honor veterans. Here are additional ideas for Veterans Day activities in upper elementary:
- Create a Wall of Honor: Display photos or stories of veterans from the community, encouraging students to contribute.
- Conduct Interviews: Have students interview veterans they know to learn about their experiences and share these stories with classmates.
- Host a Veteran: Invite a veteran to a special breakfast in your classroom. Allow them to share about their experience serving our country.
- Plant a Flower: Plant a special flower, tree, or shrub in honor of veterans.
- Make a Donation: Donate to an organization that supports vets, like Operation Gratitude. Students can even organize a collection drive for care packages.
- PBS Veterans Day: Learn how to honor veterans with this engaging PBS video.
- Set the Scene: Decorate your classroom with these American flag buntings and mini American flags to create a sense of patriotism.
Veteran’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to instill lasting values in our students while honoring those who have served. By incorporating Veterans Day activities in upper elementary, we can help students understand the significance of the day in an impactful way.
Save for Later!
If you’re not ready to start planning for Veterans Day, save this post for later! Make sure to save these resources to your favorite Veterans Day Pinterest board. You can return to it when you are ready to make celebrating Veterans Day a breeze!
