Happy Veterans Day!

I’m the proud daughter of a career United States Marine veteran.  I’ve always enjoyed explaining military life to my students: the ceremonies, the routines, and structures of life.  I grew up in the Corps on bases in California, Hawaii, Arizona, and North Carolina. We usually moved every 2-3 years, it was my normal.

As we honor the men and women who have served our country proudly, may these activities offer new insight to your students. Hope there is something you can use!

17 Vocabulary Cards

Use the vocabulary cards to introduce the topic. Place in a pocket chart or in view of the students, read through, and discuss the definitions. 

The Definition of a Veteran

Definition of a veteran version 1 is in three designs (could print poster size or student copy size). Version 2 has “fill-in-the-blanks” for key terms of the definition.

Family Response Form

Collect data from students for a class discussion: Is a family member a veteran? Which branch did they serve in?
Branch Emblems:  Labeled emblems of the 5 branches to display or give as student copies. Activity: Cut and glue emblems to match the correct military branch.

ABC Order

Version 1 has 5 words and Versions 2 and 3 have 12 words with different writing line options. You can put the vocabulary cards at the station for the kiddos to organize and then record.

Word Searches

Version 1 has 5 words and Version 2 and 3 have 12 words. The words do not share letters. The words can be backwards, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

Rainbow Words
Rainbow Words with Sentence Composing

Choose 4-5 colors (crayons or colored pencils) and trace each word with each color one at a time. Two versions with 5 or 6 words. Two versions with 6 words for tracing and a writing section to compose sentences for each word.

“Self-Check” cards are provided to put at a station or for you, when you just can’t think another thought to grade anything.

The returned Family Response forms brought the most fun. Over the years, I wish I would have videoed the following mornings as they shared their forms with such enthusiasm and pride.

“I didn’t know my uncle was in the Navy.”
“My grandma was a Marine.”
“My grandpa was in the Army.”

To my surprise, they would bring in pictures and artifacts to share. It was a real class bonding time.

I’ve had various connections to active duty personnel over the years. It’s always been a joy to write letters of gratitude to those serving their country. Click pic for a full size form.

Until next time,