Join Gandy and Pax as they visit memorials in Canada and France to explore how these special places help us remember. In this five-minute video, students are introduced to five memorials: the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and four others in Canada. These are the National War Memorial, the Aboriginal Veterans Monument, the Peacekeeping Monument and the National Memorial to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan. They also consider the importance of memorials in their own communities. Pair this video with the classroom activities and research projects below.
Discussion guides
Video discussion: A special place to remember (Grades K-3)
(PPTX, 2.6 MB)
Use these A special place to remember slides to explore the meaning of remembrance, Remembrance Day and how war memorials help us honour important people and events. Check slide notes for teacher support materials and prompts. Pair with the handouts and activities below
Video discussion: Decoding war memorials (Grades 4-6)
(PPTX, 17.1 MB)
Discover the stories memorials tell with these Decoding war memorials slides. Challenge students to consider how art and design help us remember. Includes transition to an optional memorial design activity. Check slide notes for teacher support materials and prompts.
Classroom activities
Quiet or not? (Grades K-3)
A short activity to help young students learn respectful behaviour when visiting war memorials or attending Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Memorial colouring and activity sheets (Grades K-6)
(PDF, 10.6 MB)
A printable collection of Canadian memorial-themed activities. Includes options for all ages.
Remember Flanders (Grades 5-9)
Students will learn about and analyze symbolism in the poem In Flanders Fields and the Remember Flanders Memorial.
Video: How to make a commemorative wreath (All ages)
Students will learn to make a wreath by tracing their hands. Wreaths can be displayed at school or placed at your local war memorial.
Find more activities and resources on the Teaching youth about memorials learning hub page!