It’s not easy getting your kids to learn anything, and it is even harder to get the point across when talking about national holidays. Most kids might not want, or be excited about the possibility of learning the history behind national holidays that we celebrate, especially something like Veterans’ Day. Down below, we’re going to talk about 10 different ways that you might be able to get your children to start paying attention to these holidays, and why they are crucial for them to learn as they grow older.
Learn The History
There are so many great books and documentaries that showcase the importance of national holidays. Taking some time to pick out a few that you believe are the best, and spending a little bit of time indulging in the history alongside your kids can be a lovely time for everyone involved. Most times, kids just don’t understand the importance of it, and taking some time to teach and learn with them, without pushing them through it, can be a great option to get them excited about everything.
Virtual Memorials
Similar to learning history, you can take your children to a virtual memorial. Without having to leave the comforts of your house and without the need to try and convince your kids to go see it, you can go online to look at virtual memorials. They showcase various histories and provide you with extra educational resources that can be useful. The incorporation of technology might just be the missing link to what gets your kids interested.
Attend A Parade
There is a chance that your kids aren’t interested in direct teaching/learning with the documentaries or the virtual memorials. Luckily, there are so many other options at your disposal, such as parades. There are tons of national holiday parades that children can watch and experience without needing to know much of the history immediately. Once the parade captures their attention, they’ll be even more interested to know why the parade exists and what the national holiday is. It can quickly become an annual tradition as well. Sure, some kids might not be interested in standing through a parade, but it is still a great, and viable option for those who are.
Family Stories
There is a chance that you want your kids to be interested in the history of national holidays because you or a family member have a related story to the event. Your kids might not entirely understand, but it may intrigue them enough to ask questions. Sharing some family stories can open your kids’ eyes to the importance and significance of these national holidays. And they’ll quickly come to understand why these dates generate so much respect and admiration.
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Visit A Monument or Working Venue
Again, most children simply don’t understand the significance or importance of national holidays. Even if you explain it to them, it might not register immediately. This is why attending a monument or working venue could be a great learning experience for them. For example, leading into Veteran’s Day, why not visit a veteran’s hospital where your children can meet veterans, listen to a few stories, and get the chance to appreciate their service? Visual learning and its importance can’t be understated when talking about getting your children excited about the history of national holidays.
Moment Of Silence
A simple moment of silence might not mean much for kids who don’t understand the impact of it. However, there is another way to look at it. A moment of silence is a simple, yet effective way of showing appreciation and respect, and children can pick up on that rather quickly. Explaining to your children what a moment of silence is and teaching them the significance of it can allow them to be more appreciative of national holidays and the history behind each one of them.
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Thank You Cards
You might not be thinking of having your children make thank you cards when it comes to a topic like this, yet it’s an underrated way of helping them get excited about national holidays. Many of the holidays required a lot of bravery and sacrifice, something that can be taught to your kids. When doing so, you can help your child make a few thank you cards. You can send them to local organizations or hospitals to benefit them, while also getting the opportunity to teach your children to be grateful for the history behind national holidays.
Support Related Businesses
Many organizations and businesses are run in support of causes related to national holidays. Attending events run by these organizations and businesses with your children opens up the opportunity to later explain the significance of their participation. Not only does it encourage giving time and effort, but it also shows them that some organizations and businesses serve these national holidays. You could even make it an annual thing in your own family, taking time out on a national holiday to visit and participate.
Wreath-Laying Ceremonies
As much as bravery is promoted on many national holidays, it isn’t always a day about excitement. Sometimes, teaching your kids the solemnity of national holidays can be powerful to them as well. Choosing to attend a wreath-laying ceremony would drive that point home, as they are normally held by a community at a local war memorial. Children won’t be pushed away by the depression of the national holiday, yet they’ll know the sacrifices that were made and how important it is to take the holidays (and their history) seriously.
Community Service
This is quite possibly the most important one of them all. Community service, particularly the ones in which you’re able to participate, can be the best learning experience ever. At least when it comes to these types of national holidays. If you take your children to something similar, they’ll learn what it means to help other people. They can also recognize it as a way to give back and honor the people who helped make the national holiday what it is today. There will be kids who don’t find community service like this enjoyable. Then again, there will be even more kids who would be happy to get hands-on with the learning experience and feel excited about going and picking up more knowledge about the topic.
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