Veterans Day

Today, I decided to introduce Veterans Day to my class.  In the past, I have not taught the meaning of this holiday to the students in much detail because I was afraid they would not be able to grasp so many unknown concepts.  I don't know what really possessed me to try this year, but my confidence grew as I saw other teacher blogs sharing their projects and power point presentations.  I read about some ways to introduce the idea simply and with such ease!  So, after lunch, I confidently walked my class in from recess and was determined to have a great discussion on Veterans Day armed with my simple Veterans Day Holiday book in hand.

Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?  I was so naive!  The discussion started out wonderfully.  I read the first page of the book and it spoke about honoring the people in the armed forces and named the different groups.  It spoke of celebrating the national holiday.  Then, I stopped to ask the students, "Did you hear me read any words that you know?"  (Looking for national, holiday, army, navy...you get it.)  Most students understood and I was sooo delighted. Then, I called on one student and she said, "Mermaids!"  (hmmm....maybe we're not getting this)  Then, another student said, "Christmas?"  Uh-oh.

I steered the class quickly away from Christmas and mermaids and brought the class back from "dancing sugar plums."  Our final discussion was who is a veteran.  I named my dad who served in the army.  Other students spoke about their grandfather or uncle.  Yeah!  We're on topic.  A hand raised up.  I called on the student that said excitedly, "Every Thursday, I go to the Navy!"  Hmmm...I am going to have to work on this lesson for next year.

On the other hand, it gave me a good giggle inside!  Thanks for peeking.

Cheers,

Mrs. Sienknecht