Lest We Forget: Our Tribute to Remembrance Day

As part of our Remembrance Day activities, Footsteps aimed to help children understand and honour the significance of the day in our National Calendar. Through thoughtful crafts, a peaceful walk to memorials, and moments of reflection, the children were able to learn about the values of remembrance, respect, and gratitude.

We started with a creative activity that is both hands-on (literally) and symbolic: making handprint poppy wreaths. Children covered their hands with red paint, carefully printing them to be cut out and represent the petals of a poppy. They added small black circles to the center of each handprint to complete the poppy flowers, then arranged these on a circular base, forming beautiful, colourful wreaths. As they crafted, our team explained the meaning of the poppy and why it has become such an important symbol for honoring those who have served.

After completing their wreaths, they were displayed in the classrooms and at some sites were able to be taken on a reflective walk to a local memorial site. This was fantastic for helping the children feel connected to the meaning of the day. Once they reached the memorial, they placed their wreath, watching with pride as their colorful creations joined other tributes.

The children also enjoyed baking and decorating poppy-themed biscuits which were then carefully decorated with red icing and small black dots in the center to resemble poppies. This tasty activity added a bit of joy to the day and gave the children a chance to discuss the poppy symbol in a relaxed, hands-on way.

We were very proud as the children and staff gathered together to observe a two-minute silence. Before the moment began, we explained the purpose of staying quiet, describing it as a time to say “thank you” in a special, silent way. Even the youngest children participated if they could. This shared moment was simple but powerful, beginning traditions, connecting the children to each other and to the larger meaning of the day.

We hope we have provided the children with a memorable and age-appropriate introduction to Remembrance Day, building a foundation of respect and remembrance that will stay with them for years to come.