Today's Classroom Activities :

Memorial Day Lesson Plans

Saving Angels
Reading/Phys. Ed. In preparation for Memorial Day, read together the picture book, Lisette's Angel by Amy Littlesugar (Dial, 2002). The story beautifully portrays what paratroopers look like in the night sky. Discuss why paratroopers are used in war and also why forest fire fighters use them. Call a local airport and ask if there are parachuters who would come and talk to your class. Ask your gym teacher if there is a physical education parachute in your district that the children could work with.

Wall of Peace
Here's a lesson in which students' essays are used to build a classroom Wall of Peace. (Grades 5-12)

Memorial Day Poppies
Students learn how to make Memorial Day poppies.

Memorial Day Shoebox Parade
Create a Timeline of U.S. Conflict and a Memorial Day Shoebox Parade
Students will work in small groups or independently to create a timeline of U.S. war and conflict, and make "shoebox floats" to represent and commemorate soldiers throughout history.

Women Aviators in World War II: "Fly Girls"
In this lesson, students will explore the contributions of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II. They will examine portrayals of women in World War II posters (and newsreels) and compare and contrast them with personal recollections of the WASPs. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of the WASP program, which enhanced careers for women in aviation.