Remembrance Day: Engagement Toolkit

• History
• PSHE
• +1
• Primary Education
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• Higher Education (degree)
• Higher Education (non-degree)

Introduction

This engagement toolkit is designed to help you deliver some specially selected resources to students or young people of all ages. The information and tasks have been selected to inspire conversation and engage your students with poignant stories to help them understand the meaning of remembrance day. This resource should not be used as an 'entire lesson' - teachers and leaders should save and select the elements of the toolkit that they think will resonate with their students and be the most appropriate for their audience. Of course, you are welcome to change any of the slides in this lesson and are encouraged to make it as personal to your students, school and local area as possible.

Instructions

The short videos are perfect for explaining to all audiences the importance and meaning of poppies for Remembrance Day. 

There are plenty of opportunities to discuss certain words' meanings and terminology through the teacher's discretion.

The last video about Remembrance Day and the reason we wear poppies in November is slightly more involved than the other examples. Aimed at students in older years or history classes, curators from the Imperial War Museums group discuss and explain the history, significance and legacy of the poppy. The final video regarding the cultural divide with remembrance day is certainly not for all audiences and should only be shown in regards to its cultural significance to older classes, or not shown at all if deemed not appropriate. 

Do you wear a poppy in November?

No

I know people that do

Sometimes

Yes, but I don't know why..

Definitely

Why do you think we have a 'Remembrance Day'?

This short video is perfect for explaining to younger audiences the importance and meaning of poppies for Remembrance Day. 

There are plenty of opportunities to discuss certain words' meanings and terminology throughout. 

This video about Remembrance day and the reason we wear poppies in November is slightly more involved than the other example. Aimed at students in older years, or history classes, curators from the Imperial War Museums group discuss and explain the history, significance and legacy of the poppy.

Who are the Royal British Legion?

The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War:

• The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers
• The Bhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6p2JjTaMt8&ab_channel=BBCNewsritish National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers
• The Comrades of The Great War
• The Officers' Association

The amalgamation of these diverse bodies can be attributed largely to two men: Field Marshal Earl Haig and Tom Lister of The Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers. Lord Haig served as the President of The Royal British Legion until his death.

Did you know...

Remembrance Day is not just a day for us to give appreciation for the services of servicemen from the UK.

 

It is also a time for us to remember the service of soldiers from the former commonwealth, who fought alongside soldiers from the UK during the wars of the past.

Which commonwealth countries can you name?

Which Commonwealth nations fought alongside Britain?

1. West Indies
2. Sweden
3. Finland
4. Pakistan

Which countries contributed troops to Britain's war efforts?

1. Mexico
2. India
3. Argentina
4. Jamaica

Which countries were part of the Commonwealth?

1. New Zealand
2. Brazil
3. Egypt
4. South Africa

Which Commonwealth countries supported Britain in WWI?

1. Australia
2. Ireland
3. India
4. Canada

We are about to watch a short film that highlights the importance of remembering the people who gave their lives in service to the country we all live in today. Whether you were born in the UK or not, the countries would not be the way they are today without the sacrifices that military personnel have made throughout history and continue to do today. 

After the short film, we will have our own 2-minute silence for you to reflect on the film, the content of today's session and the importance of remembering the sacrifices average men and women made in the past, to ensure we could be here today. 

2-minutes silence?

A moment of reflection.

For a few years, there has been a debate about the significance and implications of the poppy as a symbol.

Some of you may be aware of them, some of you might not be, but as it is such an important cultural issue, it is important to hear the views of both sides.

The next screen has a short video for you to watch. Following this, we will share our own opinions on the topic mindfully and respectfully. Even if there are disagreements, it is an important life skill to have structured and healthy debates on topics that you might feel passionate about, just like you will in your personal and professional lives in the future. 

Controversies of the poppy?

Note: This section is for students 16+ that can handle a debate about the significance of the poppy, and whether the act of remembrance has become too much of a 'political' statement.

Some students may already have a viewpoint on this, but for those that don't this is a good opportunity to make them aware that there are reasons why some people choose not to wear a poppy around November.

Encourage a structured debate or group discussion around the topic, or see how your students feel about the anti-poppy sentiment.

This is a good opportunity for you to include some information on a local service, local story or local event that will inspire your students. 

Have a look in the local paper, or simply search online to find some information about your local war memorials - or see if any veterans local to the school, or parents/carers of pupils would be happy to share how they feel about the remembrance processes, and what it means to them. 

Personal stories

This is a slide to prompt you on how you can take the content of this toolkit and personalise it to your school or local area.

Highlight local memorials, talk about any local heroes or major events from history that may have happened locally, such as air strips, factories or particular units with local significance. 

Here is a blank slide for you to insert whatever extra images, information and videos you may like to inspire your class to consider their own remembrance.