Celebrating Veterans’ Day with Crafts for Preschoolers

Veterans' Day is a challenging topic to explain to a preschooler. There aren't gifts or candy, and it introduces challenging concepts. Fortunately, by talking about it, sharing who is in their lives who either served or is currently serving in the armed forces, and connecting it with a physical act like making crafts or cards, you can make this important day tangible for your child. To help you, our child care center in Raleigh is sharing some Veterans' Day crafts for preschoolers.

Remembrance Wreath

The poppy has been used as a symbol for Remembrance Day in Canada for decades, but it's becoming an increasingly used symbol in the United States. This wreath allows you to talk about people in your family or friends that may have been lost in service, or talking about the sacrifices people make during war.

Supplies

• Egg carton (cardboard type)
• Scissors
• Red and black paint - washable, if you have it!
• Paint brushes
• Black or red marker (preferably washable)
• Cardstock
• Paper plate
• Glue
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Stapler or tape (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the egg carton into flowers by cutting the "cups" off the cartons, then making four small cuts down the sides (think in a compass pattern ), leaving the center of the cup intact.
2. Let your preschooler paint the poppies red with black centers.
3. Cut a strip of paper out of cardstock, and if they are writing independently, show them how to write "REMEMBER" on the cardstock in marker.
4. Cut the center of the paper plate out, living only the outer ring. If you don't have a plate, just cut a circle out of cardstock or white construction paper.
5. Tape, glue, or staple the REMEMBER to the plate ring. If you've lost someone, you can also attach their picture to this.
6. Wait until the poppies are dry, then begin gluing them to the outer ring of the wreath.
7. When the glue is dry, loop the ribbon or twin to the top.

Courtesy of No Time for Flashcards

Pom-Pom Painted Flag

This simple poster or card is a fun, hands-on, toddler-friendly project that will make a lovely decoration or gift.

Supplies:

• White cardstock or construction paper
• Scissors
• Red and blue pom-poms
• Red, white, and blue paint (preferably, washable)
• Cotton swab
• Wax paper to minimize mess
• 2 clothespins

Directions:

1. For a smaller, easier to use card, cut the paper down to a 5 x 7-inch rectangle or fold to make a card. On the paper, draw the shape of the flag.
2. Use the clothespins to hold the pom-poms, and pour a bit of red and blue paint onto the wax paper. Let your child dip the red pom pom into the red paint and "stamp" circles where the stripes go. Then stamp the blue pom pom in circles in the top left corner.
3. When the blue paint has dried, dip the cotton ball into white paint and paint dots for the stars.
4. If using this as a card, allow the paint to dry, then write a message with your preschooler.

Courtesy of American Lifestyle

Make Cards for Veterans

Sometimes, a simple but heartfelt card is all that is needed to show appreciation and recognize a veteran for their service. Whether you have family members, friends, or neighbors who have served, sitting down with your preschooler to make a card is a great opportunity to help your child understand the importance of the day.

Supplies:

• Red, white, and blue cardstock or construction paper
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Glue stick
• Scissors

Instructions:

Creativity rules this project, and you and your preschooler can decorate the card however you'd like, but here are some ideas:

• A red card with blue stars glued on the front or a white card with red and blue stars;
• Draw the flag with your child on the card.
• Use a patriotic song as your theme, like "God Bless America" or "America the Beautiful" and decorate the card with a collage of cut out pictures.

Then, add a simple "Thank you" message and have your child safely deliver the card or mail it out. It will mean a lot to the veterans in your life.

Wishing Those Who Served a Happy Veteran's Day

All of us at Primary Beginnings want to wish you a safe, happy Veteran's Day and take the opportunity to thank every veteran for your service and sacrifice.

To schedule a tour with our Raleigh preschool, call us today at 919-790-6888 for our Spring Forest Road location and 919-785-0303 for our North Hills Drive Center.