If you’re not taking your children out to a local ANZAC Day service this year, you may like to help them learn about ANZAC Day and its importance through other fun activities and games.
We’ve put this list together to help you do just that!
Here are some fun and interesting ways you can commemorate ANZAC Day with your kids in 2021.
“Visit” an ANZAC memorial
Today’s amazing technology means that you can view the War Memorials all over the country from your lounge room. Here’s a shortcut to finding them.
Bake a batch of ANZAC biscuits
What is ANZAC day without ANZAC biscuits? Here’s a safe bet for a classic and yummy ANZAC biscuits recipe. If you need something a bit more specific like a gluten-free or vegan recipe or want to extend your ANZAC baking further with an ANZAC slice or a cupcake recipe, then head to this fabulous list of ANZAC recipes by The Organized Housewife instead.
Give your kids a lesson in ANZAC history
You can use this great collection of ANZAC videos to help kids from year 3 to year 10 learn more about the history of ANZAC day, mateship, memories, sacrifice and why it’s important to remember and honour our veterans.
For younger kids there’s a complete lesson here on why ANZAC day is “A Very Special Day.” And there are even more great ANZAC lesson ideas to be found here.
Read ANZAC stories
If you have any ANZAC-based books at home, or can get your hands on any of these books before ANZAC day, its a lovely tradition to read to little kids about the ANZACs in language that was intended especially for them, and there are also books on this list that older kids can read to themselves. If you’re not able to get a physical copy of an ANZAC book, then you can still read one of these ANZAC e-books that cover important topics like audacity, comradeship and devotion.
Write a letter to our troops
Your kids may not realise that many men and women still spend months away from their family to help defend our country. Help them grasp this concept by having them write a letter to current serving troops and let them know how much it would mean to anyone away from their families to receive a kind letter from them.
Focus on ANZAC-themed arts and crafts
Use some of these simple and creative craft ideas to make ANZAC poppies or an ANZAC wreath that you can use to decorate your letterbox or windows to encourage the ANZAC spirit in your kids and proudly show your support in your neighbourhood.
Explore some Online Exhibitions
Take an in-depth look at some of the lesser-seen aspects of soldier life by viewing this great range of online exhibitions from all over the country.
Have a family game of 2-up
Taking kids out to busy 2-up rings is not ideal! If you have a family of four or more, or are having some people around on ANZAC day this year, you might like to get your own game going. You can play with Monopoly money or other fake currency instead of real money if you prefer and nominate a prize eg. that the winner gets out of doing their chores for a day. Here are some instructions in case you need them.
Make a donation
If you’re in a position to do so, showing your support through a financial donation, bequest or pledge helps to maintain War Memorials and hold ANZAC services that keep these important memories alive year after year.
Share your experience
Let the continued importance of this patriotic day be felt across the world by sharing whatever it is you do on ANZAC day across social media. Record your dawn experience, post photos of your children’s creations and share photos and memories of family members who did their part to defend our country.
We hope these ideas help you show your children the importance of ANZAC day and that you take this opportunity to recognise the sacrifice of the brave people who fought to make our country great.
