Veterans in the Classroom
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November is VFW’s “Veterans in the Classroom” month. Promoting citizenship education in schools is an important goal for VFW, and there are many programs Upton VFW Post 5594 can plan and present in schools.
Every day, we strive to thank America's educators by providing them with helpful resources and encouraging our members to visit local classrooms. Let us help you educate America's future leaders and bring history to life! Veterans play an important role in educating our nation's youth about the founding principles upon which America was founded. As combat veterans, VFW members can provide students with a unique perspective about the sacrifices America's service members make to maintain freedom for all of us. When visiting a classroom, a VFW member will prepare a brief introduction, a main presentation and a Q&A session. Depending on the topic, a member may bring appropriate memorabilia, uniforms, photographs and other relevant material. American history is something we all share, and there's no one better to help tell that story than someone who's had a great part in shaping it. Contact the Upton VFW post by email at [email protected] or contact your local VFW Post to arrange for a veteran to visit your classroom. |
Veterans Day Resources |
Here are some suggested school activities
- Grades K-2: Young American Award. Teach the students the Pledge of Allegiance and present them an “I Learned the Pledge of Allegiance” certificate.
- Grades 3-5: Reading of Ten Short Flag Stories and Flag Education Program. The “Fun Flag Facts” can be copied and distributed to students.
- Grades 6 and higher: Living History Presentation. A presentation about the presenter's military service and experiences in war. Also consider flag education programs for these age groups. Remember, the week of Veterans Day is “National Veterans Awareness” week in the schools.
Arrangement
We are interested in assisting the teacher by providing a “living history” presentation about our military service during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq or any other campaign period.
Preparation
If interested, the veteran will prepare a short biography of themself and their military service (and send a copy to the teacher at least two weeks prior to the presentation.) By beginning our presentation with biographical information, the veteran will introduce themself to the students and provide them with information which might inspire further questions.
The veteran will see what materials they have from their military service that they could use in their presentation, such as military uniforms, equipment or photographs. Food and clothing hold a special fascination for audiences of all ages. Descriptions of C and K rations, what they missed most from home or the importance of certain clothing items are a few examples of what they could address.
For example, an army helmet and liner are two separate items. They may want to ask the class why a helmet needs a liner (a demonstration wearing a helmet without the liner would immediately demonstrate why a liner was required.) Then, they might describe the different ways they used a helmet: carrying water, cooking and washing. The veteran will prepare to allow time for questions and answers either during or at the end of their presentation.
Here is a suggested breakdown of the class time:
Introduction: 5-10 minutes
Main Presentation: 10-15 minutes
Questions and Answers: 5-10 minutes
Wrap Up: 2-5 minutes
Presentation
The veteran will contact the teacher two or three days prior to the presentation to confirm the date and time of their presentation and where they should meet the teacher when they arrive at the school. Prior to the presentation, the veteran will likely display any personal items. With the teacher’s understanding, the veteran may try to create an informal atmosphere by having the students sit close to them. After the presentation, the veteran may ask the teacher for some feedback on how they did.
We are interested in assisting the teacher by providing a “living history” presentation about our military service during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq or any other campaign period.
- Select a date and time for your presentation.
- The teacher may wish to audiotape or videotape our presentation. Ask our veteran presenter which format makes them feel most comfortable.
Preparation
If interested, the veteran will prepare a short biography of themself and their military service (and send a copy to the teacher at least two weeks prior to the presentation.) By beginning our presentation with biographical information, the veteran will introduce themself to the students and provide them with information which might inspire further questions.
- Items that may be included in the biographical introduction:
- Date and place of birth Occupation before joining the military;
- Reasons for joining (did the veteran volunteer or get drafted?);
- Site and length of basic training;
- Geographical location of where the veteran served overseas;
- Length of service; and
- Occupation after leaving the service
The veteran will see what materials they have from their military service that they could use in their presentation, such as military uniforms, equipment or photographs. Food and clothing hold a special fascination for audiences of all ages. Descriptions of C and K rations, what they missed most from home or the importance of certain clothing items are a few examples of what they could address.
For example, an army helmet and liner are two separate items. They may want to ask the class why a helmet needs a liner (a demonstration wearing a helmet without the liner would immediately demonstrate why a liner was required.) Then, they might describe the different ways they used a helmet: carrying water, cooking and washing. The veteran will prepare to allow time for questions and answers either during or at the end of their presentation.
Here is a suggested breakdown of the class time:
Introduction: 5-10 minutes
Main Presentation: 10-15 minutes
Questions and Answers: 5-10 minutes
Wrap Up: 2-5 minutes
Presentation
The veteran will contact the teacher two or three days prior to the presentation to confirm the date and time of their presentation and where they should meet the teacher when they arrive at the school. Prior to the presentation, the veteran will likely display any personal items. With the teacher’s understanding, the veteran may try to create an informal atmosphere by having the students sit close to them. After the presentation, the veteran may ask the teacher for some feedback on how they did.
If the presentation is scheduled at least 30 days out, the presenter may ask for a student count in order to purchase educational materials and allow enough time for receipt.
Some of our popular materials:
Some of our popular materials:
- Children’s Educational Coloring/Activity Book 16 page coloring/activity book that tells a story and teaches valuable lessons. 8x10”. Appropriate for elementary school age.
- Pledge of Allegiance Coloring Book An easy way for kids to learn the Pledge of Allegiance while they color. Interesting scenes tie in with phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Young American Award I Learned the Pledge of Allegiance Certificate. For grades K-3
- America’s White Table Book The White Table is a symbol for service members fallen, missing or held captive in the line of duty. That story is about Katie and her sister helping set the white table for dinner, as a special gift to their uncle.
- Flag Questions and Answers This 16-page brochure provides information about the U.S. flag with changes directed by Federal Flag Code.
- Citizenship Education Student Worksheet 11” x 17” red, white and blue activity sheet with information on the presidents and the U.S. flag. May be folded to place in the student’s binder. Appropriate for grades 3-5.
- Pledge of Allegiance Cards The Pledge on the front. The American’s Creed on the back.
- Ten Short Flag Stories A seven-page pamphlet of historical and informational material concerning the U.S. flag.
- Etiquette of the Stars & Stripes Two-color, 21 page booklet on proper usage of the flag, as directed by the Federal Flag Code. Appropriate for high school students and adults.
- Pencils White pencils with Pledge of Allegiance and U.S. flag.
- U.S. Presidents 6” Ruler Features U.S. presidents on back with both metric and U.S. measurements on front.
