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PBS: Veterans Day and the Meaning of Sacrifice 

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PBS: Veterans Day and the Meaning of Sacrifice 

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Provides lesson plans and videos.

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Use this PBS NewsHour lesson plan to help students understand the significance of Veterans Day and the meaning of sacrifice. Students will identify important veterans in their lives, examine an interactive timeline of military history and study issues facing veterans today. For a google doc version of this lesson, click here.

Subjects

World history, government and civics, U.S. history, geography

Estimated time

One 50-minute class

Grade level

Middle and high school
Warning: Due to the large number of students who either have friends or family that serve in the armed forces please take care and be sensitive when discussing Veterans Day.
Warm-up activity

Start class by asking students what they know about Veterans Day and give them the AARP Quiz and then go over the answers with them.

Watch "Bet You Didn't Know - Veterans Day" from the History Channel (below) as a class.

Watch Student Reporting Labs' Veterans Day video featuring students from military families living here in the U.S. and around the world.

Background on U.S. Wars

Share this interactive timeline with students and watch videos associated with U.S. wars. You may choose the wars your class knows the least about or play what you have time for. Click on the timeline to scroll through to each event, and click on the images above the timeline to watch short videos on the war.

Main activity - special issues for today's veterans

1. As a class, brainstorm the risks and benefits of being a soldier today and write answers on the board. Let the class know that they are going to take a closer look at some of the issues that veterans face today and how these challenges are being treated.

2. Read to students: With new medical and life-saving technology more troops are surviving traumatic injuries that would have sealed their fate just decades ago. The effects of the increase in soldiers dealing with severe injuries such as losing limbs, traumatic brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has taxed the Veterans Administration (V.A.) at unprecedented levels leaving response time to disability claims anywhere from months to years. Further, both an increase in an aging veteran population as well as female veterans brings new challenges to the V.A. Let's look more in depth at the issues facing today's veterans.

Part 1 - Waiting for benefits

1. Watch the above video clip, "Veterans' Disability Delayed."

2. Read the Center for Investigative Reporting article "For Disabled Veterans Awaiting Benefits Decisions, Location Matters" by Aaron Glantz.

Part 2 - How phantom limbs are successfully being treated today

Watch the TED Talk "3 clues to understanding your brain" by VS Ramachandran (in particular, highlight the excerpt from 9:15-17:45).

Part 3 - Unique challenges that women veterans face

Watch the PBS NewsHour report "Women Veterans Face Unique Obstacles, Needs."

Part 4 - Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

1. What is PTSD? How does it manifest in veterans? Read the story of one veteran.

2. How is PTSD diagnosed? Look at the Diagnostic Statistical Manual V Criteria for PTSD or Self-Report Questionnaire for PTSD .

3. How is it treated? Hear about treatment options from the Veterans Association.

1. Write a Veterans Day thank you note. Use this lesson plan to help your students identify and understand important veterans in their life.

2. Write an argument to either support or reject claims that veterans today face challenges that veterans in the past did not using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

3. Choose one of the wars that was featured on the interactive timeline and write three short narrative-snap shots including one day in the life of that veteran before, during, and after the war using effective technique, well-chosen details and well-structured event sequences.

By Katie Gould, former NewsHour teacher resource producer. ( A special thanks to my grandfather, Joe Sidor, pictured in the writing prompts section, for his many years of service as a Marine during World War II, his work in China after World War II and the Korean War.)
An additional thank you to Susan Dickson for contributing photographs for the story. Fill out this form

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.7 Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium's portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.

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Standards (CCSS)

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Lesson plan: Veterans Day and the meaning of sacrifice

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Use this PBS NewsHour lesson plan to help students understand the significance of Veterans Day

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Provides lessons for activities like writing a letter to a soldier, reading a letter from a soldier, making Civil War hardtack, etc.

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Social Studies Veterans Day Hands-on Activities | Education.com

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Browse Social Studies Veterans Day Hands-on Activities. Award winning educational materials designed to help kids succeed. Start for free now!

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Inquiry-based opportunity for students to interview veterans.

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Veterans day oral history project - Social Studies Aloft

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A Veterans Day Oral History Project is engaging and meaningful for your Middle School students.

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Veterans Day falls on a Tuesday this year, and teachers will be educating their students on the national holiday. From lesson plans, videos, art activities, quizzes, and ideas for the classroom, the Internet is filled with resources for teachers.

Education World has gathered a list of seven websites with resources teachers can turn to on Veterans Day.

Star-Spangled Banner: In this music activity, teachers can provide their students with the text to the "Star-Spangled Banner" and some historical information.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: In this printable, students will use this illustration and explanation to learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

TeachersFirst: TeachersFirst has a list of lesson plans teachers can use when teaching their students about soldiers and Veterans Day.

1. TeachingHistory: On this website, teachers and students alike can explore learning resources of American soldiers, and teachers can browse teaching resources for teaching about service. There are also teachers can provide to their students to learn about Veterans Day and more.

2. TeAchnology: TeAchnology offers a list of websites for teachers to check out on Veterans Day. Here are a few:

1. Veterans' Stories: The Veterans History Project: On this website, teachers can provide students with a resource that collects, preserves, and presents personal stories of American war veterans and civilian workers supporting them. Teachers can access this with historical background, suggestions for teachers, and additional resources.

2. TheTeacher'sGuide: This site offers a list of lesson plans, thematic units, printables, whiteboard resources, word searches, crossword puzzles, crafts, and more. Here are a few:

Pinterest: On Pinterest, teachers can gather lesson plans, activities, poems, stories, writing prompts, arts and crafts, and more.

Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor

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Veterans Day: Seven Resources for Teachers

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Veterans Day falls on a Tuesday this year, and teachers will be educating their students on the national holiday. From lesson plans, videos, art activities, quizzes, and ideas for the classroom, the Internet is filled with resources for teachers. Education World has gathered a list of seven websites with resources teachers can turn to on Veterans Day.

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Resources for Grades K-5

The Veteran in a New Field, 1865
Students in grades K-12 view and interpret Winslow Homer's 1865 painting The Veteran in a New Field. Teachers can download the Homer lesson (PDF, 2 pgs.) as well as the " Teachers Resource Book " (PDF, 130 pgs.) for Picturing America, 40 art-historic images of paintings, sculpture, drawings, decorative objects and architecture that represent several centuries of U.S. history.

Activities

Background Resources

Veterans History Project, Library of Congress
Archive of veteran interviews from WWI to the present and two dozen interviews with pilots and crew members from WW II to the present.

Over 200 Years of Service: The History of Women in the U.S. Military
A look at the history of women in the military, and how their roles have changed over the years, from the USO.

Veteran's Day: For Teachers and Students Teacher Resource Guide (PDF, 33 pgs.)
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Video

Printables

Children's Literature

Ansary, Mir Tamim. Veterans Day, 2nd Edition (Holiday Histories). Heinemann, 2001. Also in Spanish.

Ashabranner , Brent. Always to Remember: The Story of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Scholastic, 1992.

Ashabranner, Brent. Remembering Korea: Korean War. 21st Century, 2001.

Ashabranner, Brent. Their Names To Live By. 21st Century, 1998.

Brill, Marlene Targ. Veterans Day (On My Own, Holidays). First Avenue Editions, 2005. (also in Spanish)

Bunting, Eve. The Wall. Clarion Books, 1992.

Cotton, Jacqueline S. Veterans Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays). Children's Press, 2002.

De Capua, Sarah. The Vietnam Memorial (Cornerstones of Freedom). Children's Press, 2003.

Ferry, Joseph. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (American Symbols & Their Meanings). Mason Crest Publishers, 2002.

Henry, Heather French. Pepper's Purple Heart: A Veterans Day Story. Cubbie Blue Publishing, 2003.

Landau, Elaine. Veterans Day: Remembering Our War Heroes (Finding Out About Holidays). Enslow Elementary, 2002.

Nelson, Robin. Veterans Day (First Step Nonfiction). Lerner Publications, 2005.

Peter, James S. The Saga of Black Navy Veterans of World War II. International Scholars Press, 1996.

Rosinsky, Natalie. Vietnam Veterans Memorial (We the People). Compass Point Books, 2006.

Sevastiades, Patra McSharry. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Library of American Landmarks). PowerKids Press, 1994.

Schuch, Mari C. Veterans Day (Pebble Books). Capstone Press, 2003.

Worsley, Arlene. Veterans Day (American Holidays). Weigl Publishers, 2006.

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Lesson plans, activities, and resources focus on wartime service and sacrifice.

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Before all the "big holidays" of late November and December set in, the United States commemorates Veterans Day on November 11th each year. It's a time to honor all those who have served in the Armed Forces. Teach kids more about this special day with these Veterans Day videos. There are choices here for every age, but remember to preview videos to be sure they're appropriate for your audience.

1. Veterans Day Facts for Kids

Best for: Elementary school

This is a nice overview of Veterans Day for the elementary school crowd. They'll learn what a veteran is, why we celebrate on November 11, and how they can honor veterans that day.

2. Veterans Day for Kids Cartoon

Best for: Upper elementary

Kids will enjoy the engaging presentation of this video, while learning lots of interesting facts. This one even teaches us why we say "Veterans" instead of "Veteran's"!

3. Nuggets of Information: Veterans Day for Kids

Best for: Pre-K through 2nd grade

This is one of the most up-to-date Veterans Day videos and includes a mention of the newest branch of the Armed Forces, the Space Force. The talking chicken nugget makes this a fun one for littler kids.

4. History of Veterans Day

Best for: Middle and high school

The History Channel provides a look at Veterans Day, complete with historical footage. This is a good choice for older students. Use it to start a classroom conversation about the holiday.

5. Kid Explorer: Veterans Day

Best for: Pre-K through 2nd grade

Broadcast Cal is here to teach fellow kids what Veterans Day is and why we celebrate it on November 11 each year. Students will enjoy getting this info from someone their own age.

6. Veterans Day Top 10 Interesting Facts

Best for: Elementary school

Learn the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, why it used to be called Armistice Day, and more in this fact-filled video.

7. Bet You Didn't Know: Veterans Day

Best for: Middle and high school

This snappy presentation from the History Channel includes the fun fact that for a while, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October to give government officials a long weekend. It was later moved back to November 11 to honor the historical significance of that date.

8. Veterans Day Brainpop

Best for: Elementary school

Brainpop has plenty of terrific videos for kids, including this one about Veterans Day. Kids learn why, when, and how we celebrate the day.

9. Veterans Day by the Numbers

Best for: Middle and high school

Number-loving students will enjoy this one! It's a few years old, though, so challenge students to do some research. They can update the numbers on current Congress members who served in the military, for instance.

10. The Poppy Song for Kids

Best for: Pre-K through 2nd grade

It's customary to wear a red poppy flower on Veterans Day. Do a poppy craft with your students, then learn this song to share with family and friends.

11. PBS Kids: Veterans Day

Best for: Elementary school

You can count on PBS to provide quality learning for kids, and this video is no exception. It's a quick look at the holiday that's ideal for elementary school.

12. Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood

Best for: Pre-K through 2nd grade

This read-along is beautifully illustrated, and the rhyming text will hold younger viewers' attention. Reader Tristan ends the video by thanking the Veterans in her own life.

13. The Wall Read-Along

Best for: Pre-K through 2nd grade

Many Veterans Day videos and books focus on the World Wars, but this book by award-winning author Eve Bunting is about the Vietnam War Memorial. It's a touching but age-appropriate look at this stirring monument.

14. The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

Best for: High school

Be warned; this video contains some graphic photos and footage. But it's a sobering and detailed exploration of this solemn part of America's history.

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14 Inspiring and Informative Veterans Day Videos for Kids

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Before all the "big holidays" of late November and December set in, the United States commemorates Veterans Day on November 11th each year. It's a time to honor all those who have served in the Armed Forces. Teach kids more about this special day with these Veterans Day videos.

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Virtual Exhibits

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National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Washington, D.C.

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National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Washington, D.C.

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Art, artifacts, and photgraphs

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, New York, New York 

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, New York, New York 

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Learning Library and Virtual field trips.

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The Intrepid Museum’s education programs are designed to provide meaningful and engaging experiences for students, teachers and families.

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The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

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The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

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On-line exhibits and resources.

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The National WWII Museum's exhibits cover the epic and global scale of the war that changed the world, in a voice that is intimate and personal. Exhibits not only highlight the role of world leaders, but also the everyday men and women who found the strength and courage to accomplish the extraordinary.

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Exhibits | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

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Housed in four buildings, each arranged around central themes of the war, Museum exhibits offer visitors an opportunity to experience the war through the eyes of the men and women who lived it. Interactive features, oral histories, and personal vignettes add a meaningful perspective.