Celebrating Memorial Day 2020

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was established to honor those who have died in the service of protecting the United States of America. On May 30, 1868, Major General John Logan decorated the graves of fallen soldiers in the American Civil War. Then in 1873, New York became the first state to designate Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, as a legal holiday. Fast forward to 1971, in which Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act making Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Each year, the President or Vice President places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. The history and celebration of Memorial Day is most assuredly a relevant topic to explore in the classroom.

Whether you are meeting your class in person or through remote or distance learning, you can still celebrate and learn about Memorial Day through the use of infographics.

Infographics are a unique and visual way for students to organize their thoughts and demonstrate their learning.

To study Memorial Day, I have two bundles with no-prep activities ready for you to implement right away: The Memorial Day Bundle and the War Animals Bundle. Both of these bundles are great for distance learning or in-person class meetings and can be used to foster and facilitate class discussions, group work, class review, or even emergency sub plans for when you need something but do not have the time to develop and get ready.

Memorial Day Distance Learning Bundle

This discounted bundle contains 4 different products that can be printed or used interactively through Google Classroom or other online platforms. In total, you get 3 different infographic worksheets (with both color and black and white options for printing). In addition to the one-sheet infographics, teacher and student directions are provided alongside two pages of information on the history of Memorial Day from PBS and the U.S. Air Force, for students to use as they build their infographics.

Animals of War Distance Learning Bundle

Just like the Memorial Day Distance Learning Bundle, this discounted bundle focuses on the use of infographics to teach the history of holidays commemorating soldiers and the animals they work with. The War Animals bundle consists of three products with ready-to-use infographic sheets and information for students to use. Great for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, these products would also be perfect for studying World War I and World War II.

I like to use these infographic activities with shorter texts as well, including literary analysis, or to engage in environmental issues.

I hope you find these products helpful as you plan and integrate the history of Memorial Day into your curriculum and teaching.

I also want to take a moment to say Thank You to all of those who have died fighting to protect us all. Your sacrifices are forever remembered.

Thanks for visiting!