As Memorial Day approaches, it’s essential to take the time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces. This meaningful holiday provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.
A Brief History of Memorial Day: Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. Over time, it has evolved into a day of remembrance for all American military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May and is marked by ceremonies, parades, and tributes across the country.
Now, let’s explore some engaging activities and crafts to help students and clients learn about and honor Memorial Day:
1. Patriotic Wreath
Materials Needed: Red, white, and blue construction paper, scissors, glue, cardboard or paper plate, ribbon, star paper punch.
Occupational Therapy Goals: Fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills.
Directions: Cut out stars and red stripes from the construction paper and glue them onto a paper plate with the center cut out to create a patriotic wreath. Add a ribbon for hanging.
2. American Flag Handprint Craft
Materials Needed: Construction paper (red, white, and blue), paint, paintbrush, markers.
Occupational Therapy Goals: Hand strength, fine motor skills, sensory processing.
Directions: Paint the palm of the hand blue and the fingers alternating red and white. Press the hand onto the paper to create the American flag stripes. Use markers to add stars to the blue area.
3. Memorial Day Poppy Craft
Materials Needed: Red paper, green paper or pipe cleaners, black paper or buttons, glue.
Occupational Therapy Goals: Fine motor skills, bilateral coordination.
Directions: Rip small pieces of red construction paper and glue into a circular shape, draw a green stem or use a pipe cleaner. Glue ripped black paper or black buttons in the center.
Here is the version that I do with students each year.
4. Fine Motor Activities
- Sort red white and blue pony beads onto pipe cleaners
- Sort different patriotic beads into muffin tins
- Sort patriotic stickers
These activities and crafts provide opportunities for students and clients to learn about and honor the significance of Memorial Day while engaging in meaningful and therapeutic experiences.
Let us remember and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country this Memorial Day.
About the Author
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source. I appreciate your interest wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
