Anzac Day Activities for Young Children
Discover Kids Club Gosford, an Exceeding rated childcare centre providing premium early education. Led by experienced Director Tracey, offering innovative programs and state of the art facilities.
Anzac Day Activities for Young Children
April 28, 2025
Discover Kids Club Gosford, an Exceeding rated childcare centre providing premium early education. Led by experienced Director Tracey, offering innovative programs and state of the art facilities.
Article Written By:
Jessica Kingi
Marketing Executive
Former Early Childhood Educator and a mum to 2 beautiful and very active boys. Joining Kids Club 2 years ago, starting as one of our Senior Service Administrators, Jessica now supports all of our centres as the Marketing Executive of Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres.
Understanding Anzac Day Through Young Eyes
Anzac Day activities for young children are a powerful way to introduce the themes of remembrance, gratitude and community connection in an age-appropriate way. At Kids Club Early Learning Centres, we help children learn through meaningful experiences that spark reflection and understanding.
Commemorating Anzac Day is very different from celebrating events like birthdays or holidays. While a celebration marks joyful moments, a commemoration like Anzac Day is about respectfully remembering those who have served, those who continue to serve and the families who support them.
Why We Commemorate
The meaning behind Anzac Day has evolved over time. Originally dedicated to the soldiers of World War I, it now honours all Australian and New Zealand servicemen and servicewomen across many conflicts, peacekeeping missions and even first responder efforts.
For young children, we focus on:
- Appreciating the freedom and safety we enjoy today.
- Acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of those who serve.
- Encouraging values of kindness, resilience and community spirit.
Meaningful ANZAC Day Activities for Young Children
We believe that young children learn best through simple, hands-on experiences that nurture empathy and understanding. Here are some activities you can explore with your child this Anzac Day:
Listen to the Last Post Together
Listening to the Last Post helps children understand the solemnity of Anzac Day. Take a quiet moment together to reflect on its meaning and discuss why silence is important during this time.
Connecting with Veterans and Learning About Medals
Introduce children to the concept of military medals, explaining what they represent and how people earn them. This encourages respect for the many different ways people have served and continue to serve.
Create a Rosemary Wreath or Deliver Rosemary
Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance. Children can create small rosemary wreaths or deliver sprigs to neighbours and friends as a gesture of connection.
Bake Anzac Biscuits
Baking Anzac biscuits is a delicious and tactile way to connect to history. These treats were sent to soldiers during wartime and offer a fun family activity that encourages conversation.
Home Made Play Dough with Rosemary
Crafting rosemary scented play dough adds a sensory dimension to your child’s understanding, linking smells with memory and history. Find Kids Club best play dough recipe here!
Poppy Art and Still Life Drawing
Although traditionally linked to Remembrance Day, poppies have become a universal symbol of sacrifice. Painting or drawing red poppies helps children engage creatively with the themes of remembrance.
Crafting Poppies
Children can make beautiful red poppies using patty pans (red or yellow), coloured paper and green pipe cleaners or sticks. This creative activity helps develop fine motor skills while introducing the symbol of remembrance.
Creating a Scrapbook of Anzac Memories
Put together a scrapbook using old photos of diggers, nurses or community commemorations. Include pictures of the Anzac Bridge, local murals or historic family photos. Even if they happened a long time ago, these visuals help children understand how we remember the past.
Continuing the Conversation Beyond Anzac Day
Children’s understanding of Anzac Day will grow and deepen over time. Keep the conversation going by exploring these questions:
- Why do people march? Explain the purpose of ceremonies and parades.
- What are the different roles in Defence? Talk about the Army, Navy, Air Force and peacekeepers.
- What does peace mean to us today? Reinforce that Anzac Day is about honouring courage and hoping for a peaceful future.
Sensitive Support for All Families
At Kids Club, we are mindful that some families have personal connections to Defence services. We respect the many ways individuals choose to commemorate, whether through public services, private reflection or not at all.
We also support Defence families by creating safe, inclusive environments where stories can be shared, empathy can be developed and every child feels understood.
Final Thoughts: Teaching Children About Remembrance and Gratitude
Anzac Day provides an opportunity to pass on values of gratitude, resilience and compassion to future generations. Through simple, meaningful activities, children begin to build an understanding of service, sacrifice and community spirit.
By nurturing these conversations early, we help children build a sense of identity, empathy and hope.
Lest we forget.
Want to Learn More About Kids Club?
We invite you to explore our Kids Club Early Learning Centres and meet the amazing team! Book a personalised tour with one of our Centre Directors to see how we can meet your family’s needs.
Call us today on 1300 154 372 to schedule a visit, or find your nearest Kids Club Early Learning Centre to book a tour today.
Categories
Latest Articles
Children Are At The Heart of Kids Club Early Learning Centres ♥
Trusted by Parents Across Australia for Early Childhood Education
Explore firsthand the nurturing learning environments that will shape your child’s future!
At The Core of Our Values At Kids Club Is The NQS:
At Kids Club, our holistic approach fosters every aspect of child development. Seamlessly blending curriculum, quality standards, and community engagement to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
Updated 1 May, 2025
Most Popular
