Memorial Day 2023 Teaching Resources

Honor Memorial Day 2023 in the classroom with printables, worksheets, and activities for students created by teachers to teach kids about this annual federal holiday.

Included in this collection for teachers are Memorial Day art projects, writing prompts, and more teaching resources designed to explain the importance of the holiday to young students.

New to writing Memorial Day lesson plans? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!

What Is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday of May. It honors those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day is a time for Americans to remember and honor the sacrifices of all the men and women who have died while serving their country.

When Is Memorial Day?

Celebrated on the last Monday in May every year, Memorial Day is a federal holiday that changes date from year to year, making it extra hard to keep track of! This year Memorial Day will be Monday, May 29, 2023. If school is still in session in your area, schools will close for the federal holiday.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day started after the Civil War as a way to honor those who had died in service. At the time, Americans were asked to take the day to decorate the graves of war dead with flowers — hence the name.

In fact, the name didn't actually change to "Memorial Day" until 1967! It became a federal holiday with the approval of Congress in 1938 and was expanded to honor those who have died in all wars. Then in 1968, Congress officially moved the newly named Memorial Day to the last Monday of May — part of the Uniform Holidays Bill of 1968 that moved dates like Presidents' Day to Mondays to give workers more three-day weekends.

Why Is it Important for Kids to Learn About Memorial Day?

This federal holiday falls after the end of the school year in some areas of the US and near the end in others. So how important is it to add Memorial Day to your lesson plans?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Learning about Memorial Day will help our students understand and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by members of the military to protect our country and our way of life. This can foster a sense of gratitude and respect for those who have served and died for our freedom.
2. Introducing this holiday offers a chance to teach about the history and significance of the holiday, as well as the events and conflicts that have shaped the United States. This supplements their social studies units and also offers kids a look at the role of the military in American history and the sacrifices that have been made to protect our country.
3. By participating in Memorial Day activities and ceremonies, kids can also develop civic-mindedness and a sense of community. They're given the opportunity to learn the importance of honoring and remembering those who have died in service to our country, and how to do it respectfully.

Memorial Day Activities for the Classroom

Looking for some activities for Memorial Day to help your students to better understand this holiday and its importance? Here are some favorites from our teacher team to get you started!

• Create an American Flag Bulletin Board With Handprints — It's late in the school year to be setting up another bulletin board, we know, but stick with us. You can build an easy patriotic bulletin board by having pre-k or kindergarten students dip their hands in red and blue paint to create a massive flag. This will make a perfect backdrop for photos at pre-k or kindergarten graduation.
• Sing Patriotic Songs — This is another activity that is perfect for Memorial Day but also has application if you're planning a graduation or stepping up ceremony as your class can sign the song together for parents, guardians or other family members as part of the celebration.
• Study the History of Memorial Day — Acquaint your students with the history of the holiday. Students can compare and contrast Memorial Day with Veterans Day using a graphic organizer.