Remembering Remembrance Day

On Friday, 11 November we commemorated Remembrance Day. This is a time to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those before us so we can enjoy the lifestyle we have in Australia. It is a chance to give thanks and to help our young ones learn from the mistakes of past generations past in the hope that they will never have to see war.

In the Grade 6 library sessions, we have been exploring the research process – from having a question to having the information to present the answer or use the knowledge to produce something new.

On Thursday, 10 and Friday, 11 November, we used our research skills to find out more about Remembrance Day and we particularly focused on the final stage of research, Communicate and Apply. Students thought about the information they had and how it could be communicated to their audience who were the Foundation students. How could they phrase things in a way that junior students could understand and choose information that was appropriate for such a young audience?

Students decided to focus on heroes. Grade 6s made a mini book of their research and showed Foundation students their work. In the lead up to this day, during Library sessions, the Foundation students were read some beautiful picture books focused on heroes from the war including the ANZAC Puppy, ANZAC Ted, The ANZAC Tree and Only a Donkey.

Research is a skill that students will constantly develop and in this case it was an opportunity to highlight the importance of Remembrance Day and to remember why we commemorate this day many years later.

Diana Thompson

Head of Joan Reid Resource Centre