Remembrance Day in Schools: Activities, Assemblies and Ideas

What is Remembrance Day and when is it observed?

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is observed on 11 November each year. The date marks the Armistice that stopped the fighting in the First World War at 11am on 11 November 1918. Today, Remembrance is wider than one conflict: it is an opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of people from the Armed Forces community, past and present.

At 11am on 11 November, many schools and communities observe a two-minute silence. Remembrance Sunday is separate from Armistice Day and is held on the second Sunday in November.

Why is Remembrance Day important in schools?

For schools, Remembrance Day can support learning in history, English, PSHE, art and wider personal development. It gives pupils a chance to explore why communities remember, how traditions develop and how individual stories can help us understand the impact of conflict.

The most useful approach is not simply to tell pupils what to think. Give them enough historical context to understand the day, then create opportunities to ask questions, reflect and express what remembrance means to them.

This can be particularly powerful when activities connect national events with local history, community memorials or family stories, while avoiding pressure on pupils to share personal experiences.

How can schools teach Remembrance Day sensitively and inclusively?

Remembrance can involve difficult themes, including war, death, loss and displacement. Teachers should adapt language and activities to the age and needs of the class, and avoid graphic detail that is unnecessary for understanding the topic.

It is also worth remembering that pupils may have family members serving in the Armed Forces, relatives affected by historic conflicts, or recent experience of war and displacement.

Use inclusive language that recognises the contribution of people from the UK and Commonwealth and makes space for different family histories, cultures and beliefs.

Explain the purpose of the two-minute silence beforehand rather than assuming every pupil already understands it. Where appropriate, offer a quiet alternative for pupils who may find a particular activity difficult.

What Remembrance Day activities work well in the classroom?

Simple Remembrance Day activities can help children participate rather than only listen. Choose tasks that have a clear learning purpose, connect back to the meaning of Remembrance Day and give pupils time to discuss what they have learned.

Create a Remembrance acrostic or poem

Use the word “Remembrance” as an acrostic, or ask pupils to write a short poem about memory, service, peace or community.

For younger pupils, a shared class acrostic can make the task more accessible. Stationery, writing paper and colouring pencils can support the activity.

Make poppy-inspired art

Poppy crafts can open a discussion about why the poppy became associated with Remembrance.

Pupils could create a class display using red paper, tissue paper, card, paint, glue and scissors. Keep the focus on meaning as well as making, so the finished work connects back to the lesson.

Use music, poetry and first-person stories

Historical songs, poetry, letters and personal accounts can help pupils explore how people experienced wartime and how memories are passed on.

A song such as We’ll Meet Again can be used with appropriate Second World War context. If audio is part of the lesson, speakers or other presentation equipment can help the whole class listen clearly.

Use quizzes, puzzles and discussion prompts

Age-appropriate quizzes, word searches and matching activities can reinforce key vocabulary and facts.

Rather than relying on random worksheets found online, choose trusted education materials that have clear learning aims and suitable language for the age group.

Explore remembrance through planting

If your school has suitable outdoor space, planting poppies or creating a small remembrance garden can connect history with nature and responsibility.

Pupils can prepare seed compost, use plant pots or beds, and care for the area using gardening tools and watering cans. Check the sowing season and growing conditions before planting.

How should schools plan a Remembrance Day assembly?

A school assembly can bring the community together, but the timing and content need planning.

Decide who will lead the assembly, which year groups will attend, how the two-minute silence will be introduced and what pupils should expect.

If the assembly includes readings, music or pupil contributions, rehearse these in advance so the focus remains calm and respectful.

If your school plans to observe the silence at 11am, build the timetable around it rather than trying to squeeze it into an ordinary transition.

Share the plan with teachers and support staff in advance, including any arrangements for pupils who need additional support.

School business managers and office teams can also help by checking spaces, presentation equipment, visitor arrangements and communication with families where needed.

What should staff consider before the day?

Make sure staff understand both the purpose of the day and the practical plan.

A short briefing can cover:

• The historical context
• Agreed language
• Lesson resources
• Assembly timings
• How questions from pupils will be handled
• Any additional support pupils may need

If poppies are being made available to staff or pupils, explain that wearing one is a personal choice and should not become a test of participation or respect.

For wider workload planning, GLS also has practical guidance on how to plan and organise work for school business leaders.

Where can teachers find reliable Remembrance Day resources?

The Royal British Legion’s Teaching Remembrance resources are a strong starting point.

Its education materials include free downloadable learning resources, assemblies and activities for schools, with resources designed for different ages and curriculum areas.

Using trusted resources also helps teachers avoid unverified worksheets or explanations that may oversimplify the history or use inappropriate language.

For the history of the day itself, the Royal British Legion also provides guidance explaining why the silence is held at 11am on 11 November and how Armistice Day relates to Remembrance Sunday.

How does GLS support schools with Remembrance Day activities?

The most important part of Remembrance Day is the learning, reflection and respectful participation around it.

GLS can support the practical side by helping schools keep everyday classroom and event essentials in one place, from art and craft supplies and display materials to stationery, speakers and gardening tools.

That leaves teachers, leaders and school business managers to focus on planning activities that are meaningful for their pupils.

Conclusion

A successful Remembrance Day in school is thoughtful, well planned and appropriate for the pupils taking part.

Give children clear context, choose meaningful activities, prepare staff and create space for quiet reflection. With reliable resources and simple practical planning, schools can help pupils understand why remembrance continues to matter while respecting the different experiences represented in their community.