Remembrance unites people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds in honouring those who defend our democratic freedom and way of life.

The UK has a long tradition of marking Armistice Day, calling to mind the moment when fighting ceased at the end of the First World War, at 11.00am on the 11th November 1918.

 

Article 38 - Protection in War

Governments must not allow children under the age of 15 to take part in war or join the armed forces. Governments must do everything they can to protect and care for children affected by war and armed conflicts.

 

Exploring Remembrance

Why is it important to remember and commemorate those who have fought in wars?

How does this link to Article 36 of the Convention for the Rights of a Child?

Are children able to think of any reasons? Here are some thoughts:

• It’s important to remember and acknowledge those who have fought to keep children safe and to show thanks.
• Children have a right to life. During wars, some people lose their own lives to protect the lives of children and their communities. It is important to remember their sacrifice.
• If we forget about wars that have protected our way of life, we might make the same mistakes again
• Children under 15 should not take part in war.
• It is important to think about how we can achieve a more peaceful future.
• It is important to consider ways to avoid war to resolve conflict.
• Remembrance unites people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. 

In school next week, Year 2 children will be visiting the War Memorial in Marlow and taking part in some remembrance-based activities at All Saints church. We will be marking Remembrance Day on Tuesday in collective worship and the Year 2s will be reciting 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae. 

Exploring Remembrance Day with children at home can be done in a variety of ways. Some of these are outlined below:

---

Visit the local War Memorial

Why not visit the war memorial in Marlow? What did you see when you were there? Perhaps your child can make a model of it using recyclable materials or draw a picture of it and bring them into school.

The Remembrance Sunday service takes place on 9th November on The Causeway in Marlow at 10.45am. Why not go along?

---

Poppies

Poppies are used as symbols during Remembrance Day events. Watch this short CBeebies animation and discuss what the film is about. Discuss how the rabbit might be feeling during the war. If the rabbit was a child, what rights would be affected?

 

Have you seen any poppies when you have been out in Marlow? Does your child recognise these poppies? Where are they? There are a lot of poppies here! Can your child estimate how many there are?

 

 

 

---

UNICEF

UNICEF was created in 1946 to help protect and support children after World War II. Find out more about UNICEF’s history and how they have supported children, including those affected by wars, ever since. As a family, you could draw a timeline of interesting facts about UNICEF, the Convention and war. These pages might help to start you off: UNICEF - history of child rights, and UNICEF history

---

Talking about worries helps to make them smaller.

If someone is worried about conflict at home or around the world, who can they tell?

Can your child talk about the different people that they can talk to if they have a worry or don’t feel safe?

---

Learning about what life was like in the times of the first and second World Wars

In this short film, you’ll see the girls laying a poppy wreath at a memorial, which is a traditional part of Remembrance Day events. Why not try making a remembrance wreath with your child?  Can they decide where they want to lay it?