Resources

Resources explore themes of Remembrance, literacy and creativity

Literacy and numeracy Languages and humanities The arts Resources and projects Key stage 1 Key stage 2
Teaching resources to help pupils of all ages explore their shared heritage of Remembrance have been launched to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Created by the Royal British Legion and the National Literary Trust, they are aimed at pupils in key stages 1 to 4, with a number of specific activities for key stages 2 and 3.

As well as looking back to the end of the Second World War in Europe, the resources also encourage young people to acknowledge the contribution of a new generation of Armed Forces who have responded alongside essential workers in the fight against Covid-19.

A key aim is to help children draw parallels between these modern-day challenges and the Second World War generation. The resources, available to download on the Royal British Legion’s website, include:

  • Assemblies (key stages 2 and 3): Exploring and understanding what Remembrance has meant and continues to mean to us in 2020. Children will be supported to understand the relevance of Remembrance in their lives and to find their own ways to observe it.
  • Bite-size activities (key stages 2 and 3): Quick, meaningful activities which relate to both Remembrance in general and through a “then and now” lens.
  • Book Club (key stages 2 and 3): Explore Remembrance and themes of “then and now” with fiction text Now or Never by Bali Rai. Resources are tailored to each key stage and include veteran interview films and input from the author himself.
  • Creative writing (whole school): Pupils experience and create their own fiction texts. Includes extracts from the book Home Again, author top tips and veteran interview films – all encouraging children to create their own written responses to past and present events.
  • Art exhibition (whole school): Designed to explore, understand, and express feelings about Remembrance in this unique year. Children will engage with a range of stimulus such as painting, sculpture and music.

Catherine Davies, head of remembrance at the Royal British Legion, said: “In this unique and challenging year, the Legion wants to support children in understanding why we remember. Our new teaching resources will not only teach children about the significance of remembering those from past conflicts, but will also help them to discover the relevance of Remembrance to today.”