Teaching resources for remembrance day

Today is a great opportunity for us to reflect upon all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Although remembrance day is intrinsically linked to World War One it's focus has changed to be inclusive of all modern conflicts. 

The Google cultural institute has some great resources that are useful in examining the 'Great War' with student which can be accessed here.  Please take some time to follow through the links contained within to get access to numerous world class sites which offer a global perspective on the conflict.

Alternately you can take a look at our resources on war and conflict with some great activities for teachers and students.

5 persuasive writing prompts about war

The unjust russian invasion of ukraine has higlhighted the lies of a dictator and the suffering of his victims on both sides.

Is war ever justified?  Has there ever been a successful war?  Does war save or spend innocent lives?

War is certainly one of the most complex issues humanity has ever faced, but in saying that we have been pursuing it since we could raise a fist in anger. 

We see images from all around the world every night that highlight man's injustice toward each other. 

Your students will enjoy these five persuasive writing prompts about war in forming an educated opinion about an issue in which so many have laid down their lives for.

 Prompt 1) In several counties, citizens are expected to serve in the national military. Even in America, we have only recently abandoned the draft and the ordinance of mandatory military service. Do you believe we should institute similar mandatory military service requirements for our citizenry? Why or why not?

Prompt 2) Do you believe the US should launch a preliminary strike against Iran? Why or why not?

Prompt 3) Many great philosophers have likened war to being a cowardly way to face a problem. Do you agree with these philosophers? Why or why not?

Prompt 4) One of your friends has been approached by a recruiter for the Army and has asked you for your advice on whether or not they should join. Do you tell him to enlist? Be sure to give them reasons why you feel they should/should not enlist.

Prompt 5) As America's capitalist system becomes more dependent on global markets for stability, many have stipulated that fewer wars will be fought. Do you agree or disagree with this assumption? Why or why not? 

Please feel free to suggest some more below

Lesson Plans & Teaching Ideas on WW1 & WW2

Today in Australia and New Zealand is ANZAC day.  A really significant day that is set aside to remember all of those that have died in wars so that we can live in freedom.

This week in my class we have been looking at the original ANZAC campaign at Gallipoli in 1915 and doing a range of activities based around facts learnt about Australia's involvement in world war one.

For those of you that are seeking a more international flavour to high quality teaching resources I would recommend Mr. Donn's teaching resources for WW1 and WW2.  There are a number of great activities worksheets and interactive tasks for students of all ages.  Enjoy.

The secret of teaching the Holocaust to students

I came across a great website full of content on teaching the holocaust to students.  These activities have been developed for teachers to use as a guide. Their intent is to give teachers a framework to follow for use in a Holocaust unit of study. The philosophy behind these activities is based on constructivist pedagogy, brain-based learning and the awareness of the theory of multiple intelligences. It is hoped teachers will use them and build on them to fit the needs of students, taking into account their age, maturity, and ability levels.

It is strongly recommended that teachers read the Guidelines for Teaching the Holocaust published by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum before designing activities or using the ones we offer in A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust. The suggestions and cautions the Holocaust Museum offers are important and invaluable in delivering Holocaust instruction. The sensitivity of the subject matter requires careful consideration when designing curriculum and guiding students in presentations and research.

Access the holocaust student activities here.

Best War History Websites for Students

With ANZAC day approaching in Australia we are currently doing a great deal of research into both World War One and Two.  My students have been using a number of sites to find out information.  Below are some of the better ones.

BBC - World Wars In Depth

Tons of content here.  Mainly text driven but links to plenty of interactive content.

First World War.com

Lots of Information regarding World War One, much of it media rich content.

Gallipoli the First Day:  Brilliant Interactive Resource outlining the Gallipoli Campaign of WW1

WW2: The people's War  Loads of interactive content on World War 2 from a specifically British perspective.

Veterans List of WW2 Sites.  Hundreds of further options to explore.

I am sure there are plenty more please feel free to suubmit them below

Gallipoli the First Day

Gallipoli the first day is a great interactive site from ABC that really gives a geographic and historically accurate recall of the landing and subsequent battles and evacuation. The purpose of this lesson is to engage students in this rich history, research and retell in their own words.  Click here to access the lesson Planner