Remembrance Day
A collection of Learning Commons resources and suggested websites for students and their families to use as they reflect on Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day
We observe Remembrance Day on November 11 each year. It is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended our freedom and peace. As a Christian community, we come together in reflection and gratitude, remembering those who have given their lives for others, a model of sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus Christ (John 15:13).
We believe this observance allows our students to embody the HCOS Biblical Attributes of Community and Restoration. The Community attribute reminds us that “Students will discover that they have a unique role to play in a living and growing community; they will seek to discover their own gifts and skills, and to affirm the gifts and skills of others.” The Restoration attribute calls us to be "compassionate peacemakers and participants in God's mission to bring about the restoration and reconciliation of all things according to His intention for creation."
During this time of reflection on the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom, our team has assembled resources to support your family in observing Remembrance Day. As our community pauses to remember, we pray that we may honour those who served and continue to seek ways to fulfill God’s mandate of peace, restoration, and unity.
Resources
Learning Commons Remembrance Day Resources
Honouring Service, Sacrifice, Courage, and Peace
Remembrance Day offers an opportunity to honour those who have served, remember those who have sacrificed, and reflect on the impact of war and the importance of peace.
The Learning Commons has curated a selection of eBooks and audiobooks to help students explore these themes through historical accounts, biographies, poetry, and stories.
Choosing resources: Some books address difficult wartime experiences, including loss, violence and persecution. Parents and teachers are encouraged to preview resources and support age-appropriate conversations.
Explore the full Remembrance Day collection in Sora for more eBooks and audiobooks.
Browse our recommended titles below by grade range. Grade levels are suggestions, and individual student readiness may vary.
Grades K–3 | Grades 4–6 | Grades 7–12
Grades K–3: Introducing Remembrance
Gentle introductions to poppies, remembrance, family connections and peace. Some books work especially well as read-alouds.
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Finding WinnieLindsay Mattick · Suggested Grades K–3 A Canadian veterinarian serving in the First World War rescues the bear that would inspire Winnie-the-Pooh. An engaging, gentle introduction to military history. |
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Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a LionJane Barclay · Suggested Grades K–3 Through animal comparisons, a grandfather helps his grandson understand his memories of wartime service and the meaning of Remembrance Day. |
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The Poppy LadyBarbara E. Walsh · Suggested Grades K–3 Discover the story of Moina Belle Michael and how the red poppy came to symbolize remembrance and gratitude for veterans. |
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Remembrance Day (Canadian Celebrations)Heather C. Hudak · Suggested Grades 1–3 An accessible Canadian introduction to why we observe November 11 and how communities honour those who served. |
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Peace Tree from HiroshimaSandra Moore and Kazumi Wilds · Suggested Grades 2–4 A remarkable bonsai tree connects the history of Hiroshima with a message of friendship and peace. Best shared with adult guidance. |
Grades 4–6: Understanding Wartime Experiences
Historical fiction and true stories about how war affected children, families and communities.
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Winnie's Great WarLindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut · Suggested Grades 3–6 A longer Canadian wartime adventure inspired by the real bear Winnie, with historical details and the perspective of the soldiers who cared for her. |
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When the Spirits DanceLarry Loyie and Constance Brissenden · Suggested Grades 4–6 When his father leaves to serve in the Canadian Army during World War II, a young Cree boy learns about courage, family and the meaning of war. Based on Larry Loyie's childhood, this story explores Indigenous military service and traditional Cree knowledge. |
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On Remembrance DayEleanor Creasey · Suggested Grades 3–6 Answers students’ questions about Remembrance Day and explores the ways Canadians remember those who served. |
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A Bowl Full of Peace: A True StoryCaren Stelson · Suggested Grades 3–6 Sachiko Yasui’s family bowl becomes a symbol of hope after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Includes loss and grief; guided reading recommended. |
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The War That Saved My LifeKimberly Brubaker Bradley · Suggested Grades 5–7 A girl evacuated from London during the Second World War finds safety and a sense of belonging. Includes child abuse and wartime danger. |
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Hana's SuitcaseKaren Levine · Suggested Grades 5–7 The investigation of one young Jewish girl’s suitcase brings a deeply personal story of the Holocaust to life. Teacher or parent guidance recommended. |
Grades 7–12: Service, Sacrifice and Reflection
Stories of service, underrepresented contributions and the complex consequences of war for older students.
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The Enigma GirlsCandace Fleming · Suggested Grades 7–10 Meet ten teenage girls who helped Britain decipher secret messages during the Second World War, revealing young women’s vital behind-the-scenes contributions. |
Greatcoats and Glamour Boots: Canadian Women at War, 1939–1945Carolyn Gossage · Suggested Grades 9–12 Personal accounts and photographs tell the stories of Canadian women who served in the army, navy and air force during the Second World War. |
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D-Day: Untold Stories of the Normandy LandingsMichael Noble · Suggested Grades 6–9 Twenty stories inspired by real people help readers understand the Normandy landings, courage under pressure and the realities of battle. |
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This Place: 150 Years RetoldVarious Indigenous creators · Suggested Grades 9–12 An Indigenous-created graphic anthology presenting Canadian history from Indigenous perspectives, including the experiences of a First World War veteran. Mature topics and imagery. |
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War PoemsSiegfried Sassoon · Suggested Grades 9–12 Poems written from the perspective of a First World War soldier convey the disillusionment, sacrifice and tragedy of trench warfare. Some graphic imagery. |
Explore More in Sora
These featured books are a starting point. Browse the complete Remembrance Day Sora collection for additional books and audiobooks. Some newly selected titles may not appear until they have been added to the collection.
For help choosing a resource that suits your learner, connect with the Learning Commons team.
Online Resources
Due to the sensitive nature of Remembrance Day topics, we recommend that parents guide their students in conversations while using these suggested resources.
Government of Canada
Veterans Week
The Government of Canada's website for Veterans Week features stories about Canadians who served their country and made significant contributions to commemoration. Explore the Canadian Armed Forces around the world to discover how Canadians continue to defend peace and freedom worldwide. Primary and middle school students would enjoy the Learning Resources page, which includes various research activities and hands-on resources. Learn more about Indigenous Veterans, who are remembered on November 8 each year, by exploring the Government of Canada website and watching this video from the Minister of National Defence.
Veteran's Affairs Canada
Veterans' Week Learning Resources FREE print and digital products!
This includes a mobile app, lesson plans and free poppy seeds, to name a few products. To explore what is available or order some of their free Veterans’ Week learning products for students aged 5 to 18, visit their online ordering site. Request hard copies for your class at no charge. Digital versions of all of these materials – and much more – are also available on the Government of Canada website.
Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum Remembrance Day Resources The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history and one of the world’s most respected museums for the study and understanding of armed conflict.
Flanders Fields Music
On the Flanders Fields Music website, students can explore the history of the song “In Flanders Fields” by reading about John McCrae, watching videos, and downloading sheet music and MP3 recordings.