Throughout the first three weeks of November, fourth graders at Kirksville Elementary embarked on an engaging and meaningful ELA/social studies project centered on Veterans Day. Students explored a wide range of texts—including books, articles, and multimedia resources—to deepen their understanding of the holiday and the people it honors. As they read and conducted research, students responded to constructed-response questions that encouraged them to think critically about service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Their learning journey took them through important historical topics such as Arlington National Cemetery, the solemn duties of the Honor Guard, and the story of “The Poppy Lady,” Moina Michael, who helped establish the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance. These lessons helped students appreciate the traditions and history behind Veterans Day while connecting them to real people and real stories. Students also had the opportunity to honor local veterans by performing a Veterans Day program for the entire school—an event that showcased both their gratitude and newly gained knowledge.
To conclude the unit, students used Canva to design their own Veterans Day infographics. Each infographic included key information about who a veteran is, what Veterans Day represents, the history of the holiday, and why it remains important today. Students selected images that complemented their facts and organized their content into visually appealing, easy-to-read designs. This final project allowed them to combine research skills, digital design, and creativity—all while celebrating the heroes who have served our country.
Breanna Adams
Kirksville Elementary
Madison County
4th Grade
