Teaching Children About ANZAC Day: Why It Matters

Yes, it is necessary to teach children about ANZAC Day. Doing so helps them understand Australia’s history, values of sacrifice and service, and the importance of peace and community. By introducing children to ANZAC traditions, educators and families foster respect, remembrance, and a sense of national identity that grows deeper each year.

Why Teaching ANZAC Day Matters

• Historical Awareness: ANZAC Day marks the first major military action of Australian and New Zealand forces in WWI. Teaching children ensures this history is not forgotten.
• Values of Respect & Gratitude: Children learn why we honour soldiers’ sacrifices and how freedom and safety are connected to those sacrifices.
• Peace & Harmony: Beyond war, ANZAC Day opens conversations about cooperation, empathy, and caring for others.
• Cultural Identity: Participation in traditions like rosemary planting, baking ANZAC biscuits, or observing a minute’s silence helps children feel part of Australia’s collective story.

Practical Ways to Teach Children

• Storytelling & Books: Age-appropriate ANZAC books help children grasp complex ideas through relatable narratives.
• Hands-On Activities: Crafts like painting poppies, baking damper, or handling medals and flags make learning tangible.
• Symbolic Rituals: Holding a minute’s silence or a small classroom commemoration teaches respect in a gentle, accessible way.
• Discussion & Reflection: Encourage children to ask questions and share feelings, guiding them toward understanding sacrifice and peace.

Keep It Simple

• Focus on the collective pride of the country.
• Talk about the freedom we have to feel safe because of their sacrifice.
• Talk about caring for each other and the world as a whole.
• Bake some ANZAC treats.
• Plant a rosemary bush.
• Let them ask the questions, be open to their ideas on what they think it was about, and guide them gently to the truth.
• Have a moment of silence in honour of those who fought so hard for our freedom, holding hands as a symbol of unity.
• Visuals are a great tool. There are a lot of books and visual resources available with children in mind to explain war and related themes.
• Do some Anzac craft—some simple painting of poppies is a lovely way to extend learning—NOTE—even though the poppy is traditionally associated with Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th, it is now a symbol that is being used on other days like ANZAC as a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. The gesture is linked to the red poppies that were the first plants to bloom in the post-war battlefields of World War 1 in France and Belgium. It was believed in soldier folklore that the red was the blood of the soldiers who lost their lives (source: The Australian War Memorial).
• Bake some damper - a great way to demonstrate to kids how bread might have been baked during war times, both at home and afield. It's a token activity, but simple activities work best in conveying information and concepts to children.
• Read some Anzac books—Share a book. A book about Anzac Day that is specifically aimed at children may make it easier for both of you to start a conversation. Read the story and have a chat afterwards. Ask what they think it all means, and don’t forget to ask if they have any questions. With the recent centenary commemorations, there are plenty of books about the First World War for children. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your local library for some suggestions.
• Touch upon the idea that sometimes people don’t always get along, and what can happen because of this. Don’t discuss wars as a consequence of people not getting along, but rather on scenarios that young children will be able to better relate to, like feeling bad because of a fight or having no one to play with. You could also ask children how they feel when someone they love is not close by, which in later childhood can pave the way for discussions about soldiers being away from home and how they and their families felt. You should also focus on peace and harmony and how a close-knit society has rules that make sure everyone is getting along.
• Hold your own commemoration—If you feel that it may be too overwhelming for your children to attend a public service, you could hold your own ceremony, including a minute’s silence. This roleplay would help to prepare your children for attending in the future, including what behaviour is expected of them.
• Children learn best through hands-on learning. When teaching them about Anzac Day, it may be helpful to give them things that they can touch, like medals and flags and photographs, which will engage their interest and connection with the information that they’re being given.
• Give children more concrete information about ANZAC—what it means and how soldiers and the military work very hard to make sure everyone in Australia is safe. Stress upon why we should be grateful and respectful to our brave soldiers. Speak about how everyone is welcome into Australia, provided they follow our rules to ensure that everyone lives happily and safely together.
• Hold your own commemoration, including a minute’s silence. This roleplay would help to prepare your children for attending in the future, including what behaviour is expected of them.

Embedding ANZAC Day Meaningfully

1. Plan Ahead

   • Identify age-appropriate stories, songs, or activities.
   • Prepare symbols (poppies, rosemary, flags) for children to explore.

2. Connect to Curriculum

   • Link activities to EYLF outcomes: identity, community, and well-being.
   • Highlight values of respect, empathy, and belonging.

3. Create Gentle Rituals

   • Hold a minute’s silence or quiet reflection.
   • Use soft music or audio stories to set a calm tone.

4. Engage Families

   • Invite parents to share family stories or traditions.
   • Provide take-home ideas like baking ANZAC biscuits together.

5. Reflect & Adapt

   • Encourage children to ask questions and share feelings.
   • Adjust activities for diverse cultural backgrounds and sensitivities.

Keep the focus on values of peace, gratitude, and community rather than the details of war. This ensures children engage meaningfully without being overwhelmed.

Long-Term Impact

• Generational Continuity: Passing down ANZAC stories ensures children grow up with an appreciation of national heritage.
• Emotional Development: Relating ANZAC themes to everyday experiences (like missing loved ones or resolving conflicts) builds empathy.
• Community Connection: Children learn that remembrance is not just about the past—it’s about shaping a peaceful, respectful society today.

 Why This Matters for Educators

• Curriculum Links: ANZAC Day connects directly to EYLF outcomes—children develop identity, community awareness, and wellbeing.
• Reflective Practice: Educators can reflect on how remembrance rituals are adapted for diverse children and families, ensuring inclusivity.
• Practical Strategies: Mapped activities (storytelling, crafts, rituals) balance respect with age-appropriate engagement.
• Cultural Competence: Teaching ANZAC Day builds children’s understanding of heritage while strengthening community partnerships.

Teaching ANZAC Day is not just about history—it’s about shaping values of respect, empathy, and belonging. For educators, it’s an opportunity to embed cultural traditions into meaningful learning experiences that connect children to their community and nation.

Further Reading

ANZAC Day Storybooks for Children
Anzac Day Activities For Children