Honouring Remembrance Day in Canadian Childcare Centres
- Carina Dai
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the brave men and women who served — and continue to serve — our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.For childcare centres across Canada, Remembrance Day is not only a national observance, but also a meaningful opportunity to introduce children to the values of peace, gratitude, and community.
🌺 Teaching Young Hearts About Remembrance
While young children may not yet understand the full meaning of war or history, they are incredibly receptive to the concepts of kindness, respect, and care for others.In childcare and early learning environments, educators can gently share the idea that Remembrance Day is about remembering people who helped make our country a safe and happy place.
Simple activities can make the day meaningful:
🖍️ Poppy crafts — Using red paper, paint, or tissue to make poppies helps children engage creatively.
📚 Story time — Reading age-appropriate books about peace, bravery, or helping others (for example, A Poppy Is to Remember by Heather Patterson).
🎵 Quiet reflection — Playing soft music and encouraging a short “moment of quiet” can introduce the idea of remembrance in a gentle way.
🌼 Acts of kindness — Encourage children to thank community helpers, write kind notes, or create “peace drawings” for their classroom display.
🕊️ Creating a Respectful Atmosphere
Many childcare centres mark 11:00 a.m. with a short, calm moment of silence or peaceful activity. Even a few seconds of quiet reflection can be powerful when framed positively — “We’re being quiet to remember and say thank you.”
Educators can use this moment to foster:
Empathy (“We remember people who helped others.”)
Respect (“We listen quietly and think kind thoughts.”)
Gratitude (“We say thank you for peace and safety.”)
These are foundational social-emotional lessons that stay with children for life.
❤️ Remembering Together as a Community
Remembrance Day can also bring families and educators together.Many childcare centres invite parents to share stories of family members who served or to contribute to a “Wall of Thanks” or poppy garden display.Even a simple conversation at drop-off — “Today we’re remembering brave people” — helps extend the message from classroom to home.
By observing Remembrance Day together, childcare centres model inclusiveness, compassion, and reflection — values that shape strong communities and future citizens.
🇨🇦 Esikidz Remembers
At Esikidz, we’re proud to support childcare centres that nurture the next generation with care, understanding, and love.As we pause to remember on this day, we celebrate the educators, families, and communities who continue to teach children about the power of peace and gratitude.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”— Laurence Binyon
At esiKidz, we’re committed to empowering childcare providers with the tools they need to streamline operations and enhance their satisfaction.
Discover how esiKidz can transform your childcare management today. Schedule a demo or contact our team to learn more about integrating esiKidz into your facility’s operations.