Veterans Day is a great opportunity to help students build their writing skills while exploring the meaning behind the holiday and honoring those who have served our country. These prompts and projects will inspire meaningful classroom discussions, thoughtful reflection, and creative ways for students to show what they’ve learned.

For History/Social Studies lessons:

Who is honored on Veterans Day? How are they honored in your community?

Write a short biography about a veteran in your life (family member, family friend, person in your community, etc.)

Compare the different branches of the military: how are they different? How are they similar?

Write about the history and significance of a monument in the US

What do the colors and symbols on the American flag represent?

Compare and contrast the events of a war movie with the real-life battle.

What is a moment of silence? What is its cultural significance in the United States?

For English/Creative Writing lessons:

Write a thank you note to a veteran

Write an acrostic poem using words such as “Veteran,” “Soldiers,” “Hero”, etc.

Have you visited a war monument in the US? What was your experience?  

Give examples of support for veterans in your community: what your community already does, and what they could do

Describe the traits that make someone heroic. How can you demonstrate those in your own life?

What would a peaceful, free world look like to you?

What can you do to promote peace in your life and community?

What three words do you associate with Veterans Day? Write a poem using those words.