The Chronicle

Challenge Activities - Junior Da Vinci

November is a month of remembrance.

This year we have decided to move away from termly and half termly JDV challenges and are using a monthly theme to suggest activities to challenge and interest pupils.

Each month different activities will be suggested. Pupils do not have to complete all, or any of these activities. They are available to all pupils in all years, so pupils can choose to investigate something that they are interested in.  

Bring any examples of activities that have been completed to Mrs Cowlishaw to share with the whole school.

November - Remembrance

During Remembrance people stop to remember those who have served and sacrificed, from armed forces and emergency services to civilians, whilst hoping for a peaceful future.

Every November we give pause and thanks to the men and women who have bravely served our country. It is a time for silent reflection and sombre tributes. 

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War One where an agreement to stop fighting was reached on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. The truce is called the Armistice.

Remembrance Day now remembers all those who have died in wars and is marked by a two-minute silence at 11:00am every 11th November.

Here are some activities to try:

Religious Education

The month of November offers a time within the liturgical (Church) calendar to remember those who have died.

It runs from All Saints’ Day to Advent Sunday and incorporates All Souls’ and the Festival of Christ the King. It also includes Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day, when those who died serving in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts are honoured and remembered.

It is a solemn time of reflection and can be deeply moving, especially for those grieving the loss of loved ones. The music from the Cathedral choirs offers comfort. Listen to some of these pieces – why do you think they are used at this time? Can you think of some other music that you would use?

Season of Remembrance | Cathedral Music Trust

Prayers of remembrance – write a prayer to celebrate those who have died on active service for their country. How will we remember them in our prayers?

Traditions for Remembrance Day

This is an opportunity for people to learn from history and to think about the importance of peace.

Several traditions have come from Remembrance Day including reading poetry, poppies and even jelly babies. Find out more about these traditions. Why are they symbolic?

Art

We wear poppies in November as a mark of respect.

Poppies grew on the battlefields after the First World War and soon became the symbol of remembrance for all wars. The flowers are also featured in the famous war poem, In Flanders Fields

The poppy has been a flower that artists have drawn, painted and sculpted over many decades.

Create your own poppy artwork in a style of your choice.

Pointillism: Georges Seurat was one of the most famous pointillist artists.
Pop Art: Andy Warhol was a famous pop art artist.
Mixed Media: Use a combination of styles, tools and materials to create your masterpiece.

krokotak | Poppies art

Georgia O'Keeffe was an American artist who painted nature in a way that showed how it made her feel. She famously used images of poppies in lots of her paintings; use her style to recreate her painting, Red Poppy (1927)

Who is Georgia O'Keeffe? | Tate Kids

Chalk Pastel Poppies Inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe - Projects with Kids

Geography

Remembrance and the month of November has different celebrations and traditions around the world. One of these is the Day of the Dead (Dia de lo Muertos) in Mexico.

What can you find out about the Day of the Dead? How is it celebrated?

Can you find out about different countries traditions for this month?

Design your own Day of the Dead mask – https://youtu.be/VlV73NpUDeE to help celebrate.

Recommended reads – have a look at some of these books to expand you reading horizons.

The Poppy Story – an illustrated paperback aimed at children 4-7 years old, it tells the story of the poppy and remembrance.

Ava's Poppy – recommended for 3+ years, the Marcus Pfister book features a short story and illustrations on the lifecycle of a flower and a prompt for discussions about the symbol of poppies.

Flo of the Somme – This book pays tribute to the bravery of all animals who risked their lives during World War 1. Written by Hilary Robinson and illustrated by Martin Impey, it follows the adventure of Mercy Dog Flo, who is trying to reach the injured on the battlefields with her first aid kit. It is aimed at children 4-11 years.

One Boy's War – suitable for 9-11 years, the book by Lynn Huggins-Cooper, is told from the view of a 16-year-old boy who goes to fight in World War 1.

I hope you enjoy these activities – please let me know how you get on, and bring in some examples of things you have found out!

Mrs Cowlishaw