Elementary Sunday School Lesson: Memorial Day

Use this Sunday school lesson: “Memorial Day,” to help elementary children understand and honor those who’ve served.

Elementary Sunday School Lesson: Memorial Day

1. Shhh

Usher children quietly into a darkened classroom. Keep lights off and windows covered.

Whisper: In some parts of the world, going to church is against the law. People who want to learn about God meet secretly.

Ask:

• What do you think that’s like? Do you think we’re being quiet enough?

Quietly, say: This week we’re celebrating Memorial Day. This is a holiday when we remember people who died fighting in wars to protect our country and our freedom. We’re free to worship God here, so there’s no reason to be quiet.

Turn on the lights and sing a loud song.

2. Rooms in Heaven

Ask:

• Has someone you love ever died?

Say: We feel sad when we miss them. But there’s also joy and hope for those who love Jesus. A forever life in heaven after life here ends. Let’s hear what Jesus tells us about heaven in the Bible’s book of John, chapter 14.

Read aloud John 14:1-3.

Ask:

• What do you imagine heaven—God’s home—is like? 

Say: Let’s create a picture of what we think heaven’s like.

Tape bulletin board paper to a wall and provide art supplies to create a mural of heaven. Let children create the rooms they’d like for themselves or for loved ones already in heaven. Talk about the people in heaven now. Explain that while we may miss them, we can also have joy because they’re in a wonderful place.

3. Snack

In clear cups, layer sliced strawberries and blueberries. Finish with a dollop of whipped topping and serve to kids.

Say: When we celebrate Memorial Day, we’re remembering all the Americans who have died serving our country. Let’s share reasons we’re thankful for those brave people. We’ll call out a reason for each color in our snack—the colors of the American flag.

Guide kids in calling out things our country has because of the bravery and protection of America’s soldiers, such as freedom, safety, and our own lives. Lead three rounds for red, white, and blue.

Say: The sweetness of the snack is a way to celebrate the sweetness of America’s freedom. And God has a unique gift of freedom for us, too. God gave his Son, Jesus, who died and came back to life so we could enjoy forever life in heaven. This gift is for whoever loves and believes in Jesus and his Father, God! God’s gift frees us from the cost of sin—which is to be separated from God forever. Let’s call out a big “thank you for freedom” to God!

3. Poppies of Gratitude

Distribute red construction paper.

To make poppies, have children follow these steps:

1. Trace the bottom of a glass to make four circles.
2. Cut the circles out, then gently crumple them.
3. Open the circles and poke a green chenille wire through their centers as if they were beads.
4. Loop the end of the chenille wire as a knot, and push the red paper circles toward this knot to make a poppy flower.

As kids work, tell them they’re making poppies as reminders of soldiers who died defending America’s freedom. Red poppies are a symbol of Memorial Day. When the flowers are finished, pray and thank God for the people who died for America’s freedom. And for Jesus, who died and came back to life to free us from the cost of our sin. Encourage children to give their flowers to people after church.

Say: When you give people your poppies, ask them to tell you who they remember on Memorial Day.

Looking for even more great ideas and lessons for Memorial Day? Check out all our Memorial Day posts.