As parents, educators, guardians, and carers, we're fortunate for a child's curiosity. Their thirst for knowledge is one of the driving forces behind keeping the ANZAC spirit alive. With some creativity, a little bit of sugar, and some explanation, you can make sure the kids continue to know why we march and make memories last forever.
ANZAC biscuits
Sure, at the end of this activity are delicious biscuits, these days made to devour - but do you know why? ANZAC biscuits were sent to the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps during WW1 by the soldier's wives and women's associations because the ingredients were not only affordable at the time, they didn't spoil easily and they travelled well across the seas.
Make it!
Ingredients
- 1c rolled oats
- 1c plain flour
- 2/3c brown sugar
- 2/3c desiccated coconut
- 125g chopped butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda
- 2 tbsp cold water
Method
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl
- Place butter, syrup, and 2 tablespoons cold water in a pot over medium heat
- Stir until butter has melted
- Stir in bicarbonate of soda
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and combine
- Roll even-sized balls onto try and flatten them slightly
- Bake for 12 minutes or until golden
- Cool and enjoy
Hot tip!
These biscuits will be chewy. If you prefer them a little crunchy, bake for 3 minutes longer.
Bootcamp Babies
Clovel Childcare & Early Learning Centres celebrate more traditionally, opening up the conversation with children about what it was like to be a soldier at that time. “ At Clovel, we commemorate our fallen ANZAC soldiers through engaging in activities like making Anzac cookies, digging sandpit trenches, doing obstacle courses, and ‘sleeping’ in tents.”
Check out the full video via link in image
Celebrating mateship
ANZAC Day at Montessori Academy is an important occasion that allows children to learn about the history of their country and the values that ANZACs embodied, such as courage, sacrifice, and mateship. By learning about ANZAC Day, children can develop a greater sense of national identity, while also honouring and respecting those who served and continue to serve their country.
Through the senses
Sentia Early Learning goes to great lengths to convey the ANZAC message. Centre director, Angela Hunt explains.
With our hands, we enjoy doing lots of special craft activities.
‘In pairs the children sat down at the table to create their poppies, using lids to stamp the red paint onto the paper in front of them with images of a poppy and a poppy field in front of them for inspiration. We chose stamp painting to create the poppies as it is an age-appropriate, fun way for them to create their interpretations of the poppies.’
With our eyes, we enjoy the pop of colour as we explore bright red poppies and their significance.
‘To honour all the soldiers, we observe Anzac Day as a public holiday, and the red poppy has come to represent war memory all around the world. To commemorate this day, we painted a red poppy during quiet time.’
With our ears, we read stories like Dreaming Soldiers, and The Story of ANZAC and listen to The Last Post bugle call to reflect on the real-life war heroes who fought for our freedoms.
‘The children in Room 2 watched a short video called The Story of Anzac, which gave them a general sense of what it is. Later, we discussed the soldiers' countries of origin (Australia, where we live, and New Zealand, where Cleo's dad is from), and how they were heading to Europe. ‘
With our noses, we enjoy the sweet smell of ANZAC biscuits in the oven.
‘Before starting the activity in Room 3, we gave the children some overview of what ANZAC day is. We explained it in child-friendly language.
With our mouths, we cook and eat delicious ANZAC biscuits.
‘We really focused on them saying the word “ANZAC Day”, “Poppy Flowers”, and “ANZAC cookies” as they are still quite young to grasp the whole concept of ANZAC Day. We hope these activities will introduce and raise their awareness of the significant event and tradition we have here in Australia. They were so excited to make the cookies, and we are pretty sure that they cannot wait to taste it for afternoon tea later.’
With our hearts, we always remember and teach the next generation about this proud chapter of ANZAC history… Lest we forget.
What about the younger crowd?
“ANZAC day is an important day to commemorate and honour those that fought to protect our country, for children under 2 it can be challenging to convey the full meaning of ANZAC Day. However, as educators, we recognise the importance of ANZAC commemorations and wished to celebrate them with our children as a sign of respect. Within Room 5, Educators explained it simply as a day to remember and thank those that helped look after Australia and New Zealand, and we will say thank you and show our respect to them in our own special way by creating poppies in a stamping activity to display in the room,” Angela says.
Books for the occasion
There is a lot of literature out there to educate children of all ages about the history of the day and why we gather. If you're hoping to read to your children and maybe even their friends about ANZAC Day, you could try these titles:
Keeping the spirit alive
However you and your childcare service recognise the ANZACs, know that you're doing a great thing by keeping the spirit alive as well as the memories of those who fought hard for our country. Why not check out your capital city or local council websites for your nearest dawn service?
Lest we forget.
