Tips for teaching kids about Anzac Day

With Anzac Day drawing near, parents might find themselves fielding questions from their children on the subject. While some questions can be easily answered, children have a habit of asking the unexpected at times, which can see even the most prepared parent struggling to find the right words.

The Stratford Press spoke to some local experts about how to talk about Anzac Day with our children, in the hope of helping parents out this year.

Rae Sullivan-Brown, the principal of St Joseph's School in Stratford, says the day is "an integral part of our country and our history, and we need to help our children understand that". She says students at the school are involved with the lead-up to the day, including the making of wreaths and Anzac Day poppies being sold at school, and that the school participates in the parade when it takes place during school term.

This, says Rae, helps children understand better than just talking does. "By joining in, they ask questions as they go, rather than try to understand it all in one lesson."

Taking children to the hall of remembrance, or spending five minutes talking about the symbolism when buying a poppy, can help children start to appreciate the meaning of the day and its relevance to us as modern New Zealanders.

District librarian Jonet Moore says the library has plenty of books for children on the subject and these can be a great conversation starter for children.

When choosing a book for younger children, she says to look at stories focusing on some of the animals such as Simpson's donkey, as well as the Anzac biscuits and poppies that most will have encountered at some point.

Margie Hodgetts, director of PaperPlus in Stratford, recommends Anzac Day - the New Zealand Story. What it is and Why it Matters by Philippa Werry as a great book for children and adults to read together to explore the history and tradition of the day. Margie also says it is important for the adults talking to children to make sure they have the facts right. She suggests reading up on the subject before talking to children about it.

Jonet has some suggestions:

Some good picture books for 5-8 year olds:

Anzac biscuits by Phil Cummings

The red poppy by David Hill

Lest we forget by Feana Tu'akoi

A good informative book for 9-13 year olds:

A nice day for a war by Matt Elliott and Chris Slane.