Belonging, respect, remembrance: How ECEC supports young citizens

Each year on 11 November, Australians pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in war and peacekeeping efforts, marking the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918. Remembrance Day is an important opportunity to foster values of community, empathy and historical understanding,  including in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.

While young children may not yet comprehend the full complexity of war, educators can help them explore related ideas, courage, care, belonging and remembrance – through developmentally appropriate practices.

The recently launched Draw to Remember initiative, coordinated by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, provides one such example. The campaign invites children to express their reflections on remembrance through art, making space for gentle exploration of the past through creativity. Resources are designed to support respectful engagement and connection, not historical instruction.

In early childhood settings, remembrance can be meaningfully acknowledged by:

• Introducing symbols like poppies and rosemary in inclusive, age-appropriate ways
• Sharing picture books and guided stories that highlight empathy, courage and caring for others
• Creating art or planting activities that connect to family and community
• Observing a minute of silence to reflect together in a calm, respectful space

These approaches link directly to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly:

• Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
• Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

They also align with the National Quality Standard (NQS):

• Quality Area 1 – Embedding cultural learning in the educational program
• Quality Area 5 – Supporting children’s emotional security and relationships
• Quality Area 6 – Building collaborative partnerships with families and communities

Educators are not expected to teach military history, but rather to facilitate respectful reflection and build the foundations of empathy, gratitude and understanding. This is especially meaningful for children whose families may have lived experience of conflict, migration or service – and equally valuable for those just beginning to form their understanding of community and belonging.

By gently introducing the values of remembrance, ECEC professionals help young children begin their journey as thoughtful, compassionate citizens, grounded in care for others and a respect for shared history.

Learn more or access Draw to Remember resources.