Anzac Day in ECEC: age-appropriate ways to explore remembrance and community

Anzac Day can offer a meaningful learning opportunity in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings when approached with care, cultural sensitivity and a strong commitment to age-appropriate practice.

Young children do not need detailed explanations of war or conflict. What they can understand deeply are the values that sit beneath Anzac Day: belonging, courage, kindness, helping others and community connection.

ECEC services play an important role in shaping how children experience national days of significance. With thoughtful planning, Anzac Day can become a moment for gentle storytelling, shared reflection and building children’s sense of identity and connection to community.

Children under five learn best through clear, concrete ideas linked to their everyday experiences.

Developmentally appropriate explanations may include:

• “Anzac Day is a day when people remember those who helped keep others safe.”
• “We think about people who were brave and helped their community.”
• “We show kindness and respect by taking time to remember.”

Conversations can be anchored in ideas children already understand: helping, caring, bravery, friendship and remembering others.

Focus on values, not war

ECEC services can shift the emphasis away from conflict and towards qualities children are developing in their own lives.

These may include:

• Belonging – understanding they are part of a caring community
• Courage – trying something new, persisting or standing up for a friend
• Kindness – helping others, being gentle and showing respect
• Helping – noticing when someone needs support and responding.

These values align strongly with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), particularly outcomes linked to identity, connectedness and wellbeing.

Using stories, symbols and gentle rituals

Young children connect through stories, sensory experiences and shared rituals. Calm, reflective experiences are often the most meaningful.

Choose books that focus on remembrance, family stories, community helpers or peace. Themes may include:

• families remembering loved ones
• people helping their community
• courage in everyday life
• friendship and care.

Poppies as a symbol of remembrance

Children can explore poppies through:

• collage
• painting
• playdough
• loose parts or nature-based art.

The focus can remain on the poppy as a symbol of remembering and gratitude.

Music and quiet reflection

Listening to soft music or holding a brief quiet circle time can help children experience the idea of pausing to remember others.

A kindness garden

Invite children to place a flower, leaf or stone in a shared garden space to represent someone they appreciate, such as a grandparent, educator, nurse, neighbour or community helper.

Connecting with families and community

Anzac Day can also provide an opportunity to strengthen family and community partnerships.

Families may wish to share:

• stories of relatives who served
• family remembrance traditions
• examples of everyday helpers in their lives
• cultural perspectives on remembrance and peace.

Participation should always be optional, recognising that families hold different experiences and views.

Working respectfully with veterans and community groups

If inviting veterans or local Returned and Services League of Australia representatives, clear guidance should be provided about the age group and the service’s educational approach.

Visits should remain gentle, positive and focused on:

• community service
• helping others
• resilience
• belonging
• gratitude.

Young children should not be exposed to traumatic or graphic stories.

Links to the EYLF

Thoughtful Anzac Day experiences may support children to:

• develop a sense of identity and belonging
• recognise their connection to community
• build empathy and respect for others
• communicate ideas through art, storytelling and discussion
• participate in shared rituals and reflective practices.

A thoughtful approach to remembrance

For ECEC services, Anzac Day does not need to centre on war to be meaningful.

When approached thoughtfully, it can become an opportunity to explore kindness, courage, helping others and community connection in ways that are relevant to young children.

By focusing on values rather than conflict, educators could create respectful learning experiences that honour the spirit of remembrance while supporting children’s wellbeing, inclusion and developing understanding of the world around them.