ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and to honour their memory. ANZAC Day is a significant day in Australian and New Zealand history, honouring those who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Below are some engaging activities you could try with your students this year: 

BAKE SOME ANZAC BISCUITS

ANZAC BISCUIT RECIPE (bestrecipes.com.au)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 125 g butter
• 2 tbs golden syrup
• 1 tbs water
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

METHOD

1. Sift the flour into a bowl. 
2. Add the sugar, rolled oats and coconut.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add golden syrup and water.
4. Stir the bicarbonate of soda into the liquid mixture.
5. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
6. Place tablespoon-sized balls of mixture on a greased tray and bake at 175C for 15-20 minutes.
7. Biscuits will harden when cool.

ANZAC DAY WRITING ACTIVITY

Hold an ANZAC Day writing competition, inviting students to write poems or stories that reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day. You could choose winning entries and share them during the commemoration service or display them within the school. 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs holds an Anzac Day School Awards program each year. This national competition recognises the work of students, teachers and schools who engage with veterans and honour Australia's wartime history. More information can be found here: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/education/anzac-day-schools-awards

POPPY POPSTICKS

1. Have students cut out 4 poppy shaped petals from red cardboard. The petals don't have to be perfect or even the same size. This is what gives each poppy its individual character and why we haven't provided a template for this step.
2.  Students then cut out a circle shape from black cardboard to make the centre. 
3. Place some glue on the bottom of each petal and stick it to the black centre circle. 
4. Once the poppy is complete, glue the poppy to a popstick. 

These poppies can be used for students to carry to their Anzac service at school or are very effective when placed in a garden bed in the lead up to Anzac day. Don’t forget to write each student's name on the back of their creation so they can take their poppy home to show their family! 

DAMPER BAKING

Damper was baked in homes and afield during war times. It’s a good way to demonstrate to kids how bread might have been baked. The simple concept is a good way to get the younger students involved in the Anzac spirit. 

Below is a damper recipe you could try: 

INGREDIENTS

• 450g (3 cups) self-raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• 80g butter, chilled, cubed
• 185ml (3/4 cup) water

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add the water to the flour mixture and use a round-bladed knife in a cutting motion to mix until the mixture just comes together, adding 1-2 tablespoons extra water if the mixture is a little dry. Use your hands to bring the mixture together.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into an 18cm disc and place on the tray. Use a sharp knife that has been dipped in flour to mark 8 wedges on top. Dust the damper with a little extra flour and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the damper is cooked through and sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Transfer to a wire rack for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe from Taste.com.au

MAKE AN ANZAC DAY WREATH

Here is a great video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWrszoQ1--Y

What You’ll Need:

• 1 Paper Plate
• Red Cardboard
• Black Cardboard
• Green Cardboard
• Scissors
• Glue 
• Ribbon 
• Hole Punch

We’ve included a template students can use if you can't access colour cardboard. They can colour in this template to use on their wreath instead. 

1. Cut out the inner circle of the paper plate.
2. Cut Poppy shapes out of red cardboard
3. Cut small black circles out of black cardboard
4. Glue black circles into the centre of the poppies
5. Cut leaf shapes out of green cardboard 
6. Glue two poppies to the outside rim of your paper plate
7. Glue a green leaf 
8. Glue another two poppies
9. Continue that pattern until there are poppies all around the outside of your paper plate. Remember to leave a gap at the top. 
10. In the gap, hole punch a small hole
11. Tie ribbon through the hole to make a loop to hang your wreath

Here is an alternative link to an Anzac Day Wreath students can colour and cut out (here).

I hope these activities can help bring the spirit of Anzac Day into your classroom. 

We Will Remember Them

Big Love

xx