In Flanders Fields Poem
Inspiration for the Poppy & Remembrance
LESSON Plan 3:

Time Period: (mid 1800’s – Present)
PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Grade Level - K – 12:

• Examine the unique characteristics and history of the poppy flower (K – 12)
• Identify who first wore a poppy (K – 12)
• Identify who started the tradition of selling poppies at Remembrance (K – 12)
• Understand that there are fewer than 2 dozen WWI veterans still alive today, worldwide (K – 12)
• Identify the various other names Remembrance Day is known by around the world (4 – 12)
• Appreciate the significance of the poppy in annual Remembrance Day ceremonies (4 – 12)
• Discover how we as a nation recognize and remember our war dead (4 – 12)
• Develop an understanding of how the In Flanders Fields poem influenced the use of the poppy for Remembrance (4 – 12)

TIME: This lesson plan may take 2 – 3 (45 minute) classes or can be edited as required.
OBJECTIVES Students will be able to:

• Understand how the In Flanders Fields poem influenced the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance
• Explain the connection between battlefields, poppies and Remembrance
• Develop a better understanding of the meaning behind wearing a poppy during Remembrance
• Demonstrate the unique characteristics of the poppy flower
• Learn about the various ways we honor our war dead with memorials, books of remembrance, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, etc.
• Gain a sense that we have very few WWI veterans still with us and soon we will witness the passing of that entire generation

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
There is a historical connection between battlefields and poppies that dates back hundreds of years. This lesson will encourage students to explore this connection and learn about the unique characteristics of the poppy. Students will examine how John McCrae came to use this flower in his In Flanders Fields poem to reflect the universal concept of Remembrance and how McCrae’s poem has been a part of Remembrance for more than nine decades.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
It is difficult to think of Remembrance without also thinking of the poppy and John McCrae’s famous In Flanders Fields poem, our most beloved war memorial poem. This lesson will also introduce students to various other ways that we remember our war dead including the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Memorial Chamber and Books of Remembrance and the Maple Leaf Legacy Project.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Data Sheet #1A – IN FLANDERS FIELDS Poem
• Data Sheet #3 – Inspiration for the Poppy & Remembrance
• IN FLANDERS FIELDS music CD, CD player
• Black Line Master F - “Make a Paper Poppy” (K – 3)
• Black Line Master G - “Remembrance Matching Exercise” (Grade 4 - 12)

To purchase Lesson Plans 1 through 6 visit the Download Lesson Plans page.
Or

Download Lesson Plan #3!

Preview the Flanders Fields Poem – Inspiration for Poppy
Only $10.00
(Pay Pal)