We also talked about how people can be rewarded for bravery and spent time researching various war medals. We then had a great conversation that related her most recent personal experience of being brave and what that feels like and can look like. “When might you feel brave?” I asked her.

I went about explaining that the people in the picture had been very brave at a time they were a little scared or unsure of what was going to happen next. She quickly took notice of their bravery medals and she talked about how much she would like to wear some too. I showed Possum a few pictures on the iPad of some elderly service men and women marching at a commemorative service. She soon caught on and our discussions turned to what bravery looks and feels like. I began by putting the word in context for her and excitedly shrieked as I told her how brave I thought she was for riding her balance bike down a steep hill at the park. I think children at a very young age can often grasp the concept of bravery so I thought this might be a good angle to take with Possum and age appropriate for her. I’m not sure I can fully comprehend it myself! At the same time I don’t want this ANZAC Day to be just another day for her, instead I decided to break it down in such a way that she can take something away from it. Possum (aged 3 years) is obviously too young to fully comprehend the concept of war. It is a day that we all reflect on the incredible sacrifices and bravery of all service men and women who have fought in war and ensure they are never forgotten. In Australia and New Zealand a national day of remembrance is approaching, which is called ANZAC Day. Great craft activity for children of all ages.

This bravery medal craft for kids can be a soft and gentle introduction to their understanding of war by focusing on what it is to be brave, how it feels and how we can each show it.

Simple bravery medals kids can make at home or in the classroom.

Brave church preschool