Memorial Day is coming up soon, and it’s a great time to teach your students about American culture and history. It’s a special day in the USA where we remember and honor those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces.
But there’s more! Memorial Day isn’t just about remembering; it’s also a good opportunity to teach your ESL students some new words and phrases. By understanding the significance of Memorial Day, your students can grasp the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and gratitude.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the meaning behind Memorial Day. Then delve into essential vocabulary related to the occasion. By incorporating these words and phrases into your lessons, you can help your ELL students connect with American traditions, while expanding their language skills. So let’s get started and make this Memorial Day a meaningful and educational experience for all!
First up, we have the word “sacrifice.”
When someone makes a sacrifice, they give up something valuable or important. This action is done to achieve a goal or gain something else. Sacrifices involve relinquishing something for a greater purpose or benefit. Memorial Day is a day when we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to protect our country and our freedoms.
Next, we have the word “honor.”
To honor someone means to show respect or admiration for them by praising them or doing something special in their memory. On Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by remembering and thanking them for their service.
Another important word for Memorial Day is “remember.”
To remember someone means to keep them in your thoughts, even if they are no longer with us. We remember those who fought for our freedom by visiting memorials, attending parades, and decorating gravesites with American flags.
The “armed forces” is another essential term for Memorial Day.
The armed forces are groups of people whose job is to protect the nation from enemies. They are often referred to as the military. On Memorial Day, we honor all branches of the armed forces—the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. We honor them for their service and sacrifice.
Lastly, we have the word “veteran.”
A veteran is someone who has served in the military during wartime or peacetime, and they can be either active-duty members or retired members of the armed forces. Veterans are highly respected on Memorial Day, and some communities have special parades just for them!
By teaching your ESL students these keywords and phrases related to Memorial Day, you can help them better understand the significance of this holiday and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. Encourage your students to share stories about their loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the military, as it can be a great way for them to learn more about American culture and history. So, go ahead and celebrate Memorial Day with your ESL students by learning some new vocabulary and honoring those who have given their lives for our country!
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