Check out these Memorial Day worksheets for 4th grade to teach history, writing, and reflection with no prep. A simple way to bring meaning to the end of the year.
When May rolls around, the school calendar gets packed with testing, awards, and all the end-of-the-year activities. Still, no matter how busy things get, I always carve out time to focus on Memorial Day in my classroom.
To me, it’s important that students understand that Memorial Day isn’t just about a three-day weekend. This special day is a national holiday set aside to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The good news is, you don’t need a huge unit or elaborate lesson plans to teach about Memorial Day.
A few well-designed worksheets can help students reflect on the significance of the holiday while still building their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Here are 10 simple, no-prep Memorial Day activities for 4th grade and 5th graders. I usually introduce them at the beginning of the month of May—once testing is out of the way and our routine starts to shift.
They fit perfectly into those weeks when structure is needed but attention spans are short.
Table of Contents
Why Teaching Memorial Day Matters
One year, I asked my class what they knew about Memorial Day. Most said it was a beach day or a barbecue. That was a wake-up call!
These kids didn’t know about Decoration Day or the significance of Memorial Day as a day of remembrance.
So I started taking time each year to teach about the holiday.
We talk about its origins after the American Civil War, how it evolved into a federal holiday, and what it means to honor fallen soldiers. These conversations lead to some powerful moments and personal connections.
Memorial Day Activities for 4th & 5th Grade Students
Let me walk you through each of the Memorial Day worksheets for 4th grade and how they help reinforce learning in a way that’s meaningful and age-appropriate.
1. Memorial Day Research Questions
This worksheet includes 12 fact-based questions about the history and traditions of Memorial Day. I direct students to research using kid-friendly websites like:
It’s a great way to build comprehension skills and practice using online sources.
2. Memorial Day Fact or Opinion Activity
Students read 14 Memorial Day-related statements and color the box red for fact or blue for opinion. This activity is easy to complete and reinforces critical thinking without feeling heavy.
3. Fill-in-the-Blank Letter to a Hero
This activity combines a review of parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) with letter writing. It turns into a sweet thank-you note to a veteran or soldier.
My students always get creative with this one—it blends grammar review with personal expression.
4. Design a Memorial Day Stamp
In this activity, students create their own stamp honoring Memorial Day. After drawing, they write a short description of what their design represents.
Many choose to feature Old Glory, red poppies, or symbols of military service. It’s a creative activity with real writing and visual arts connections.
5. Memorial Day Reading Passages + Writing Prompts
Students read two short passages: one about the history of Memorial Day and another on symbols like the red poppy. They answer two text-dependent questions using evidence from the passages.
It’s great for reviewing English Language Arts standards like citing text evidence and elaborating on ideas.
6. Memorial Day Quote Reflection Activity
Kids pick from three Memorial Day quotes, copy the one that speaks to them in a decorative box, and write what it means to them. This quiet activity gets students thinking about gratitude and sacrifice.
7. Arlington National Cemetery Research
This worksheet includes 7 simple questions about the traditions and history of Arlington National Cemetery. We discuss the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and what the cemetery represents. Many students have never heard of it, and it’s eye-opening.
8. Memorial Day Vocabulary Practice
Students use a themed word bank to fill in blanks in Memorial Day-related sentences. Vocabulary includes terms like “patriotic,” “veterans,” and “Decoration Day.” It’s an easy way to reinforce key terms and concepts.
9. Memorial Day Word Search
The word search is filled with Memorial Day vocabulary and is a hit with early finishers. It’s a fun way to help kids become familiar with the language and concepts tied to the day.
10. Memorial Day Timeline Cut-and-Paste
Students read a short passage and use it to arrange events in the correct order. They cut and paste the timeline events, reinforcing sequencing skills and giving them a better understanding of how Memorial Day has changed over time.
How I Use These Worksheets in My Classroom
I don’t wait until Memorial Day weekend to pull these out. I start at the beginning of May. We go through one activity at a time, sometimes using them as morning work or during independent reading or writing blocks.
After testing is done, our schedule is a little more flexible, and this bundle brings a calm, structured feel to our days without requiring me to plan new content.
My students stay busy, focused, and learning right up to the last week.
Why These Worksheets Are a Good Fit
These Memorial Day activities are simple enough for students to complete on their own, but meaningful enough to leave an impact. They connect to real history, reinforce reading and writing skills, and open the door to important conversations.
They also require very little prep on your end. Just print and go. You can use them in:
- Morning work
- Writing centers
- Small group lessons
- Sub plans
- Partner work
A Simple Way to Teach Memorial Day
You don’t need an elaborate lesson plan to help students learn the meaning of Memorial Day. These printable activities are a great way to keep your students learning while helping them understand why we honor this day.
They’re the perfect addition to your May plans, especially during those post-testing days when structure is needed but energy is low.
Want to grab the full set?
Check out all 10 Memorial Day worksheets here
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