ANZAC craft projects for kids

Beyond maths, English and science, history is a subject that all kids should explore. Not just in a high school context, but from the moment they’re old enough to appreciate that they have a story.

With ANZAC Day on the horizon, why not put your arts and crafts hat on and make something meaningful with the kids? These handpicked projects are fun, educational and will your little ones a deeper sense of what ANZAC Day is all about.

For a soldier, there’s no higher honour than receiving a wartime medal. In the lead up to ANZAC Day, why not create your own DIY medals using metallic paper? Pick up a sheet from your local craft store and cut out as many circles as you can. Then punch a hole in each disc and loop through some string. Or even better, use glossy striped ribbon. Now, adorn the medals in anything you can find. Glitter, sequins, stick on jewels, plastic poppies… Make this project a little more personal by asking your kids to hand out medals to loved ones. For example, dad might receive a medal for his BBQ talents, or grandma might get one for making the most delicious choc chip cookies.

A few years ago, the friendly folks at TinyMe created this beautiful ANZAC Day printable craft pack. All you need to do is sign up and start printing. The paper poppies are lovely, and can be worm as badges, fashioned into a wreath, arranged as a bouquet or used to decorate a freshly baked tray or ANZAC cookies. For something a little easier, making poppies from paper plates is a cute and colourful activity for younger kids. Thanks for the instructions Kate!

If you’re looking for a chilled out, mess free project, poetry is a wonderful way to get the kids engaged. Opt for traditional rhyming poems, or try haikus for something a little different. Spend a few moments discussing ANZAC Day with your little ones, then get them to write a poem about how they interpret the holiday, and what it means to them. Even if they see ANZAC Day as a chance to play in the park with their friends or watch a parade, you’re still paving the way to a better appreciation.

More than just a delicious oat-based cookie, ANZAC biscuits were the snack of choice for trench bound soldiers. Kids love to bake, so this ANZAC Day why not whip up a batch of ANZAC biscuits and chat about their history as you go? Check out our ANZAC bisuit recipe here.

Over at Clever Patch, the craft gurus have come up with a gorgeous idea for stained glass soldiers. Using cellophane, you and the kids can create colourful ‘stained glass’ window decorations that catch the sunlight as it streams in.

Beyond homeland troops landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, ANZAC Day is a time to remember all the Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war. Your little ones might not be able to grasp the scope of what the holiday means, but getting crafty is a clever way to capture their imaginations, and help them develop a greater sense of what it is to be a Kiwi. There are so many amazing ideas out there, so if you’re looking for even more inspiration why not head over to Pinterest and check out some of the ANZAC Day craft ideas kicking around?