Veterans Day is a US holiday to express appreciation to the American Veterans who have given of their lives in support of the country. The significance of the date originates with the World War I armistice which occurred on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. This guide page offers information on how to make a Veterans Day coloring book to help teach children the importance of this observance. http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

November 11 observances in honor of the American Veteran is an excellent opportunity for sharing the history of the United States with children. Using printable coloring pages or puzzles with pictures to color makes learning the holiday history fun. Making a Veterans Day coloring book provides a keepsake for the child and allows for further learning opportunities on the subject as the child matures.

The cover to the Veteran’s Day coloring book can be simple with just basic information about the holiday or it can be personalized for the child. If a parent or grandparent is a Veteran, adding a photo to the cover can make the book more special for the child and can be a motivational factor in learning about the history of the day. The cover for the book can be printed on card stock to add strength to the quest for learning. If the book will be a loose leaf type consider laminating both a front and back cover to protect the pages.

Depending on the age of the child and their knowledge of US participation in various wars, the printed pages will vary. For a young child, a section of American flag pictures, soldiers in uniform, stars, or poppies.

For an older child, the sections may include puzzles, word finds or other activities along with the coloring pages. A section for poppies may include the coloring page, along with the poem In Flanders Fields or a word find related to the poem.

Other coloring book printable activities for Veterans Day might include the flags of allies and enemies for a particular war. A time line for each war with a page to color for each significant event may help reinforce important dates.

Numerous internet sites provide printable coloring pages for children. Veterans Day coloring pages can be found in the google images section of this page and also through links in the Mahalo related pages section. When building the Veterans Day coloring book, consider searching for other related terms such as patriotic coloring pages, flag coloring pages, or military coloring pages.

As a part of the Veterans Day coloring book, leave several blank pages in each section to allow the opportunity to have the child create their own art work. For younger children this can be the chance to reinforce the shapes and colors of the flag, or teach how to draw a star. For older children the page may be used to draft a thank you letter to a Veteran with a picture.

When the Veterans Day coloring pages and activities are printed, decide on a method for binding. For the laminated cover booklet, using a three hole punch for all pages and tying them with red, white, and blue ribbon makes a nice booklet. For a book which lasts longer, consider a small three ring binder with a clear pouch on the front to allow the cover page to be seen. Using card stock for the cover on this type coloring book, makes it easier to insert the cover in the pouch. Another possible solution is to take the book to a printing location for a spiral bind.