Memorial Day: More Than a Long Weekend
A Teachertainment Guide to Meaningful, Engaging Learning (In Class and at Home)
Memorial Day has a bit of a branding problem.
Somewhere between barbecues, pool openings, and the unofficial kickoff to summer, the meaning of the holiday can get a little… lost in the potato salad.
But here’s the Teachertainment truth:
Memorial Day is one of the most powerful, teachable moments of the entire year.
It’s a chance to explore:
history
gratitude
storytelling
sacrifice
and what it really means to be part of a community
And the best part? You can do it in a way that feels engaging, thoughtful, and yes—even entertaining.
WHAT MEMORIAL DAY IS REALLY ABOUT
(Kid-Friendly Version)
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
That distinction matters. This isn’t just about “the military” in general.
It’s about remembering individuals, telling their stories, and understanding the cost of freedom in a way that’s age-appropriate but meaningful.
TEACH THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT: FILMS & TV
Elementary / Middle School Friendly Options
Night at the Museum
Currently streaming on platforms including Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix in some regions.
A museum security guard discovers that the exhibits magically come to life at night, bringing historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Sacagawea, and Roman soldiers into hilarious chaos.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The film introduces students to historical figures and American history in a playful, approachable way. It creates opportunities to discuss how museums preserve stories of people who shaped the country, including veterans and national leaders.
Classroom Activity:
“Living Museum Night”
Assign students a historical figure from the movie or from American history. Students create a simple costume or prop and give a short first-person presentation as if they’ve come to life after museum closing time.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
Why do countries build museums and memorials?
Which historical figure from the movie would you want to interview?
Why is it important to remember people from the past?
Liberty’s Kids
Available on Amazon Prime Video, Kartoon Channel, and free ad-supported services like Xumo Play.
This animated educational series follows young reporters covering major events of the American Revolution while interacting with figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The show helps students understand the origins of American independence and the sacrifices made by soldiers and citizens during the Revolutionary War, which connects naturally to conversations about honoring service members.
Classroom Activity:
“Patriot Newspaper Project”
Students create a front-page newspaper covering a Revolutionary War event, complete with headlines, interviews, and illustrations.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
What does freedom mean today?
Why do people choose to serve their country?
How do holidays help us remember important events?
An American Girl Story: Molly
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Set during World War II, Molly navigates life on the home front while her family and community support the war effort.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The story highlights how wars affect not only soldiers, but also families, children, and communities at home. It helps students understand sacrifice from multiple perspectives.
Classroom Activity:
“Victory Garden Posters”
Students design WWII-style posters encouraging kindness, conservation, or community support, inspired by wartime campaigns.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
How might children’s lives change during wartime?
What are ways communities support military families today?
Why is teamwork important during difficult times?
Forrest Gump
Available for streaming and rental through several digital platforms.
Through Forrest’s unusual life journey, students glimpse important moments in American history, including the Vietnam War and social changes in the 20th century.
Connection to Memorial Day:
Select scenes can help older elementary or middle school students discuss how war impacts veterans emotionally and physically, while emphasizing empathy and remembrance.
Classroom Activity:
“History Timeline Walk”
Students build a classroom timeline of major historical events referenced in the film and connect them to primary sources or photographs.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
How do historical events shape ordinary people’s lives?
Why is it important to listen to veterans’ stories?
What qualities make someone resilient?
Older Students (Upper Middle / High School)
Remember the Titans
Streaming on Disney+
Based on a true story, the film follows a newly integrated high school football team in 1970s Virginia as players overcome racism and learn teamwork.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The movie explores unity, leadership, sacrifice, and service to something larger than oneself. It also connects to broader discussions about national identity and overcoming division.
Classroom Activity:
“Leadership Playbook”
Students identify leadership strategies used by characters and create a “team code” for their classroom or school community.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
What makes a strong leader?
How can teamwork overcome prejudice?
Why is unity important during difficult moments in history?
A League of Their Own
Available on streaming and rental platforms.
During World War II, women form a professional baseball league while many men are overseas serving in the military.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The film demonstrates how war changes everyday life and how communities adapt during national crises. It also highlights women’s contributions during wartime.
Classroom Activity:
“Home Front Research Stations”
Students rotate through stations exploring rationing, propaganda posters, women in the workforce, and wartime sports.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
How did WWII change opportunities for women?
Why do communities come together during wartime?
What sacrifices happen outside the battlefield?
Saving Private Ryan
Available through major rental and streaming services.
A group of soldiers undertakes a dangerous mission during World War II following the D-Day invasion.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The film powerfully illustrates the realities of war, sacrifice, and the human cost of military service. Best used with careful teacher guidance and selected clips.
Classroom Activity:
“Letters Home”
Students analyze authentic wartime letters, then write reflective responses imagining the emotions and experiences of soldiers and families.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
What responsibilities do we have to remember those who served?
How does war affect soldiers after combat?
Why are memorials important?
Band of Brothers
Available on Max and digital platforms.
This acclaimed miniseries follows Easy Company during World War II, from training through major battles in Europe.
Connection to Memorial Day:
It emphasizes courage, brotherhood, sacrifice, and the realities faced by soldiers during wartime. Particularly valuable for high school history courses.
Classroom Activity:
“Primary Source Comparison”
Students compare scenes from the series with real historical accounts, photographs, or oral histories from WWII veterans.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
What bonds form during hardship?
How should societies honor military sacrifice?
What responsibilities come with freedom?
The Pacific
Streaming on Max and other digital platforms.
A companion series to Band of Brothers, this miniseries focuses on the Pacific Theater during World War II and the intense experiences of U.S. Marines.
Connection to Memorial Day:
The series helps students understand the emotional and physical realities of war while honoring the sacrifices made by service members in the Pacific campaign.
Classroom Activity:
“Map the Pacific Theater”
Students trace major battles and analyze how geography affected military strategy.
At-Home Discussion Questions:
Why is WWII remembered differently in different parts of the world?
What emotional challenges do veterans face after war?
How can younger generations respectfully honor military history?
These films and series work especially well when paired with:
veteran guest speakers
memorial research projects
local monument visits
reflective writing
music analysis (“God Bless America,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” etc.)
interdisciplinary history + SEL lessons
Tiny warning label from the curriculum gremlins: even “family-friendly” historical media often benefits from context and guided discussion. A thoughtful pause button is sometimes the best teaching tool in the room.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
This Memorial Day, don’t just mark the day.
Make it a moment.
A moment to:
learn
reflect
connect
and yes, still enjoy the long weekend
Because the best kind of learning?
Is the kind that sticks long after the day is over.
Jake Perlman is the founder of Teachertainment, blending education, entertainment, and pop culture to turn learning into an unforgettable experience.
