What is VE Day and when is it celebrated?
Victory in Europe Day – known as VE Day, for short – marks the end of World War II in 1945 and is an occasion for remembrance, gratitude, and unity. The day is celebrated annually on 8th May and in 2025 it will be observed on a Thursday.
How can you celebrate VE Day using crafts?
To help children understand and engage with VE Day on its 80th anniversary, Isabella King – a Primary Special Needs Teacher – has created a Union Jack-inspired poppy wreath making activity that children can do at school or home.
Crafting is a great way of getting children engaged with a subject matter and fostering their creativity and communication skills. This activity will help develop conversations about history and provide education on the war and why we remember. Children will also be able to use their imagination and develop their fine motor skills, as they practice drawing, cutting, gluing and assembling.
What you will need to create a VE Day Poppy Wreath
Here is what you will need to complete this VE Day craft activity:
- A paper plate
- Red, blue, and silver foil strips
- Coloured card (red, green, and black)
- String
- Scissors
- A glue stick
- Pencil (for tracing shapes)
How to make VE Day Poppy Wreaths
Step 1: Cut your Wreath Base
Start by cutting out the centre of a paper plate to make a ring. This will be the base for your VE Day poppy wreath.
Step 2: Decorate the paper ring with coloured foil
Using strips or pieces of red, blue, and silver foil, glue them around the paper plate ring to reflect the Union Jack.
Step 3: Make and attach your poppy
Draw rounded petal shapes from the red card, a small circle from the black card, and leaves from the green card. Cut out and glue these together to create your poppy. Once made, stick this poppy to the bottom of your wreath.
Step 4: Add a string loop
To finish off the wreath, use string to create a loop that will stick at the top of your wreath.
Step 5: Hang up your wreath
Now you have finished your wreath, hang it up safely on a door, wall or window. These wreaths make a stunning display and a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
Share your creations with us!
If you have been inspired by this activity, please share your creations with us on our social media channels! You can find us at ‘TTS Resources’ on Facebook and Instagram.
