What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th, is one of Australia’s most important national days. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I, landing in Gallipoli in 1915. But more than that, it’s a day of remembrance. We pause to honour the courage, mateship, and sacrifice of all who served—and continue to serve—Australia in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
How Can We Explain ANZAC Day to Children?
When it comes to explaining complex and emotional topics like war and remembrance to children—especially neurodivergent children—it’s important to use gentle, clear, and relatable language. Here are some strategies:
- Use Simple Language
Keep your explanation short and kind:
“ANZAC Day is when we say thank you to the brave people who helped keep us safe a long time ago. We remember them with flowers, quiet time, and stories.”
Children don’t need the graphic details of war; they need to feel the values of bravery, kindness, and respect.
- Connect Through Stories and Picture Books
Books are a powerful way to help children grasp the meaning of ANZAC Day. Here are some gentle, age-appropriate options:
- 🕊️ “ANZAC Biscuits” by Phil Cummings – A heartfelt story showing the bond between a mother and her child during the war, told through baking.
- 🐶 “My Grandad Marches on ANZAC Day” by Catriona Hoy – A simple and touching explanation for young children about ANZAC Day parades.
- 🌅 “Lest We Forget” by Kerry Brown – Uses everyday moments and contrasts them with wartime, helping children understand memory and honour.
Some YouTube Read-Aloud Picture Books:
- Anzac Ted https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHGoIs5CzUc
- Lest We Forget https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSIJYW2uICw
- Anzac Biscuits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOVQCWKjBdE
- Create Art to Express Understanding
Art is a wonderful, non-verbal way for children to engage with the themes of ANZAC Day. Try these ideas:
- Poppy Art Collage: Use red tissue paper or paint to create poppies—symbols of remembrance.
- Lest We Forget Handprints: Paint children’s hands to create a poppy wreath or sunrise.
- Chalk Art in the Driveway: Draw ANZAC-themed images like bugles, flags, or candles.
🎨 Tip: Keep it sensory-friendly with soft textures, and offer visual examples to guide children.
- Bake ANZAC Biscuits Together
Baking ANZAC biscuits is not just fun—it’s a delicious way to connect with history. Originally sent to soldiers by families during WWI, these biscuits are made without eggs to last longer in care packages.
Here’s a simple child-friendly recipe:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 125g butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 tsp bicarb soda
- 2 tbsp hot water
Let kids pour, mix, and roll the dough into balls. Talk about how families once sent these biscuits across the sea to show love and support.
👩🍳 Tip: Involve kids in packaging them up for grandparents, neighbours, or school—another way to spread appreciation.
- Attend a Local Dawn Service in the Sutherland Shire
For families wanting to take part in a dawn service, the Sutherland Shire offers several child-accessible locations. These early morning ceremonies are calm, respectful, and symbolic—and they can be a powerful way to connect children with the meaning of ANZAC Day.
Sutherland Shire based Dawn Services:
- Caringbah
Assemble at 4:00am on Denman Avenue.
The march begins at 4:10am, followed by the dawn service at 4:20am at the Caringbah War Memorial, on the corner of Port Hacking Road and The Kingsway. - Sutherland
Meet at 5:00am at Club on East, 7 East Parade.
The march steps off at 5:15am, with the service commencing at 5:30am at the Sutherland War Memorial on Eton Street. - Cronulla
Gather from 5:15am at Cronulla RSL, 38 Gerrale Street.
The march begins at 5:30am, and the service starts at 5:35am in Cronulla Park. - Miranda
Assemble at 5:15am on Wandella Road.
The march kicks off at 5:30am, followed by the service at 5:45am at the Miranda War Memorial in Seymour Shaw Reserve.
🗳️ Tip for sensory-sensitive children: Consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones and preparing a short social story ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Can’t attend in person? You can also watch a recording of a Dawn Service together from the comfort of home, which can be just as meaningful and more accessible for some families.
You can find more details on the Sutherland Shire Council ANZAC Day 2025 page.
🧩 Supporting Neurodivergent Children on ANZAC Day
For children with autism or other developmental needs, structure, preparation, and sensory awareness are key.
- Visual Schedules: Outline the day’s events (e.g., “Poppy craft → Biscuit baking → Story time”).
- Social Stories: Create or download a short social story explaining what ANZAC Day is and what they might see or hear.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Helpful during ceremonies or parades.
- Opt-Out Alternatives: Respect their needs—if a parade is too much, reading a story or lighting a candle at home is just as meaningful.
Our services for further support
ANZAC Day isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about teaching empathy, community, and respect for others. Whether through books, biscuits, or hand-painted poppies, even young children can feel the heart of this day in ways that are meaningful to them.
📞 Give us a call today and see how we can help
Looking for more ways to support your child’s learning and emotional development? Explore our early intervention and NDIS behaviour support services designed for every child’s unique journey.
