VE Day 2020 school ideas for parents who are homeschooling

If you're finding homeschooling a bit of a struggle - never fear - we're right there with you.

For many of us still juggling working (or work from home) during this pandemic, homeschooling our little ones at the same time can be incredibly tricky. But if you're feeling fresh out of ideas for homeschooling inspiration, it's worth noting that VE Day is just around the corner.

This year, VE Day coincides with the early May Bank Holiday - so we've got a bit of extra time to mark the special occasion. And there's no reason why you can't enjoy brilliant VE Day celebrations from the comfort of your own home!

What does VE Day celebrate?

VE Day celebrates Victory in Europe Day - the day that Nazi's in Germany officially surrendered, marking the end of the Second World War.

VE Day takes place on 8th May, commemorating the same day back in 1945 when the war finally ceased. On that day, people from across the globe flocked to the streets for parties and get-togethers, enjoying their freedom for the first time in six years.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, so it's set to be a very special moment indeed.

VE Day for children: VE Day 2020 school ideas

Before the long Bank Holiday weekend, it could be a good opportunity to switch up your homeschooling and teach your children a little about VE Day - or, take part in some fun arts and crafts to mark the occasion. Here are some VE Day 2020 school ideas.

MORE: How to have a VE Day celebration with your family - even during lockdown

The BBC has a short video on VE Day that you can watch here, explaining the events that led to the end of the war, for some context on VE Day.

In fact, BBC Bitesize has plenty of WW2 interactive revision guides available online to help your children learn more about that period in history, with a quiz at the end so that they can test their knowledge.

Twinkl, a home learning hub, have also provided an online VE Day resource pack, with power points and word searchers for your kids, to help make home learning just that little bit easier.

And when you're done with the schoolwork and fancy some light relief, get a little crafty and create your own patriotic bunting to hang in the windows over the weekend. Craft company Baker Ross are still selling card (buy it here), to make your own bunting out of, or even some ready-made fabric bunting (buy it here) which you can then personalise yourself at home.

Plus you can download a FREE bunting pattern from Baker Ross, so your kids can make their homemade bunting extra special.

Or, your kids might enjoy making a WW2 spitfire glider plane (don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds!). Find some brilliant resources on Twinkl, here.

However, if your kids are less into war planes and more into fun bunting, there are plenty of ideas on how to make your own too - see more on making a Union Jack bunting here.

And if you're having a VE Day self-isolating street party under lockdown, you might also like to enjoy some baking as a family - why not try these delicious VE Day baking ideas? We love the look of the Union Jack cookies!

Facts about VE Day

Did you know...

• The then Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II), and her sister Princess Margaret slipped out and joined the crowds outside Buckingham Palace celebrating the end of the war on VE Day! Under the darkness, the Princesses were able to celebrate unnoticed. The Queen allegedly called it "one of the most memorable nights of my life".

• The entire royal family - as well as Prime Minister Winston Churchill - also came out to greet the public on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as celebrations continued.
• VE Day wasn't actually the final day of fighting in the way - after 8th May, soldiers were still required to fly out and fight Japanese soldiers, who hadn't surrended yet. They surrendered on 15th August of that year - which is now called VJ Day - Victory over Japan Day.
• At 3pm on VE Day, Winston Churchill addressed the nation in a radio broadcast.
• King George VI also gave a radio speech. He famously said, "Let us remember those who will not come back…let us remember the men in all the services, and the women in all the services, who have laid down their lives. We have come to the end of our tribulation and they are not with us at the moment of our rejoicing."

VE Day quiz questions and answers

If you're taking part in a Zoom quiz this week, stay right on topic with these VE Day quiz questions - and their all important answers. Or, if you're not planning a boozy catch-up with friends, these could be the perfect way to test your children's knowledge of the historic day after all that homeschooling.

• Which came first - VE or VJ Day? (Answer: VE Day)
• Which Prime Minister led Britain through WW2? (Answer: Winston Churchill)
• Who were Britain's allies during WW2? (Answer: France, Russia and the United States)
• Where did crowds mainly gather to celebrate the end of the war? (Answer: Trafalgar Square, and up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace)
• What happened to Adolf Hitler following the end of the war? (Answer: He committed suicide)