Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos

This Mexican holiday involves people coming together to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died. The multi-day holiday is also known as "Día de los Muertos." It is meant to be a day of celebration rather than mourning. Private altars are built ......More

This Mexican holiday involves people coming together to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died. The multi-day holiday is also known as "Día de los Muertos." It is meant to be a day of celebration rather than mourning. Private altars are built for loved ones who have passed away, including photos, memorabilia, favorites foods and beverages, etc. Families may also visit cemeteries where family members are buried and tamales are often eaten.  Day of the Dead Coloring Pages, Recipes and Lesson Plans 

Veterans Day/Armistice Day

Veteran's Day honors all of those - living or dead - who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Some countries celebrate November 11, the day that marked the end of World War I, as Armistice Day. The World War I Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th ......More

Veteran's Day honors all of those - living or dead - who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Some countries celebrate November 11, the day that marked the end of World War I, as Armistice Day. The World War I Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, thus marking November 11 as the day of recognition. Parades are held on this day throughout the United States, and a national ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Veterans Day Teacher Resource Guide & Ideas for Talking with Kids about Veterans Day

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Started in 1999 by transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, as a way to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed the year before, this day of remembrance began as a vigil. It now serves as a way to honor the many people lost because of anti-......More

Started in 1999 by transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, as a way to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed the year before, this day of remembrance began as a vigil. It now serves as a way to honor the many people lost because of anti-transgender bigotry and violence. Following Transgender Awareness Week, the day is also meant to bring attention to the transgender community overall and the the ongoing issues it faces. Article: Explaining Nonbinary: How to Talk to Kids about Gender

No School (Fall Break)

Thanksgiving

Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving (And how to support Native Communities this holiday and beyond) ......More

Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving (And how to support Native Communities this holiday and beyond) Honoring the Real Story of Thanksgiving with Kids

International Day for People with Disability

An annual observance to "promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society," International Day for People with Disabilities has been recognized by the UN General Assembly since 1992. According to the World Report on Disability (WHO......More

An annual observance to "promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society," International Day for People with Disabilities has been recognized by the UN General Assembly since 1992. According to the World Report on Disability (WHO), nearly 15 percent of the world's population has some kind of disability.  In her 2020 article in Allure magazine, author Madison Lawson asks that we recognize the day by "boost{ing} disabled creators content on social media platforms like TikTok, educat{ing} themselves on our history and civil rights movements, and think{ing} about the ways in which the things you do can be more inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities, both on and offline." Articles and Lesson Plans for Teaching about Disability

International Human Rights Day

'Human rights' are basic rights or freedoms, including the right to live, health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights. The day was dedicated in 1948 following the Second World War when the United Nations General Assembly declared that human right......More

'Human rights' are basic rights or freedoms, including the right to live, health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights. The day was dedicated in 1948 following the Second World War when the United Nations General Assembly declared that human rights should be an "international priority." Today, the day is about equity, peace, freedom, dignity and justice. Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Resources for Classrooms (Common Sense Education)

Winter Solstice

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In ......More

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In pagan traditions, this solstice marks the rebirth of the Sun King or Sun God after a journey through the underworld. Festivals of light often mark the day, with themes of reflection, rebirth, light and warmth. Setting Solstice Traditions (Green Child Magazine)

Yule

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of ligh......More

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of light. Rituals for Yule include the burning of logs during the 12 days of Christmas, hanging wreaths and lighting candles, as well as the drinking of Wassail, a spiced alcoholic beverage similar to mulled cider. Children's Books for Yule

Sheb al-Yalda/Yalda Night

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphin......More

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphing over evil and good over both. Food is a key element of a Yalda celebration with many Iranians believing that starting the winter off with summer fruits will prevent one from becoming sick during the chilly season. Pomegranates and watermelon frequently grace the Yalda table with their vibrant red colors. An Introduction to Yalda Night (YouTube)