Homeschooling the Holidays

Here in the United States, we just celebrated Mother’s Day, a day in which we appreciate mothers and motherhood. The next major holiday falls at the end of May, Memorial Day, a day to honor the men and women who have given their lives in service of their country. As a homeschool teacher, you can create a lesson, supplement, or entire plan centered around Memorial Day, as well as other holidays throughout the year. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Have your student research the history or Memorial Day. How did it begin? When did it become an official holiday? Instruct your student to write a report showing his or her findings.

• Have your student make a list of the different ways Memorial Day is observed, then search the newspaper for activities going on in your town. Together, decide how your family is going to observe Memorial Day and have your student help with any preparations.

By working on a lesson about Memorial Day (even just one assignment), your child will have a better understanding of the holiday and why we celebrate it. You can do the same with other holidays too. There are even some obscure holidays you can use to surprise your students and make the holiday lessons fun.

Here’s a list of some well-known holidays to consider:

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Day

Groundhog Day

Valentine’s Day

Lincoln’s Birthday

Washington’s Birthday

President’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day

Easter

Earth Day

Flag Day

Father’s Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving

Christmas

..and some lesser-known holidays:

National Rubber Duckie Day – January 13

National Hugging Day – January 21

Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day – January 22

National Compliment Day – January 24

National Peanut Brittle Day – January 26

World Nutella Day – February 5

National Tooth Fairy Day – February 28

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day – March 18

Corn Dog Day – March 20

National Hanging Out Day – April 19

Talk Like Shakespeare Day – April 23

Hug an Australian Day – April 26

National Play Your Ukulele Day – May 2

Tuba Day – May 7

Frog Jumping Day – May 13

Scotch Tape Day – May 27

Need more ideas? Visit websites such as Brownielocks.com and HolidayInsights.com. EarthCalendar.net will even show you holidays around the world. So get started researching…and celebrating!

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Guest Blogger: Samantha Bell

Picture By: The U.S. Army