Explore Jazz!
International Jazz Day is April 30th! Teach children about the history of jazz and its importance in promoting peace, freedom, diversity, and dialogue. For older children, have them read about the role of Jazz in the Civil Rights Movement. Younger children could create a fabric garland to celebrate how jazz ties us all together. And everybody can get dancing with this essential jazz playlist!
Earth Day Activities
Celebrate our planet on Earth Day (April 22nd)! Check-out these earth day activities to teach your children how to reduce, reuse, and recycle to help our environment. If you are feeling musical, sing the “Dirt Made My Lunch” song while they enjoy the activities!
7 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month
It’s time to get creative because April is National Poetry Month! Poetry is a great outlet for kids to express their feelings and interests and work on their writing skills too. Check-out these seven ways to celebrate National Poetry Month.
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month!
April is Autism Awareness Month. Take this time to remind your children that all kids are unique and experience the world differently, but we all share similar feelings. To help your children learn more about children with Autism, have them meet Julia: A Muppet with Autism. After watching the video try ask them:
- How are you like Julia? Do you like any of the same things that Julia likes?
- How can you help friends or classmates who are like Julia?
Celebrate Women's History
March is International Women’s Month. Take the opportunity to celebrate and understand the achievements and history of women. First, read this article on how to celebrate women’s history month with kids. Then, have your kids choose a female hero to research. Consider asking your older children to choose a hero they can write a report on. Have your younger children draw their hero and write down a few words about them.
Teach Your Children about Financial Responsibility
March is National Credit Education month, and it is never too early to start teaching your children about financial responsibility. Check-out this article that provides 7 important lessons for teaching kids about credit. Try giving your children an allowance and letting them create a budget for themselves. Encourage teenagers to start saving for college!
Art Projects for Kids
March is Youth Art Month! Have your children embrace their creative side with these art projects for children of all ages.
Explore a Parent Discussion Guide on Youth Healthy Relationships
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. A national survey of U.S. youth aged 12-18 in 2016 showed that almost 70% of those who had been in a dating relationship in the past year reported experiencing some type of abuse. This February, support your teenager by reading through Love is Respect’s parent discussion guide on youth healthy relationships. If you believe you or your loved one is in an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
Learn about Black History: The Story of Jackie Robinson
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate African American achievements and histories. To help your children understand a piece of African American history, teach them about Jackie Robinson’s 1944 court-martial. Best known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, many are not aware of his 1944 court-martial after refusing to move to the back of a military bus.
Afterward, discuss the following:
- Was there anything you found surprising about what happened?
- In his 1944 letter to Truman Gibson, the War Department’s civilian aide, Jackie reveals a sentiment that could describe all of his life experiences: "I don't mind trouble, but I do believe in fair play and justice." What do you think he would have considered fair in this case?
- What do you think would have been different about the court case if it happened in 2022?