The post 9 Free, Printable Inspirational Quotes for Kids appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>To make it easy to share positive messages with the children in your life, I’ve created this collection of free printable quotes for kids. Each design features a simple but meaningful inspirational quote that can be printed and displayed at home or in the classroom as a gentle daily reminder of confidence, resilience, kindness, and creativity.
9 Free, Printable Inspirational Quotes for Kids
(shown above, from left to right across each row)
Be You Poster via Picklebums
Try To Be a Rainbow In Someone’s Cloud Quote via Mama Miss
Dream Big Printable Poster via Childhood 101
It Takes Courage To Grow Up and Become Who You Are via 30 Handmade Days
It’s Now Who You Are That Hold’s You Back It’s Who You Think You Are Not via Picklebums
Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out Quote via Sandy Toes and Popsicles
There Are Many Ways to Enlarge Your Child’s World Poster via Childhood 101
Friends Are The Sunshine of Life Poster via Bits of Positivity
Have Courage and Be Kind Printable via The Life of Jennifer Dawn
Ways Parents & Teachers Can Use These Printable Quotes for Kids
Inspirational quotes can be much more than simple wall decorations. Used thoughtfully, they can spark conversations, encourage positive thinking, and help children feel supported throughout the day. Here are a few simple ways parents and teachers can use these printable quotes with children.
At Home
- Display a favourite quote on a bedroom wall, bookshelf, or study space as a daily reminder of encouragement and self-belief.
- Slip a smaller printed quote into a lunchbox, overnight bag, or notebook for a surprise boost during the day.
- Choose a “quote of the week” to talk about together as a family and encourage children to share what the words mean to them.
- Use quotes to support children through challenges, such as trying something new, building confidence, or learning perseverance.
In the Classroom
- Create an inspirational quote display board or calm corner where students can pause, reflect, and reset.
- Use a quote as a morning discussion prompt or journal-writing activity.
- Add quotes to student desks, reading corners, or classroom doors to create a positive learning environment.
- Invite children to choose the quote they connect with most and explain why it feels meaningful to them.
Whether displayed at home or school, simple positive messages can often become powerful reminders that children carry with them long after they’ve read the words on the page.
More Social Emotional Learning Resources
For more social emotional learning tools and resources, check out these related posts;
The post 9 Free, Printable Inspirational Quotes for Kids appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post Reading Quotes for Kids: Printable Poster appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>This printable book quote poster features a wonderful quote about the value of books and reading by former US First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I have designed it to as a simple printable suitable for use in a range of settings – classrooms, school and local libraries, and homeschool spaces, as well as at home. Displayed on a wall, reading nook, or library shelf, it becomes a gentle but powerful visual prompt that invites both adults and children to pause, reflect, and connect with books in meaningful ways.
Reading Quote Poster
In this post you’ll also find simple ideas for how to use the poster to support reading engagement, start conversations, and help build positive reading habits that stick.
Ways Teachers, Librarians & Parents Can Use This Book Quote Poster
A single well-chosen reading or book-related quote can do more than decorate a wall – it can inspire curiosity, build a love of reading, and open the door to meaningful conversations about stories and learning. Here are some simple ways to use this reading quote poster in different settings.
In the Classroom or Library
- Feature the poster in a reading corner, classroom library, or school library display to create a welcoming, book-rich environment.
- Use it as a prompt for book talks, reading reflections, or quick written responses in reading journals.
- Introduce the quote during library visits or literacy lessons to spark discussion about reading habits, favourite stories, or authors.
- Invite students to connect the quote to a book they are currently reading or recommend a book that “matches” the message.
At Home
- Display the poster in a bedroom, reading nook, or study space to gently encourage a daily reading habit and a love of books.
- Place it near a family bookshelf or shared reading area as a visual reminder that reading is something to enjoy together.
- Use the quote as a conversation starter—ask children what they think it means or how it connects to a book they’ve read.
- Whether used at home, in classrooms, or in libraries, a simple reading quote poster can help nurture a sense of wonder about books and remind children that reading is both meaningful and enjoyable.
Download & Print Reading Quote Poster
Click the button below to download. Save the PDF to your computer.
Printing Tips
- Open the PDF to print the pages you require.
- When printing, select “Fit to printable area” (or similar) to ensure the page fits with your printer type and local paper size..
Having trouble accessing or downloading the file? Please try a different internet browser.
Please note: All Childhood 101 printables are for personal use only, you may not use any part of this content for commercial purposes-that includes selling the document, giving it away to promote your business or website, or printing the file to sell. You may not share, loan or redistribute these documents. Teachers may use multiple copies for students in their own classroom.
Related Literacy Learning Resources
For more literacy learning tools and resources, check out these related posts;
The post Reading Quotes for Kids: Printable Poster appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post How to Play Oonch Neech (Tag Variation -Ages 4–8) appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>Through playing Oonch Neech (also known as Oonch Neech ka Papada), children build gross motor strength, spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation while learning to move safely and cooperatively in shared playground spaces.
Game Snapshot: Oonch Neech
Age: 4–8 years
Number of players: 4+ players
Space needed: Playground or open space with access to safe low surfaces – benches, curbs/kerbs, logs, stumps, playground equipment
Equipment: None
Skills: Agility, spatial awareness, strategy, gross motor development
Learning outcomes: When playing Oonch Neech, children practise and develop:
- Gross motor skills: running, climbing, balancing, and controlled movement
- Spatial awareness: judging space, distance, and safe movement around others
- Problem solving: deciding when to move, pause, or change strategy
- Self-regulation: controlling speed and movement to stay safe
- Cooperation and social awareness: playing within shared rules and spaces
- Risk assessment: making safe choices when moving on and off equipment
How to Play
1. Agree safe zones:
Designate safe elevated surfaces in the play area.
2. Choose ‘It’: One child is chosen to be the Danner, or “It.” The Danner chooses to be the Oonch (up) or Neech (down). If the Danner chooses oonch, they must stay on high ground and cannot step on the low ground. All other players must stay on the low ground. If a player steps on high ground, the Danner can tag them. If the Danner chooses Neech, the reverse is true.
Players can’t be tagged while standing on their “safe” surface.
If the Danner tags a child who is off the surface, the tagged child becomes the next Danner.
3. Repeat: Continue rounds until all children have had a turn.
Classroom Variations & Tips
- Indoor Friendly Version: Use taped squares, mats or carpet off cuts on the floor to designate “safe zones.”
- Rotate roles regularly so every child has a chance to be “It.”
Why Play Oonch Neech
Oonch Neech is especially effective for helping children learn to assess risk and manage their bodies in playground environments that include climbing structures or designated “safe” spaces.
Play More Classic Games
Students love playing Oonch Neech? Continue the fun with other active, outdoor group games perfect for preschool and early elementary/primary students with What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?, Red Light, Green Light and Scarecrow Tag.
Or explore all of our classic outdoor games for 3-8 year olds here.
The post How to Play Oonch Neech (Tag Variation -Ages 4–8) appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post How to Play Simon Says: Movement & Listening Game appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>
Game Snapshot: Simon Says
Age: 3–8 years
Number of players: 5+ players
Space needed: Indoor or outdoor space large enough for each child to have their own space to stand without touching others
Equipment: None
Skills: Listening, self control, body awareness
Learning outcomes: When playing Simon Says, children have opportunity to develop:
- Listening skills: attending closely to and following spoken instructions
- Following rules: understanding and applying simple game rules
- Body awareness and co-ordination: moving different body parts on instruction
- Personal skills: participating appropriately in group activities
These outcomes align well with early childhood movement, social learning, and physical education objectives.
How to Play Simon Says
1. Select ‘Simon’: Choose one player (or adult) to be “Simon.” All other players stand facing Simon.
2. Begin play: Simon gives instructions such as, “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says jump on the spot.”
Players only follow instructions that begin with “Simon says.”
If Simon gives an instruction without saying “Simon says,” such as, “Sit down,” and a player follows the instruction, in this case by sitting down, that player is out for the remainder of the round.
3. Repeat: Continue until only one player remains, who then becomes the next Simon, or rotate who is Simon after a set time.
Movement Command Suggestions
- Touch your head
- Clap your hands
- Jump on the spot
- Sit down
- Stand up
- Wiggle your fingers
- Stamp your feet
- Touch your nose
- Give yourself a hug
- Turn around once
- Touch your shoulders
- Jump two times
- Balance on one foot
- Run on the spot
- Reach up high
- Touch your knees
- Turn around slowly
- Make a star shape
- Hop on one foot
- Touch your left knee
- Spin once and freeze
- Jump forward
- Balance like a flamingo
- Reach across your body
- Walk backwards three steps
- Crouch down low
- Touch your toes
- Rub your tummy
- Jump forward and freeze
- Turn around, then sit down
- March on the spot and clap
- Stand in tree pose
Classroom Variations & Tips
Easier Version (ages 3–4 years)
- Remove the “out” rule: simply practise listening and moving
- Slow down instructions and exaggerate actions
Co-operative Version
- No one is out; players just pause and reset if they make a mistake
- Rotate the role of Simon frequently
Challenge Version (ages 6–8 years)
- Speed up instructions
- Add multi-step actions (“Simon says clap twice and jump”)
- Include balancing and cross-body movements, e.g. “Simon says stand on one leg,” and, “Simon says touch your left elbow to your right knee.”
Numeracy Variation
- Simon says jump 3 times
- Simon says count to 5 while marching on the spot
- Simon says make the shape of a triangle with your arms
Teaching Tips & Curriculum Links
- As Simon Says does not require much room to play, it’s ideal as a movement break to reset focus
- Play to reinforce listening and attention before seated learning
- Observe children’s ability to pause, wait, and respond appropriately
- Link to PE outcomes around movement control and co-ordination
More Games Like This
If your students enjoy Simon Says, try:
- Red Light, Green Light
- Freeze Tag
- What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?
Or explore the full Classic Outdoor Games for Preschool & Early Primary (ages 3-8) collection.
The post How to Play Simon Says: Movement & Listening Game appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post How to Play Freeze Tag (Movement Game for Ages 3–8) appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>
Game Snapshot: Freeze Tag
Age: 3–8 years
Number of players: 5+ players
Space needed: Open outdoor area or large indoor space
Equipment: None
Skills: Gross motor skills, self-regulation, cooperation, spatial awareness
Learning outcomes: When playing Freeze Tag, children have an opportunity to develop:
- Gross motor skills: running, stopping, dodging, and changing direction
- Self-regulation: stopping on cue and controlling movement
- Listening & attending: responding to rules and game signals
- Social skills: cooperation, helping others
- Spatial awareness: moving safely around others in shared space
These outcomes align well with early childhood movement, social-emotional learning, and physical education objectives.
How to Play Freeze Tag
1. Select ‘It’: Define the game play space. Choose one player to be ‘It.’ All other players spread out across the play area.
2. Start play: When the game begins, ‘It’ runs with the aim of gently tagging as many other players as he can.
3. Freeze!: Any time a player is tagged by ‘It,’ the player must freeze in place like a statue and remain frozen until another free player tags them to unfreeze them, then they may re-join the game.
4. Repeat: The game is played until all players have been frozen or a time limit is reached, and a new player is chosen to be “It.”
Classroom Variations & Tips
- Easier variation: Use two children as “It” and/or allow frozen players to unfreeze themselves after counting to 5.
- Challenge variation: Frozen players must freeze/balance in the position they were tagged, and/or only one designated “rescuer” can unfreeze others.
Why Freeze Tag Works With 3-8 Year Olds
Beyond giggles and movement, Freeze Tag can:
- Be used as a quick movement break to reset focus
- The game can be paused to discuss fair play and helping others as required
- Achieve PE lesson objectives related to movement control and spatial awareness
- Provide opportunity for teachers to observe a child’s ability to run, stop, and follow game rules
More Classic Outdoor Games for kids
Find instructions for how to play;
Or explore the full Classic Outdoor Games for Preschool & Early Primary collection.
The post How to Play Freeze Tag (Movement Game for Ages 3–8) appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post 2026 Special Days & Holidays Calendar with Classroom Activities appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>From World Kindness Day and Earth Day to International Dot Day and International Lego Day, you’ll find creative opportunities to connect curriculum goals with real-world events that matter to students.
Whether you’re planning ahead for classroom displays, theme weeks, or seasonal learning centers, this calendar makes it easy to stay organized, spark curiosity, and keep students engaged through every month of the school year.
2026 School Holidays & Celebrations Calendar with Activities
Designed especially for teachers and homeschoolers, this printable PDF calendar features beautifully designed monthly planning pages with direct links to related learning resources and classroom activity ideas for over 300 student-friendly holidays, awareness days, and celebrations. There’s plenty of space included for planning your activities.
Each special day has been thoughtfully chosen for its classroom appeal across kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, making it a time-saving tool you’ll turn to again and again when planning lessons, bulletin boards, and creative learning experiences.
Ways to Use the Special Days Calendar
I personally choose special days to celebrate that are most relevant to my students and their interests, and that tie in best with the curriculum for the grade I am teaching. For chosen celebrations I suggest;
- Planning a fun day of learning activities inspired by the celebration. I’ve included a planning page version of each month within the full calendar document with space to plan your activities.
- Use the links beside selected calendar items in the list below for activities and booklists related to the specific holiday or celebration. These are also linked within the PDF document.
- Invite older students to conduct research into the country, history, religion, culture or customs related to a given celebration.
- Consider cooking a recipe together that relates to the theme or history of the special day you’re acknowledging.
- Hang a printed copy of the full sized calendar pages (included in the PDF) in your classroom or service to create awareness among the children and their families.
- Each celebration is listed with the holiday date for 2026. For multi-day events, the date listed is the commencement date of festivities.
- Please be aware that for many events the date changes annually. Dates shown are for 2026. All efforts have been made to ensure the information shared is correct at the time of publication.
Special Days From Around the World 2026
Below you will find a list of the holidays included in our calendar with links to a range of supporting learning activity suggestions. These activities are also linked within our free printable PDF version of the calendar.
January Special Days
1 New Years Day: New Years Activities for Kids
2 Science Fiction Day
3 Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
4 World Braille Day • World Spaghetti Day
6 Epiphany (Christian)
8 Bubble Bath Day: Bubble Activities for Kids
9 Word Nerd Day: Word Games for Kids | Spelling Activities
13 Lohri (India)
14 World Logic Day: Logic Puzzles for Kids • International Kite Festival (India)
15 Bagel Day
17 Kid Inventors Day: Mystery Bag Challenge | 5 Construction Challenges | Best STEM Sets
18 Winne the Pooh Day & AA Milne Day • World Religion Day
19 Popcorn Day • Martin Luther King Jr Day (USA)
20 Cheese Lover’s Day (UK): Cheese Puffs Recipe | Alphabet Cheese Matching Game
21 Hug Day
24 International Day of Education • Global Belly Laugh Day
25 Opposite Day: Secret Spy Antonyms Game | Printable Opposites Matching Game
26 Australia Day (Australia): 50 Best Australian Picture Books | 35 Books About Australian Animals
27 Holocaust Memorial Day : Chocolate Cake Day: Slow Cooker Choc Banana Cake Recipe
28 International Lego Day: 25 Lego Learning Ideas | Printable Lego Mosaics | Lego Ideas Books for Kids
29 Puzzle Day: Brain Games & Logic Puzzles for Kids
31 International Zebra Day
February Holidays
1 Black History Month Starts (USA): Research a Black Inventor Writing Activity
2 World Wetlands Day
4 World Read Aloud Day: 50 Fun Ways to Read Aloud | Best Read Aloud Chapter Books | Best Read Aloud Picture Books
5 World Nutella Day
6 Winter Olympics Games start • Waitangi Day (New Zealand)
9 World Pizza Day
10 Safer Internet Day: Picture Books About Digital Citizenship | Chapter Books for Kids Who Love to Code
14 Valentines Day: Valentines Day Activities for Kids • Global Movie Day: 75 Kids Book to Movie Adaptations | 65 Teen Books That Are Movies
15 Galileo Day • World Hippopotamus Day • World Whale Day
16 National Tim Tam Day
17 Shrove Tuesday (Christian) • Pancake Day • Random Acts of Kindness Day: Random Acts of Kindness for Kids | Loving Kindness Yoga for Kids | Kindness Books • Lunar New Year (Asia): Lunar New Year Resources
18 Ash Wednesday (Christian)
20 World Social Justice Day: Books About Diversity • Love Your Pet Day
21 International Mother Language Day
26 Tell a Fairy Tale Day: Fairy Tale Activities
27 International Polar Bear Day
March Special Days
1 World Compliment Day • International Ideas Month Starts
3 Chinese Lantern Day (Asia) • World Wildlife Day: 21 Kids Nature Movies • Wangari Maathai Day (Africa)
4 Holi (Hindi)
7 National Cereal Day
8 International Women’s Day: Inspiring Women Quotes Coloring Pages | Strong Girls Graphic Novels
9 Barbie’s Birthday
11 World Plumbing Day
12 Plant a Flower Day: DIY Seed Tape | Plants That Are Perfect for Play Spaces
14 International Day of Mathematics: Math Activities
15 Fastelavn (North Europe) • World Speech Day: 10 TED Talks for Kids • Mother’s Day (UK & others): Mother’s Day Activities
16 National Panda Day (USA)
17 St Patrick’s Day: St Patrick’s Day Activities
18 Global Recycling Day: DIY Worm Farm
19 International Digital Learning Day: Coding & Digital Learning Resources • Edi al-Fitr starts (Muslim)
20 World Oral Health Day • World Storytelling Day: Story Telling with Story Stones
21 World Poetry Day • International Day of Forests
22 World Water Day: 10 Fun Water Play Ideas
23 World Bear Day
25 Waffle Day (Sweden)
27 Wear a Hat Day (UK): braintumourresearch.org • World Theatre Day: world-theatre-day.org
28 Earth Hour 8:30pm local time: Earth Hour Books for Kids
30 International Zero Waste Day
31 Crayon Day: Crayon Resist Leaf Art | DIY Rainbow Crayons
April Celebrations
1 April Fool’s Day • Passover starts (Jewish)
2 International Children’s Book Day: Book Activities
3 Good Friday (Christian) • Find a Rainbow Day: Rainbow Learning Activities • World Aquatic Animal Day: Ocean Books for Kids
4 World Stray Animal Day
5 Easter Sunday (Christian): Easter Printables & Activities
6 International Day of Sport for Development & Peace: PE Group Games for Kids
7 World Health Day: Ideas for Teaching Kids About Germs
10 International Siblings Day (USA/Canada): Books About Siblings
13 Scrabble Day: Printable Scrabble Spelling Activity
15 World Art Day: Kids Art Ideas
16 World Voice Day: worldvoiceday.org
17 International Haiku Poetry Day: thehaikufoundation.org
18 World Circus Day: circusfederation.org
21 Creativity & Innovation Day: Mystery Bag Challenge
22 Earth Day: Earth Day Activities • Jelly Bean Day: Jelly Bean Science
23 St George’s Day (Europe) • World Book & Copyright Day: Library Scavenger Hunt
25 Anzac Day (Australia/New Zealand): Printable Anzac Day Learning Pack • World Veterinary Day • International Sculpture Day
28 Global Pay It Forward Day: Books About Kindness | Acts of Kindness for Kids
29 International Dance Day: Dance Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers | Dance Charades • International Guide Dog Day
30 International Jazz Day
May World Holidays
1 Vappu (Finland) • Vesak (Buddhist) • Mother Goose Day: Themed Nursery Rhymes
2 Harry Potter Day • Free Comic Book Day (USA): 30 Comic Books for Kids
3 Wild Koala Day (Australia): Books About Australian Animals • World Laughter Day: Funny Books for Kids
4 Star Wars Day: Star Wars Matching Game | Star Wars Lego Mosaics | Star Wars Books
5 Cinco De Mayo (Mexico) • Kodomo No Hi (Japan) • World Asthma Day
6 World Kids Coloring Day: Mindful Coloring Pages
8 VE Day (Europe)
9 Peter Pan Day
10 Mother’s Day (USA/Australia & others): Mother’s Day Activities
12 International Nurses’ Day: International Council of Nurses
14 Dance Like A Chicken Day
15 International Day of Families: 35 Books About Families • Endangered Species Day
16 International Day of Light: Light Themed Learning Activities | All About Light Writing Prompts
17 World Baking Day: Easy Baking Ideas for Kids
18 International Museum Day
20 World Bee Day: Kids Bee Activities • World Metrology Day
21 World Day of Cultural Diversity
22 Sherlock Holmes Day
23 World Turtle Day
24 Scavenger Hunt Day: Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas
25 Tap Dance Day (USA) • Africa Day (Africa)
26 Edi al-Adha starts (Muslim) • World Dracula Day • Paper Airplane Day (USA)
28 International Burger Day
31 World Parrot Day
June World Celebrations
1 World Milk Day: Magic Milk Experiment | DIY Milk Jug Catcher
3 World Bicycle Day • Global Running Day: globalrunningday.org
5 World Environment Day: Environment Day Books • National Donut Day (USA/Others)
8 World Oceans Day: Ocean Books for Kids | Ocean Sensory Bottle | Ocean Slime Recipe
9 Donald Duck Day
11 International Day of Play: Screen Free Play Ideas | 31 Days of Sensory Play
12 Superman Day
14 World Blood Donor Day
15 Global Wind Day: Make Paper Pinwheels | Windblown Book & Activity
16 Vegemite Day (Australia) • World Sea Turtle Day
17 World Crocodile Day • Eat Your Vegetables Day: Eat the Alphabet: Recipes from A to Z
18 International Picnic Day: Yard Games to Play on Your Next Picnic • International Sushi Day
19 Juneteenth (USA) • Dragon Boat Festival (Asia)
20 World Refugee Day • World Juggling Day
21 Father’s Day (USA/UK/Others): Father’s Day Activities • International Day of Yoga: Kids Yoga Resources for School & Home • World Music Day: Music Games for Kids | The Plate Dance Percussion
22 World Rain Forest Day
24 St John’s Day (Christian)
25 Eric Carle’s Birthday: Eric Carle Picture Book Study
26 Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
27 International Pineapple Day
28 International Pride Day
29 International Mud Day: Mud Play Ideas
30 International Asteroid Day: asteroidday.org
July World Celebrations
1 Canada Day (Canada) • International Joke Day: Sight Word Chatterboxes with Jokes
2 Disco Day: Printable Dance Charades Game
4 Independence Day (USA) • Lewis Carroll Day
5 NAIDOC Week starts (Australia)
7 World Chocolate Day: Make Chocolate Crackles
10 Matariki (New Zealand) • Teddy Bear’s Picnic Day: Bear Hunt Sensory Bin
12 Malala Day
14 Bastille Day (France) • Cow Appreciation Day • Shark Awareness Day: Kids Books About Sharks
15 World Youth Skills Day • Hot Dog Day (USA)
16 World Snake Day: Rainbow Snake Pots Craft
17 World Emoji Day: Emoji Matching Game | DIY Emoji Rock Painting
18 Nelson Mandela Day
19 International Karaoke Day • National Ice Cream Day (USA)
20 International Moon Day: 50 Space Books for Kids • World Chess Day
21 Lamington Day (Australia): Bake Mini Lamington Cupcakes
22 World Brain Day
23 Commonwealth Games start
24 International Self-Care Day • Schools Tree Day (Australia)
25 Christmas in July: Kids Christmas Activities
26 National Tree Day (Australia): treeday.planetark.org
27 Sleepy Head Day (Finland)
28 Beatrix Potter Day
29 International Tiger Day
30 Friendship Day: Books about Friendships
31 World Ranger Day
August World Celebrations
1 Sandcastle Day: Ideas for Sand Play | 35 Fun Things to Do at the Beach | Beach Scavenger Hunt
2 Ice Cream Sandwich Day (USA)
3 Watermelon Day: Watermelon & Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
4 Owl Awareness Day
8 International Cat Day
9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
10 World Lion Day • Bullying No Way Week starts (Australia): Bullying Videos for Kids – Preschool through Middle Grades
12 World Elephant Day • International Youth Day
13 Obon starts (Buddhist) • Left Hander’s Day
14 World Lizard Day
15 National Relaxation Day: Classroom Mindfulness Activities | Social Emotional Learning Printables • International Geocaching Day: Try Geocaching
16 Tell a Joke Day: Sight Word Chatterboxes with Jokes
18 Never Give Up Day
19 World Photography Day • World Orangutan Day
20 Day of Medical Transporters • Bacon Lover’s Day: Bacon, Cheese & Spaghetti Pie Recipe
22 Be an Angel Day
25 Banana Split Day
26 International Dog Day • La Tomatina (Spain)
27 Hungry Ghost Festival (Asia) • Rock Paper Scissors Day
29 Lemon Juice Day: Lemon & Rosemary Scented Playdough | Lemon & Mango Yoghurt Cake Recipe
30 Toasted Marshmallow Day
31 Eat Outside Day
Get your 2026 Special Days Calendar now!
September Special Days
1 World Letter Writing Day • International Primate Day
2 Health & Physical Ed Day (Australia): Group Games for PE
5 International Day of Charity
6 Father’s Day (Aus/NZ): Father’s Day Resources
7 Threatened Species Day (Australia)
8 International Literacy Day: 30 Kids Writing Prompts | Verbal Literacy Games
9 National Teddy Bear Day
10 R U Okay Day (Australia): Play The Game of Feelings
11 Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
12 World First Aid Day
13 Roald Dahl’s Birthday
15 International Day of Democracy • International Dot Day: Dot Sticker Drawings
16 Play-doh Day: Playdough Ideas
17 International Microorganism Day
19 Talk Like A Pirate Day: Pirate Books & Activities • International Eat An Apple Day: Simple Apple Slice Recipe
20 Yom Kippur (Jewish) • World Clean Up Day
21 International Day of Peace
22 World Rhino Day • Dear Diary Day: 25 Best Journals for 8-15 Year Olds
23 International Day of Sign Languages
24 World Gorilla Day • Punctuation Day • World Maritime Day
25 World Dream Day • Save the Koala Day (Australia)
26 International Rabbit Day
30 World Stroopwafel Day
October World Holidays
1 International Day of Older Persons
2 World Farm Animals Day: The Three Little Pigs Puppets • World Smile Day: DIY Emoji Rocks | How to Draw Emotions
3 International Astronomy Day
4 World Space Week Starts • World Animal Day
5 World Teacher Day • World Habitat Day
6 Mad Hatter Day
8 World Octopus Day • World Sight Day
10 World Porridge Day • World Mental Health Day
12 Indigenous Peoples Day (USA) • Thanksgiving (Canada)
13 Ada Lovelace Day
14 National Fossil Day (USA)
15 Global Hand Washing Day: Books about Good Handwashing | Teaching Kids About Handwashing Activities
16 World Food Day: 50 Best Pretend Play Food Sets | Eating the Alphabet: 26 Recipes from A to Z
20 International Sloth Day
21 Back to the Future Day
22 Internationall Wombat Day: Books about Wombats
24 United Nations Day
25 World Pasta Day: Slow Cooker Mini Meatballs with Spaghetti
27 International Panda Day (WWF China)
28 International Animation Day
31 Halloween: Halloween Fun for Kids
November Special Days
1 Prime Meridian Day • Dia De Los Muertos Starts (Mexico)
3 World Jellyfish Day
5 Guy Fawkes Night (UK) • International Day Against Violence & Bullying at School: 15 Anti-Bullying Videos for 4-13 Year Olds
8 Diwali (Hindi): Learn more about Diwali • International Tongue Twister Day
9 World Adoption Day
10 World Science Day: Science Experiments & Activities • Sesame Street Day (UK)
11 Remembrance Day • Origami Day (Japan): Origami Heart Bookmarks
13 World Kindness Day: Picture Books About Kindness | Loving Kindness Yoga
15 Shichi-Go-San (Japan) • I Love to Write Day
16 International Day for Tolerance
17 Take a Hike Day
18 Mickey Mouse Day
19 World Philosophy Day
20 World Children’s Day
21 World Hello Day • World Television Day
24 Fairy Bread Day: fairybreadday.com
25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
26 Thanksgiving (USA)
28 French Toast Day • Red Planet Day
30 St Andrew’s Day (Scotland)
December Celebrations
2 Special Education Day
3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
4 Hanukkah begins (Jewish): Hanukkah Worksheet • National Cookie Day (USA): Sugar Cookie Recipe
5 World Soil Day • International Volunteer Day: Ways to Involve Children in Volunteering
6 St Nicholas Day (Western Christian)
7 Dia De Las Velitas (Columbia) • International Civil Aviation Day
8 Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
10 International Human Rights Day
11 International Mountain Day
13 St Lucia Day (Europe): Learn more about St Lucia Day
16 Las Posadas begins (Christian): Learn more about Las Posadas
17 Wright Brothers Day
18 International Migrants Day • Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
19 St Nicholas Day (Eastern Christian)
21 Crossword Puzzle Day
24 JÓLABÓKAFLÓÐIÐ (Iceland)
25 Christmas Day: Christmas Around the World Worksheets | Christmas Around the World Books | Christmas Activities Collection
26 Kwanzaa Starts (USA): Learn more about Kwanzaa | Kwanzaa Interactive Notebooks
27 Cut Out Snowflakes Day (USA): Name Snowflakes | Snowflakes Memory Matching Game
31 New Years Eve: New Years Eve Activities for Kids
Bring more joy, meaning, and connection to your school year—without the endless search for ideas! Download your 2026 School Holidays & Special Days Calendar today and discover how easy it can be to plan engaging, curriculum-linked celebrations for every month.
Perfect for teachers, homeschoolers, and children’s community groups alike, this printable calendar will quickly become your go-to planning companion for creating memorable learning moments all year long.
Get your 2026 Special Days Calendar now!
More Printable Learning Resources
For more printable learning tools and resources, check out these related posts;
The post 2026 Special Days & Holidays Calendar with Classroom Activities appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post 7 Easy Bubble Activities for Kids appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>
7 Easy Bubble Activities for Kids
These easy bubble activities use items you probably already have at home, or can easily buy at the supermarket, they are quick to set up, and students of all ages are sure to love them!
My own children, and students I have taught, have enjoyed these simple bubble activity ideas. From toddlers and preschoolers, through to kindergarten and elementary age students, it really doesn’t matter how old a child is, the magic of bubbles is so engaging and super fun.
Bubble Painting
Bubble painting is super cool! Lots of fun to try and the results are really awesome too. I like to use the dried paintings in multimedia art projects with students. Head over to my tutorial to find out more about the bubble painting process.
Bubble Science: What Can You Use to Make Bubbles?
Have fun testing common household and classroom items to see which can be used as a bubble blower to make bubbles – what can you use to make bubbles?
Bubble Play Duplo
Combine bubbles and Duplo for some great imaginative play! Previously shared as part of my collection of 20 Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers, I made bubbles with dishwashing detergent and a little water in a flat bin (I use an under bed storage tub). Set the tub on a table outdoors, or indoors with some bath towels handy for splashes.
Good, Clean Fun
Toddlers and preschoolers love the process of cleaning plastic toys. And all you need is a little detergent, water and a soft cloth. Animal figurines, toy vehicles, baby dolls and home corner dishes all make for good, clean fun!
Body Part Bubble Pop Game
Great for body part recognition and gross motor development, this game invites children to pop bubbles (blown by an adult) with a specific, named body part. This Colorado Culture of Wellness in Preschools document includes six fun movement activities with bubbles.
DIY Soap Crayons
Involve children of all ages in making this simple soap crayon recipe for sensory play.
DIY Bubble Dough
Playdough that you can put in the bath? Cool! This DIY bubble dough recipe from Picklebums is awesome, and can be used in place of soap!
More Sensory Learning Resources
For more sensory learning tools and resources, check out these related posts;
The post 7 Easy Bubble Activities for Kids appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>The post Safe Plants for Play Spaces: Plants that are Perfect for Play appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>
Before planning what to plant you’ll need to consider if your children have any allergies or are sensitive to pollens. You also need to avoid plants with large spikes or prickles and make sure that what you plant is not poisonous. Think about all parts of the plant, leaves, roots, sap, berries, etc and always check Google for a list of poisonous plants common to your area.
Allowing kids to play with plants will also mean setting a few ground rules in the beginning and including children in the planting and care of the garden is a great way for them to learn to respect plants. Even very young children can be encouraged to follow a few simple rules. Start with;
- Take only a few of the flowers or leaves for play from a plant (as opposed to stripping the whole plant)
- Only take from safe plants within the designated play area. When playing in other spaces, remind students that natural items should only be collected from the ground and not picked from living plants
- Check before picking and eating produce from edible plants.
Safe Plants for Play Spaces
Below are some suggestions of what to plant in your playful garden. These are starting points only, to get you thinking! Ask local plant enthusiasts and garden nursery staff for more suggestions to best suit your location and climate.
Vines and Creepers
Including some hardy vines and creepers in your garden will provide an endless supply of crowns and necklaces for playing at kings, fairies and the like.
Try Star Jasmin or Hardenbergia/Coral Pea .
Scented Plants
My children spend endless hours in our back yard concocting potions from plants, water, dirt and goodness knows what else!
Plants with an interesting scent from flowers or leaves are always lots of fun in potions. Try Mint (grows like a weed so the kids can pick as much as they like), Lavender and Pineapple Sage, Dill and Rosemary .
Plants with Flowers
Making daisy chains or just picking a bunch of flowers to brighten someone’s day is a simple, lovely way for children to interact with the garden.
Choose hardy flowering perennials that take little maintenance and annuals that easily self seed each Spring. Suggestions include:
- Perennials – Daisies and Geraniums
- Self seeding annuals – Cosmos, Forget Me Nots, Calendula, Zinnia, Marigold, Nasturtiums and Borage
Plants You Can Eat
There is no better way to teach children where food comes from than by growing it yourself. Choose easy to grow fruit or veggies that you know your children enjoy, beginning with those your kids can eat right of the plant for fast snacking while playing. Suggestions include:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sugar snap peas
- Beans
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
You can find more kid friendly food garden ideas here.
Inspire children to learn more about plants with these resources;
Weird, Wonderful Plants
It’s always fun to plant a few strange and interesting things if you have the space. Weird and wonderful plants can spark a child’s imagination and provide a little extra magic to the garden.
Gourds come in lots of strange shapes and sizes and you can dry them to make all kinds of interesting things.
Succulents are available in lots of interesting colours, shapes and textures – choose non-spiny varieties like Echeveria, Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) and Christmas Cactus. Aloe Vera is safe for children, though it is toxic to cats and dogs.
And for a real novelty, Popping Corn is lots of fun, allowing children to grow and pop their own corn!
RELATED: Discover How to Make a Child-Friendly Fairy Garden
Plants You Can Hide In
A cubby house is one of the best backyard play areas you can invest in but if you don’t have one you can always grow one! As simple as a circle of sunflowers or a creeper growing over an arched tunnel, hiding among the plants is lots of fun. You could try:
- Giant Sunflowers – plant in a circle to make a hiding spot
- Climbing Beans – set up a teepee support and grow a bean cubby
- Vines and Creepers – build an arched tunnel and grow evergreen creepers over it for a more permanent cubby house
No Garden? No Problem
Even if you don’t have a garden, many of the smaller, playful plants will grow in pots on a window sill or balcony so there is no reason why everyone can’t enjoy playing with plants!
Related Resources
For more related learning tools and resources, check out these related posts;
The post Safe Plants for Play Spaces: Plants that are Perfect for Play appeared first on Childhood101.
]]>