How to Bring Monthly Observances Into the Classroom
In the United States, there are various cultural heritage and awareness months celebrated throughout the year. These observances offer an opportunity for educators and families to learn about their own family background, explore the experiences of other communities, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of all students. Explore below resources and suggestions for how to bring these topics into the classroom throughout the entire school year.
September 15 - October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the achievements, contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latin American people. The commemoration kicked off in 1968 as a week-long event. It expanded to four weeks and was enacted into law in 1988. National Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent time to explore the rich history and culture of Latin American people as well as the societal bias the community faces.
October
National Bullying Prevention Month
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National Bullying Prevention Month is an opportunity to reflect on the classroom and school culture and assess the extent to which bullying is part of that culture. It is a time to examine best practices when it comes to creating respectful school environments that foster inclusion and respect. The large body of research on effective responses to name-calling and bullying concurs that schools and other educational institutions can best address these behaviors through ongoing, comprehensive plans. These can include both intervention and prevention strategies and engage all people in the school environment: students, educators, school staff, families and other community members.
November
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, which was first declared by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. The month provides an opportunity to commemorate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories and acknowledge the important contributions of Native American/Indigenous people. In schools and classrooms, Native American Heritage Month is good time to explore Native American history and culture as well as the injustices faced by them and how that injustice has been and continues to be confronted and overcome.
February
Black History Month
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Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. In schools and classrooms, Black History Month is an excellent time to explore the Black experience—including the history, culture and achievements of Black people, the injustice faced by them and how that injustice has been and continues to be confronted and overcome.
March
Women's History Month
Women’s History Month is a time to honor ordinary and extraordinary women, explore women’s achievements and struggles throughout history, and acknowledge women’s contributions to our society. Women’s History Month is an excellent time to talk with students about gender stereotypes and bias, hail important women in history, discover more about women’s issues and their fight for equity, and read literature that celebrates women and girls.
April
Arab American Heritage Month
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According to the Arab American Institute, an estimated 3.7 million Americans trace their roots to an Arab country. The Arab World consists of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Arab American Heritage Month is an excellent time to explore the rich history and culture of people who are Arab American as well as analyzing the bias and discrimination faced by them. Explore our resource on anti-muslim bias and acting as an ally.
May
Jewish American Heritage Month
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May and is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. In schools and classrooms, Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to explore the Jewish experience—including the history, culture and achievements of Jewish people as well as the antisemitism that has been faced by Jewish people throughout history.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, communities commemorate the achievements and contributions of people who are Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) with community festivals, government-sponsored activities and educational activities for students. In schools and classrooms, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an excellent time to explore the rich history and culture of people who are AAPI as well as analyzing the bias and discrimination faced by them.
Explore Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources
June
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marked the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ Americans. Today, LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, attracting millions of participants around the world. In schools and classrooms, LGBTQ+ Pride Month is an excellent time to talk with students about LGBTQ+ people and their struggles to achieve equity and justice in all aspects of their lives.
July
Disability Pride Month
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Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July, coinciding with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)'s signing on July 26, 1990. It's a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, acknowledge their history and experiences, and promote inclusion and acceptance. This monthlong observance is pivotal in promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.