Rosa Parks giving a speech at the Poor Peoples’ March in 1968.
Picture courtesy of Unsplash.com.
Women’s History Month
In 1987, after several years of petitioning, Congress passed PL 100-9 which authorized a designated week in March to become “Women’s History Week”. The fight continued during the years 1988 and 1994, and finally in 1995, a series of annual proclamations were issued, and March was designated as “Women’s History Month”. The proclamations emphasize and celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history and continuing, to this country in many different fields.
March 8 — International Women’s Day opens in a new tab
Together, we can raise awareness about discrimination affecting women from all over the world. We are striving for gender equality, a world free from discrimination, biases, and stereotypes. This year’s campaign theme: #InspireInclusion
The website International Women’s Day is providing great free resources opens in a new tab for teachers in the classroom
March 11 — World Wildlife Day
March 11 — First Day of Ramadan
The 9th month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims. During this month, Muslims fast, pray, and practice introspection. Here are fun classroom activities opens in a new tab as well as this video in which children explain this month-long floating holiday.
March 13 — First Day of Deaf History Month
Each year, Deaf History Month runs from March 13 until April 15. Even though this is not a recognized federal holiday, we need to raise awareness about the deaf community and their ongoing struggles in today’s society.
Babyhearing.org has a great resources opens in a new tab that provide support in raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Having a child who is deaf or hard of hearing will take more on your part as a parent. More time, more patience, and more work. It will be different from a hearing child. Different isn’t bad, it’s just different! — Anonymous Parent
- March 14 — National Black Midwife Day
- March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day
- March 19 — Spring Equinox
- March 20 — World Happiness Day
- March 21 — World Poetry Day
- March 22 — World Water Day
March 25–31 — Farm Workers Awareness Week
One way to celebrate Farm Workers Awareness Week and Women’s History Month together is to learn more about Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. The Dolores Huerta Foundation offers extensive resources for educators opens in a new tab including lesson plans and book lists.
March 31 — César Chávez Day
We celebrate this day in honor of César Chávez, a civil rights activist and union leader supporting migrant farm workers and their families in California. He fought and advocated for addressing the injustices and hardships of migrant workers across the state and country. The California Department of Education offers a model curriculum and other resources for educators opens in a new tab. Here are examples of children’s books about Cesar’s journey:
