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: #EmbraceEquity
March 13 — First Day of Deaf History Month opens in a new tab
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 PDF that’s a great resource opens in a new tab provides 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 21 — World Poetry Day opens in a new tab
This day is great to celebrate and introduce poetry to children in support of early language & literacy development. This PDF resource lists several poems opens in a new tab, including “Eletelephony” by Laura Elizabeth Richards.
Once there was an elephant,
Who tried to use the telephant—
No! No! I mean an elephone
Who tried to use the telephone—
(Dear me! I am not certain quite
That even now I’ve got it right.)
Howe’er it was, he got his trunk
Entangled in the telephunk;
The more he tried to get it free,
The louder buzzed the telephee—
(I fear I’d better drop the song
Of elephop and telephong!)
March 21 — World Down Syndrome Day opens in a new tab
Since 2012, March 21st has been designated by the United Nations as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The WDSD website provides great resources, stories, and how to take action when thinking about the rights of people with Down Syndrome.
March 22 — World Water Day opens in a new tab
There is a phrase “Water is life” and right now we see water running out due to climate change and mass consumption globally. Be the change you want to see in the world. opens in a new tab
We can participate by:
- Being mindful of water usage when taking a shower, brushing teeth, preparing food, or doing the dishes.
- Please do not flush any scraps of food, medicine, oils, and chemicals down the drain or toilet.
- Buying food that is produced locally and looking for any products made with minimal use of water.
March 23 — 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 31 — Cesar Chavez Day opens in a new tab
We celebrate this day in honor of Cesar Chavez, 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. Here are examples of children’s books about Cesar’s journey:
