Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The U.S. government has dedicated the month of May to be Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During this month we celebrate the numerous accomplishments and contributions from Asian-American and Pacific Islanders here in the United States. The National Endowment for the Humanities provides free resources for teachers opens in a new tab, including various lesson plans, curricula, and teacher guides.
Other resources are:
- Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) suggestions for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage opens in a new tab
- How to Teach Children About Cultural Awareness and Diversity (PBS) opens in a new tab
Mental Health Awareness Month
This year’s campaign through Mental Health America (MHA), is focused on how our surroundings can impact our mental health, including the following:
- Safe and stable housing
- Healthy home environments
- Neighborhoods and towns
- The outdoors and nature
This organization is providing a free toolkit opens in a new tab that includes printable handouts, posters, and DIY tools.
National Children’s Book Week opens in a new tab
National Children’s Book Week is the longest national literacy initiative, founded in 1919 by Every Child a Reader. This year it takes place from May 2nd through May 8th. Expose your child to books by reading aloud, visiting your local library, and story props.
May 2 — National Teachers Day opens in a new tab
In observance of National Teacher Appreciation Day, here are some ideas on how to thank our teachers!
- Create a hand-made card or write a letter to express your gratitude
- Volunteer in the classroom
- Bring a small bundle of fresh grown flowers or herbs from your garden
- Have your child create a drawing or painting and add a narration of their story
May 8 & 9 — Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation opens in a new tab for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
May 14 — Mothers Day: A Campaign for Peace and Justice opens in a new tab
Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in 1858 as an action and dedication to improve the lives of families as well as a call for peace. This was followed by the peace activist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe, who called for the celebration of a “Mother’s Day for Peace” as a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.
May 15 — International Conscientious Objection Day
International Conscientious Objection Day opens in a new tab takes place on May 15th every year, to raise awareness of those who resist war. Conscientious objectors are those who, for moral or religious reasons, refuse to participate in armed conflict or join the armed forces. The organization War Resisters International has been campaigning for the Right of Conscientious Objection and the ending of all war. (P.E.A.C.E. is an affiliate of the War Resisters International based in London, UK.)
May 17— International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia opens in a new tab
On this day, we strive to bring awareness to the LGTB community, the violations they suffer, and the need to stimulate their rights worldwide.
May 26 — Shavuot Day (Judaism) opens in a new tab
