Why These Days Matter In Early Years Settings
For young children, learning about important social and cultural events through play-based and interactive activities helps them develop empathy, inclusivity, and an understanding of the world. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event that celebrates the achievements of women and promotes gender equality. Meanwhile, Mother’s Day is a chance for children to show appreciation for the maternal figures in their lives, whether that be mums, grandmothers, aunts, or other caregivers.
In early years settings, celebrating these occasions can be an inclusive and meaningful way to teach children about respect and appreciation. It’s important to ensure all children feel included, as some may not have a mother at home. This can be done by broadening the conversation to celebrate all female role models in their lives, including carers, teachers, and family friends.
Activities To Celebrate International Women’s Day
Storytime With Inspiring Women
Reading stories about strong female role models can inspire children and help them understand the achievements of women in different fields. Some great book choices include:
- Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst (who is distantly related to the famous suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst)
- Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
- Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
These stories highlight courage, curiosity, and determination – qualities that can inspire children, regardless of gender.
Role Play And Dress-Up As Inspirational Women
Encourage children to dress up as different inspirational women – scientists, athletes, firefighters, doctors, teachers – and discuss how these figures contribute to society. You can also create role-play stations where children can “become” engineers, artists, or astronauts, breaking down traditional gender stereotypes in a fun and engaging way.
Art And Craft: Celebrating Women
Help children create ‘thank you’ cards or posters celebrating the women in their lives. They could draw a picture of a female role model or create a collage of inspiring women from magazines. You might also invite them to share why they admire someone, developing their communication and emotional skills.
Singing And Music
Introduce songs that celebrate strong and positive themes. For example, you could teach children simple, upbeat songs about confidence and kindness. Singing together fosters a sense of community and joy in learning.
Activities To Celebrate Mother’s Day
Handmade Cards And Gifts
Craft activities are a lovely way for children to express their appreciation for the maternal figures in their lives. Some simple ideas include:
- Handprint or fingerprint flowers on a card
- A decorated photo frame with a picture of the child
- ‘Reasons I Love You’ notes in a handmade envelope
Baking A Sweet Treat
If your setting allows for baking activities, children could make simple biscuits or cupcakes to take home as a gift. Cooking together is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills and early maths concepts like counting and measuring.
Mother’s Day Tea Party
Organising a small gathering where children invite a female role model – whether that’s a mum, grandma, or another important figure – can be a wonderful way to celebrate. Providing tea, juice, and some homemade treats allows children to share quality time with their loved ones.
Story Sharing And ‘Women Who Inspires Me’ Discussion
Encourage children to talk about the women they look up to in their lives. This can be done in a group circle where they share something kind or special about their female role model. You could also read books about mothers and caregivers, such as Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney or I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth.
Making Celebrations Inclusive
It’s important to recognise that not all children live with their mothers, and some may have different family structures. Here are some ways to ensure inclusivity:
- Use language like ‘someone special’ rather than just ‘mummy’ to acknowledge all caregivers.
- Let children choose who they want to celebrate, whether it’s an aunt, teacher, or family friend.
- Focus on the theme of love, appreciation, and kindness rather than traditional expectations of family roles.
Encouraging Gender Equality From A Young Age
Celebrating women in early years settings isn’t just about one day – it’s about fostering values that promote respect and equality. Simple everyday practices, such as encouraging all children to engage in a variety of play activities without gender labels (e.g., construction, dolls, art, sports), help create a more inclusive mindset.
Additionally, using stories and discussions to challenge stereotypes – for instance, showing male nurses and female firefighters – can help children develop a balanced view of the world.
Final Thoughts
March provides a fantastic opportunity for early years practitioners to celebrate the amazing women who shape children’s lives, both past and present. Whether through storytelling, creative activities, or simply encouraging appreciation, these celebrations can leave a lasting impression on young minds. By making these events fun, inclusive, and meaningful, we can help instil a lifelong respect for the contributions of women in society.
What will your setting do this March to celebrate the wonderful women in children’s lives?
