And just like that, we’re already in November! Kids Discover wants to help you get an early jump start on what awaits in this new month! Although we always think of Thanksgiving and what we’re grateful for, here are some additional holidays and moments in history that you may want to share with your class.
Native American Heritage Month
We cannot fully tell the history of the United States without including the customs and sacrifices of our Indigenous peoples. Across the Kids Discover library, we offer several Units to help teach this important aspect of American culture. To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are so happy to make all of these Units free for November. Enjoy with your students, and be sure to visit the blog throughout the month for more ways to honor Native American heritage and culture.
November 1 – Sistine Chapel Opens to Public (1512)
Taking Michelangelo four years to complete, the Sistine Chapel ceiling within the Vatican is one of the most identifiable pieces in Renaissance art. This period in history was an explosion of ideas, education, and literacy. The word “renaissance” literally means “rebirth.” Your students can read more about the birth of the modern era in our Renaissance Unit, as well as our Renaissance and Reformation Unit.
November 2 – Day of the Dead
Regionally known as Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead is a time for celebration each year on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico. It is a beautiful tradition that honors family members who have passed away by building private altars, or ofrendas, for the departed. In our Mexico Unit, you can share this holiday and other aspects of Mexican customs with your students.
November 4 – Diwali
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year and is referred to as the Festival of Lights. This holiday usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. November 4th is the third day of the festivities and includes family gatherings, feasts, and fireworks. In our Ancient India and Indian Empire Units, your students can learn more about the history and religion of over 1 billion people.
November 11 – Veterans Day
On this day, we honor the men and women who bravely served their country. Teach your students about the hard work and sacrifice that have kept the United States safe. We have several units that may interest your students, including our Units on World War I and World War II.
November 15 – America Recycles Day
Get your students excited about saving our planet. Showing them the importance now will help create eco-conscience adults in the future. Investigate different ways to conserve, what efforts your school has, and share our Conservation Unit.
November 25 – Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we express our gratitude for all the things we have. Check out this printable infographic for eight great ways to show how thankful you are, perfect for kids and adults of all ages!
November 28 – Hanukkah Begins
This evening begins the first night of the Hanukkah holiday. Also known as the Festival of Light, it celebrates the Maccabee revolt and the sacred lamp oil miraculously lasting for eight days. Learn more about other holidays in the Jewish faith in our Faith and Feasts Topic, part of the Ancient Hebrews Unit.
November 30 – Mark Twain’s Birthday
On the night of Samuel Langhorne Clemens’ birth in 1835, Halley’s Comet appeared as a brilliant streak of light in the sky. In 1910, the comet reappeared, and Clemens died. Though Halley’s comet comes and goes every 75 years, Mark Twain’s brilliance has kept shining steadily to this day. Young fans of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn can read about Samuel’s Childhood and America During Mark Twain’s Life.
