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As a school librarian, it's important to create a vibrant and engaging environment for students. One way to do this is by celebrating special days throughout the year. In this blog post, we will explore a range of special days in Term 4, and recommend a children's book for each day.
International School Library Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the role of school libraries in promoting creativity and imagination. Throughout the entire month of October, school librarians around the world can choose a day or multiple days to celebrate. This month-long event is based on the 2023 theme for ISLM, which is “The School Library: My Happy Place where Creativity and Imagination flourish.”
On World Smile Day, it's all about spreading happiness and positivity. A book recommendation for this day is "The Smiley Book of Colors" by Ruth Kaiser. This delightful picture book takes children on a journey through different colours, encouraging them to find joy in the world around them.
To celebrate World Smile Day, create a display of colourful books and encourage students to share their favourite jokes or acts of kindness.
World Animal Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our furry, feathery, and scaly friends. A recommended children's book for this day is "Dear Zoo" by Rod Campbell. This classic lift-the-flap book introduces children to a variety of animals and engages them in the exciting process of choosing the perfect pet.
To celebrate World Animal Day, organize a pet-themed story time and encourage students to bring in pictures or drawings of their favourite animals.
World Teacher's Day is a time to appreciate and honour the educators who make a difference in our lives. A suitable book recommendation for this day is "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco. This heartwarming story follows a young girl with dyslexia who receives support and encouragement from her dedicated teacher.
To celebrate World Teacher's Day, invite students to write thank-you cards or letters to their favourite teachers, expressing their gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Dyslexia Awareness Week is an important event for raising awareness and supporting individuals with dyslexia. A recommended book for the week is "The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia" by Diane Burton Robb. This book tells the story about Adam, a boy with dyslexia, as he navigates the challenges of learning to read. Through this heart warming tale, children will gain a better understanding of dyslexia and the importance of empathy and support.
World Mental Health Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting mental health advocacy and education worldwide. The book, "In My Heart: A Book of Feelings" by Jo Witek explores a range of emotions that children may experience and encourages them to recognise, understand, and express their feelings.
This beautifully illustrated book promotes emotional well-being and helps children develop empathy for themselves and others. To promote this day, you could create a calm and cozy reading corner in the library where students can relax, read, and reach out to a staff member if they need to talk.
World Food Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about global hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture practices. ""Dragons Love Tacos" is a hilarious story about dragons and their insatiable love for tacos. With its delightful illustrations and funny storyline, this book is sure to make students' stomachs rumble and promote a love for reading and food.
To promote this day, you can create a display of cookbooks, food-themed picture books, and books about different cultures and cuisines. Consider partnering with the school's cooking club or inviting a local chef to give a demonstration or hold a cooking workshop.
Halloween is a popular holiday celebrated in various parts of the world. It is often associated with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and the decoration of homes and public spaces with spooky theme.
A recommended book for the day is "Room on the Broom" by Julia Donaldson. It is a whimsical tale about a witch and her animal friends who embark on a fun-filled adventure. With its catchy rhymes and enchanting illustrations, this book is perfect for capturing the Halloween spirit.
Throughout Movember, individuals grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues. You can show support by creating a display of books related to men's health, mental health, and wellness.
You can feature the children's book "My Dad's Amazing Moustache" by Andrea Heaton. This heart warming story revolves around a father's journey to grow a moustache for Movember, using it as an opportunity to talk to his child about the importance of men's health, particularly mental health.
Remembrance Day is a time to honour and remember those who have served in the armed forces. A suitable book for this day is “Lighthouse Girl" by Diane Wolfer. It is a beautifully written and illustrated historical novel suitable for young readers. It tells the story of Fay, a young girl living in Albany, Western Australia, during World War I. She becomes a lighthouse keeper's pen pal, exchanging letters with soldiers who are leaving for the front. This poignant story explores themes of friendship, the impact of war on families, and the role of lighthouses during wartime.
In honour of this day, you can also create a display of books about war, soldiers, and historical events. Consider organising a reading of war-related poetry or narratives to commemorate this important day.
World Kindness Day is a perfect opportunity to promote empathy and kindness in your school library. Create a special Kindness Station where students can engage in activities like writing kind notes or performing random acts of kindness to spread positivity.
To complement this initiative, we recommend the heart warming children's book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. This touching story about a boy named Auggie, who faces unique challenges, teaches valuable lessons about kindness and acceptance. It's a must-read to inspire empathy and highlight the importance of treating others with compassion.
White Ribbon Day is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. While it may be a sensitive topic, you can create a display of books that address social issues, foster empathy, and promote healthy relationships. Consider providing resources for students seeking help or support on this issue.
One excellent children's book to include in this display is "Hands Are Not for Hitting" by Martine Agassi. This book gently educates young readers about the importance of respecting one another's boundaries and using their hands for positive actions. It's a valuable resource to introduce the concept of healthy relationships and non-violence to children, reinforcing the message of White Ribbon Day. Additionally, consider providing resources for students seeking help or support on this issue, ensuring your library is a safe space for everyone.
As we come together to celebrate World Children's Day, it's a fantastic opportunity to emphasise the rights and well-being of children in your school library. To promote diversity, inclusivity, and children's rights, consider curating a display of books that reflect these values.
One book recommendation for this occasion is "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson. This book beautifully explores themes of diversity, inclusivity, and the power of embracing one's unique story. It's a heart warming choice that encourages children to connect with others despite their differences and celebrates the value of each person's perspective and background
International Volunteer Day is all about recognizing the contributions of volunteers in making a positive impact on society. Create a display of books that highlight the value of volunteering and community service. Consider inviting local volunteers to share their experiences and inspire students to give back to their communities.
"Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña, is a beautifully illustrated story follows the journey of CJ and his grandmother as they ride the bus through their diverse urban neighbourhood. Through CJ's interactions with his grandmother, readers are introduced to the idea of giving back to the community and finding beauty and value in everyday acts of kindness. It's a touching and thought-provoking book that will resonate with young readers and inspire them to make a positive impact on their own communities.
International Human Rights Day is an opportunity to promote awareness and understanding of human rights. Create a display of books that touch on various human rights issues, such as equality, justice, and freedom. Consider organizing a discussion or debate on human rights topics to engage students in critical thinking.
A book that aligns with this theme is "I Am Human: A Book of Empathy" by Susan Verde. This beautifully illustrated book explores the concept of empathy and what it means to be human. It emphasises values like kindness, compassion, and understanding, which are at the core of human rights. Reading this book can help young readers develop a sense of empathy and a greater appreciation for the rights and dignity of all individuals, making it an excellent addition to your display for International Human Rights Day.
Christmas Day is a widely celebrated holiday. Decorate the library with festive decorations and create a display of holiday-themed books, including Christmas stories and traditions from different cultures. Consider organizing a holiday-themed storytelling session or a craft workshop to get students into the holiday spirit.
To complement the holiday, we recommend the book “The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg. This classic tale takes young readers on a magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, where they learn about the spirit of giving and the joy of believing. It's a timeless story that captures the essence of Christmas and the wonder of the holiday season.
As you prepare to celebrate various occasions in Term 4, there's a world of exciting opportunities to engage your students and create memorable experiences. From International Volunteer Day to Christmas Day, each event offers a unique chance to educate, inspire, and foster a sense of community within your school library.
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If you're eager to explore more dates and ideas for your school library celebrations next year, don't hesitate to reach out to us at communications@softlinkint.com. We would love to hear your thoughts and if there are any other dates we should include for next year’s Special Days to Celebrate blog.
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