New Year's Day, January 1 - Reevaluate the past year and set goals for the new year. Make

party decorations and throw New Year's Eve party. Study art, party planning, time and

calendars. Also study other New Year's celebrations around the globe.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, 3rd Monday in January - Commemorates the birth of Martin

Luther King Jr. Read and recite MLK's speeches or watch them over the internet. Study the

history of nonviolent protest and the Civil Right's Movement.

Groundhog Day, February 2 - If the groundhog sees his shadow on this day, there will be six

more weeks of bad weather. If the sky is overcast and the groundhog does not see his shadow,

spring will soon arrive. Study weather, weather forecasting, superstitions, and wives’

tales.

Valentine's Day, February 14 - Bring cheer to those in a nursing home or VA hospital. Study

Cupid, the Roman god of love, and other Greek mythological figures.

President's Day, 3rd Monday in February - Commemorates George Washington's birthday and

Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Study the lives and contributions of both presidents, and

memorize some of their famous quotations and speeches.

Leap Year, February 29 - Study time, calendars throughout history and the Earth's rotation.

Saint Patrick's Day, March 17 - Study Ireland and Saint Patrick, the patron saint of

Ireland.

Easter, Late March or Early April - Celebrates Christ's resurrection. Study Christianity and

compare it to other major religions. Learn about the history and meanings of traditional

Easter symbols.

April Fool's Day, April 1 - Read joke books and funny stories. Write jokes and comic strips.

Develop public speaking skills by giving a stand up comedy performance.

Mother's Day, 2nd Sunday in May - Honor the women in your family. Study queens, famous women

throughout history, and the women's suffrage movement.

Memorial Day, Last Monday in May - This day honors those who died in war. study the Civil

War and Decoration day. Learn about other days of remembering the dead, such as the Festival

of Lanterns in Japan and Dia de la Muerte in Mexico.

Father's Day, 3rd Sunday in June - Honor the men in your family. Learn about kings, famous

heroes, and our country's founding fathers.

Independence Day, July 4 - Commemorates the signing of the Declaration of independence.

Study the American Revolution and the United States flag. Sing patriotic songs and learn

about our national symbols.

Labor Day, 1st Monday in September - This day honors working people. Learn more about the

Industrial Revolution, workplace safety, child labor laws and labor unions.

Grandparent's Day, 1st Sunday after Labor Day - Make cards or gifts for grandparents. Study

family history.

Columbus Day, October 12 - Commemorates the day Christopher Columbus reached America. Learn

about famous explorers, oceans and sea travel.

Halloween, October 31 - Make your own costumes, and study sewing and drama. This is also a

great time to learn about nocturnal animals.

Veteran's Day, November 11 - Commemorates the end of World War I. Visit a VA center or

military cemetery. Study the World War I.

Thanksgiving, 4th Thursday in November - Discuss gratitude. Find ways to serve others. Study

the dress, food, customs, and surroundings of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

Christmas, December 25 - Commemorates the birth of Jesus. Make your own decorations and

prepare a special meal. Learn about the origins of holiday traditions and Christmas carols.

Create special family traditions.