Dive into the heart of summer with holidays for August! Basking in sunshine and long lazy days, August feels like the quintessential summer month. But beyond the carefree vibes, August holds a hidden piece of history. The month’s name doesn’t come from its position in the calendar, but rather honors a powerful Roman emperor.
The month of August was originally called Sextilis, which is Latin for “sixth” because it was the sixth month in the early Roman calendar. In 8 BCE, the Roman Senate renamed the month August in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome. Augustus was born in this month and achieved many of his military victories during this time. Renaming the month was a way to honor his achievements and legacy. Even though the calendar was later adjusted to make August the eighth month, the name stuck.
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As you explore the Holidays for August I hope the ideas shared here and in our resources inspire you to dig a little deeper into the holidays. I fill each holiday of the day with information to help your Happy Hive buzz with excitement!
Celebrate on or near these specific days:
Spiderman Day (August 1)
Spiderman Day celebrates one of the most beloved superheroes in comic book history. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spiderman first appeared in “Amazing Fantasy” #15 in 1962. This day honors not just the web-slinging hero himself but also the values he represents: responsibility, bravery, and resilience. Fans celebrate by reading Spiderman comics, watching movies, and dressing up as their favorite superhero. It’s a day to appreciate the impact of Spiderman on popular culture and the inspiration he provides to all ages. Read more about Spiderman Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
National Watermelon Day (August 3)
National Watermelon Day is a celebration of one of summer’s most refreshing fruits. Watermelon, with its sweet and juicy flesh, is a staple at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. This day is perfect for enjoying watermelon in various forms—whether sliced, in a salad, or blended into a refreshing drink. It’s also a great opportunity to appreciate the health benefits of watermelon, which is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. Read more about National Watermelon Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Hiroshima Day (August 6)
Hiroshima Day is a solemn day of remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. It serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of nuclear weapons and the importance of working towards global peace and nuclear disarmament. Events and activities on this day often include memorial services, peace marches, and educational programs about the consequences of nuclear warfare. Read more about Hiroshima Day and find ideas for remembering this day with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
National S’mores Day (August 10)
National S’mores Day celebrates the classic campfire treat made of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Loved by kids and adults alike, s’mores are synonymous with summer nights, camping trips, and cozy fireside gatherings. This day encourages everyone to indulge in this sweet delight, try new variations, and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor cooking. Read more about S’mores Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
World Elephant Day (August 12)
World Elephant Day is dedicated to the conservation and protection of elephants around the globe. These magnificent creatures face numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. This day aims to raise awareness about the plight of elephants, support conservation efforts, and promote ethical tourism practices that ensure their survival for future generations. Read more about World Elephant Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Aviation Day (August 19)
Aviation Day celebrates the achievements and advancements in aviation, honoring the pioneers who made air travel possible. Established in honor of Orville Wright’s birthday, this day recognizes the contributions of aviators, engineers, and innovators. It’s an opportunity to explore the history of flight, visit aviation museums, and appreciate the impact of aviation on global connectivity and commerce. Read more about Aviation Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Poet’s Day (August 21)
Poet’s Day honors the creativity and expression of poets throughout history. Poetry has the power to capture emotions, tell stories, and inspire change. This day celebrates the contributions of poets, encourages people to read and write poetry, and promotes the appreciation of this timeless literary art form. It’s a perfect occasion to share favorite poems, attend poetry readings, and explore the beauty of poetic expression. Read more about Poet’s Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
National Tooth Fairy Day (August 22)
National Tooth Fairy Day celebrates the magical tradition of the tooth fairy, who visits children when they lose a tooth. This charming custom brings joy to children and marks a milestone in their development. The day encourages parents and children to share stories about the tooth fairy, emphasize the importance of dental hygiene, and enjoy the wonder and excitement of childhood traditions. Read more about National Tooth Fairy Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Vesuvius Day (August 24)
Vesuvius Day commemorates the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This day serves as a reminder of the power of natural disasters and the importance of geological studies and disaster preparedness. It’s also an opportunity to learn about ancient Roman life through the archaeological discoveries preserved by the volcanic ash. Read more about Vesuvius Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
National Dog Day (August 26)
National Dog Day celebrates the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our lives. This day raises awareness about dog adoption, promotes the welfare of dogs, and honors the working dogs who contribute to society in various roles. It’s a perfect occasion to show extra love to your furry friends, support animal shelters, and advocate for responsible pet ownership. Read more about National Dog Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Frankenstein Day (August 30)
Frankenstein Day celebrates the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” first published in 1818. This seminal work of literature has influenced countless adaptations and discussions about the ethics of scientific experimentation and the nature of humanity. On this day, fans of the novel can revisit the story, explore its themes, and appreciate its impact on literature and popular culture. Read more about Frankenstein Day and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
More Holiday Activities for aUGUST
These products use each of the Holiday of the Days for Augustl
COPYWORK
In each set of August copywork you get 31 topics, in 2 font styles. The first is with guides (arrows) and the second font is a simple version of the font. The trace over copywork contains simple sentences, Manuscript and Cursive sentences are longer and more advanced, but similar so family discussions or use as Memory Verse is still possible!
August LEGO CHALLENGE
Lego Challenge Cards are great for everyday use or even on days your kids can’t go outside because of the weather (Rain, Snow, Wind, Heat). They make excellent party games or Fun Friday activities.
There are 31 building challenges for August based on the holiday of the day.
August Holiday of the Day Poke Art Pictures
10 Exciting Holidays are highlighted in the POKE ART PACK
You get both the Color and Black & White patterns for:
- Watermelon Day – August 3
- Traffic Light Day – August 5
- Lighthouse Day – August 7
- World Elephant Day – August 12
- Aviation Day – August 19
- National Tooth Fairy Day – August 22 (Fun Fact: also celebrated in February)
- Vesuvius Day – August 24
- Dog Day – August 26
- Tarzan Day – August 27
- Frankenstein Day – August 30
August Writing Activities
If you are looking for more June Fun I have just the thing! My friend Suzanne over at Teacher Writer has curated a fantastic set of writing prompts and activities for August surrounding the National Holidays!
BEE sure to check out the Teacher Writer blog post with tips for implementing these National Day Writing Prompts. Your busy bees will find them especially engaging as they come with videos to help introduce the topic!
Some of the August writing prompts:
- National Mississippi Day. (Learn about the great state of Mississippi.)
- International Bat Night. (Learn about the Bat Volcano of Calakmul in Mexico.)
- National Eat a Peach Day. (Descriptive writing of the taste, feel, smell, and color of peaches.)
- National Perseid Meteor Shower Day. (Write a plan for a star party.)
- Navajo Code Talkers Day (Learn about how codes were used and make your own.)
Thanks for checking out the many holidays for August!
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Content on Happy Hive Homeschooling is shared for educational and inspirational purposes. There’s no wrong way to homeschool. Please use your own judgment and provide appropriate supervision when adapting ideas for your family or classroom.