June
June comes from the the Latin Iunius, “of Juno (Iuno),” referring to the Roman goddess Juno. It’s interesting to note the J sound for the I in Latin’s Iuno didn’t get used in English until the late 1600s. Junio is known as being the goddess of marriage and many weddings are held in June.
In Ancient Rome, June was the 4th month of a 10-month calendar. Now that we use the Gregorian Calendar, June is our 6th month.
That means there are plenty of holidays for June your kids won’t want to miss celebrating! June is home to Father’s Day, Flag Day, and the day we commemorate the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans, Juneteenth (June 19).
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As you explore the Holidays for June 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:
Dinosaur Day – June 1
The day we now recognize as Dinosaur Day has been celebrated around the world since the early 1980s. It is a day to celebrate the amazing creatures that once roamed the Earth, and to learn more about them.
The first Dinosaur Day was organized by the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1982, and has been celebrated ever since. The day was inspired by the discovery of a fossilized dinosaur in Colorado in 1877.
This discovery was the first major dinosaur fossil discovery in the United States and helped to spark an interest in dinosaurs that continues today.
Dinosaur Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some places, it is a day of lectures and educational programs about dinosaurs. Other places host special exhibits and activities for children, such as fossil digs, crafts, and games. Some museums even feature special dinosaur-themed events, such as films and dinosaur-themed parties.
The purpose of Dinosaur Day is to bring attention to the amazing creatures that lived so long ago and to promote scientific research and education about them. By celebrating Dinosaur Day, we can continue to learn more about these amazing creatures and their impact on our world.
D- Day – June 6
It’s hard to believe that over 75 years ago, brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen stormed the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, to fight in World War II. This day, known as D-Day, is considered one of the most important battles in history.
On D-Day, Allied forces fought against the German military on the beaches of Normandy. The goal was to break through the German defenses and capture the city of Caen. This was the beginning of a long and difficult campaign against the Germans.
The Allies had planned for months before D-Day. They had to make sure they had enough supplies, troops, and ships to make the mission successful.
On the morning of June 6, thousands of soldiers, sailors, and airmen landed on the coast of Normandy. Despite the tremendous amount of enemy fire, the Allied forces pushed forward. They eventually broke through the German defenses and took control of the city.
D-Day was a major turning point in World War II. It was the first step towards the liberation of Europe and the ultimate victory of the Allies.
On this day, brave soldiers gave their lives in the fight for freedom. We can never forget their courage and sacrifice.
superman Day – June 12
The history of Superman is a long and varied one. The character first appeared in 1938’s Action Comics #1, and since then, he has become one of the most iconic superheroes in the world.
Over the years, Superman has been the subject of countless comics, movies, TV shows, and video games. Superman was created by two Cleveland high school students, Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster.
Superman’s early adventures focused on battling injustice and protecting the innocent. He had a number of abilities, including incredible strength, speed, and the ability to fly. His most famous power, however, was his X-ray vision.
In the 1950s, Superman made the transition to television. The first live-action Superman series, Adventures of Superman, debuted in 1952. It ran for six seasons and featured George Reeves as the Man of Steel.
The character of Superman has gone through many changes over the years, but his core values remain the same. He is still a symbol of justice and hope, and his enduring popularity is a testament to his lasting power.
flag Day – June 14
June 14th is Flag Day in the United States. Flag Day is a day of celebration for Americans to honor the United States of America, its flag, and the freedom it represents.
The modern celebration of Flag Day originated in 1885 when school teacher Bernard J. Cigrand held the first formal observance of the flag at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. He placed a 10-inch, 38-star flag in a bottle on his desk and asked his students to write essays about the flag and its significance.
Flag Day became an official observance when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916. Although not a federal holiday, Flag Day is celebrated around the country with parades, concerts, and other patriotic events. It is a reminder of the unity, freedom, and independence that the American flag symbolizes.
Flag Day is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our brave military men and women. It is a day to reflect on the freedom, justice, and democracy that the flag stands for. On Flag Day, we should all take a moment to remember the cost of our freedom and express our gratitude for those who have fought for it.
national electricity Day – June 15
Electricity has been part of the world since the beginning of time, but it wasn’t until the late 1700s that someone discovered how to harness it. Several inventors and scientists were involved in the process of understanding and developing electricity, but one name stands out above all others: Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin is widely credited with discovering electricity in 1752. (This is a great story, but it simply isn’t true.)
When he conducted his famous kite experiment, which involved flying a kite in a thunderstorm, he was able to demonstrate that lightning is a form of electricity. This experiment ushered in a new era of understanding of electricity and its properties.
National Electricity Day honors Ben Franklin’s kite experiment and what was learned about electricity as a result. It does not, however, celebrate the invention of, or discovery of electricity.
national eat an Oreo Day – June 19
The Oreo cookie was created in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco). The Oreo was the first successful “hydrogenated” cookie and it was made with a combination of vegetable oil, sugar, flour, cocoa, and other ingredients.
The name “Oreo” is derived from the French word for “gold” or “strawberry”. The original design of the cookie was a chocolate cookie with a vanilla creme filling.
In the 1920s, Oreo released several variations of the original design, including the classic “Double Stuf” version, which was an Oreo cookie filled with twice the amount of creme filling.
The company also released a series of cookies with various colors and flavors, such as mint, lemon, and even peanut butter. In the 1950s, Oreo began to experiment with different shapes and sizes, and in 1974, the Oreo “Thin” was released.
Over the years, the cookie has become increasingly popular, and in recent years, it has become a staple of the snack food industry. Today, Oreo is the world’s best-selling cookie, with over 500 billion cookies sold worldwide since its inception.
Our favorite way to celebrate Eat An Oreo Cookie Day is with an Oreo Cookie Taste Test. Everything you need, except cookies, is in this printable activity.
International Fairy Day – June 24
Imagination takes flight on June 24th as we celebrate International Fairy Day. This enchanting holiday invites us to explore the whimsical world of fairies and embrace the magic they bring to our lives.
International Fairy Day is a relatively new holiday that emerged from the love and fascination people have for these mythical creatures. It’s a day to indulge in the enchantment of fairy tales and celebrate the wonder of imagination.
Interesting Facts:
- Fairies are often depicted as small, magical beings with wings. They appear in folklore and mythology across different cultures, with various interpretations and characteristics.
- The most famous fairy of all time is perhaps Tinker Bell from J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” who has become an iconic symbol of magic and adventure.
- Gardens, woods, and meadows are often associated with fairies, and many believe they bring luck and blessings to those who show them kindness.
International Fairy Day is an opportunity to embrace the enchantment of fairy tales and nurture the imaginative spirit within children. It’s a day to believe in magic, spread joy, and celebrate the wonders of childhood.
National Bingo Day – June 27
B-I-N-G-O! On June 27th, it’s time to mark your calendars and celebrate National Bingo Day. This beloved game of chance brings people together for an exciting and entertaining experience that has been enjoyed for decades.
The origins of bingo can be traced back to the 16th century in Italy, where a similar game called “Lo Giuoco del Lotto D’Italia” was played. Over time, the game spread to other parts of Europe before reaching the shores of North America, where it gained immense popularity.
Interesting Facts:
- The modern version of bingo as we know it today was developed by Edwin S. Lowe, an American toy salesman, in the early 1930s. He named the game “Bingo” after overhearing a player accidentally yell out “bingo” instead of “beano.”
- Bingo is not just a game for adults. Many children enjoy playing it as well, as it helps develop their number recognition and concentration skills.
- The largest game of bingo ever played involved a staggering 70,080 participants at the same time in Bogota, Colombia, on December 3, 2006.
National Bingo Day is a fantastic opportunity to bond with family and friends over a classic game that brings joy and excitement. So, get ready to shout “Bingo!” and celebrate this day filled with fun, anticipation, and the thrill of winning.
Father’s Day – Third Sunday in June
Father’s Day is a special day observed on the third Sunday of June to honor and celebrate fathers and father figures in our lives. It’s a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, support, and guidance they provide.
History:
The origins of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century. The idea of a day to celebrate fathers gained prominence alongside Mother’s Day as a way to acknowledge the contributions of parents. The official recognition of Father’s Day varies across countries.
Interesting Facts:
- The first known Father’s Day celebration took place in 1910 in Spokane, Washington, thanks to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd. She wanted to honor her father, who raised her and her siblings single-handedly.
- The necktie is a popular symbolic gift on Father’s Day. It is believed to have originated from the tradition of giving neckties to fathers during the early days of the holiday.
- Father’s Day is celebrated on different dates worldwide. In many countries, it is observed on the third Sunday of June, while others have designated different dates to honor fathers.
Father’s Day is a meaningful occasion to honor and celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. It’s a day to show love, gratitude, and appreciation for their presence and influence.
The L-o-n-g-e-s-t Day – June Solstice, near June 20th
The June Solstice, also known as the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, marks a significant event in Earth’s orbit. It is a moment when the tilt of Earth’s axis is most inclined towards or away from the Sun, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year.
History:
The June Solstice has been observed and celebrated by different cultures throughout history. Many ancient civilizations built monuments and conducted rituals to honor this astronomical event.
Interesting Facts:
- The word “solstice” originates from the Latin words “sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), referring to the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement during this time.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the June Solstice occurs between June 20th and 22nd. It marks the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the June Solstice occurs between December 20th and 23rd. It marks the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.
The June Solstice is a moment to marvel at the astronomical wonders of our planet and reflect on the cyclical nature of life. It’s a time to appreciate the changing seasons and the harmony of Earth’s movements around the Sun.
More Holiday Activities for June
These products use each of the Holiday of the Days for Junel
COPYWORK
In each set of June copywork you get 30 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!
June 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 30 building challenges for June based on the holiday of the day.
June 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 June 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 June writing prompts:
- National Alaska Day. (Write about the great state of Alaska.)
- National Hot Air Balloon Day. (Learn about a man who builds hot air balloons.)
- International Children’s Day. (Because kids are awesome!)
- World Reef Awareness Day. (Write a poster about protecting coral reefs.)
- National Waterfall Day. (Write a description of a waterfall.)
- Meteor Watch Day (Learn how and where to have a star party.)
Thanks for checking out the many holidays for June!
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