As the warm embrace of summer begins to wane, September ushers in a gentle transition to the crisp, vibrant days of autumn. With the return of school routines and the promise of cooler evenings, September is a month that blends the lingering warmth of summer with the fresh energy of fall. Beyond its role as a seasonal bridge, September also carries a historical significance in its name.
The name “September” comes from the Latin word “septem,” meaning “seven.” In the ancient Roman calendar, which started in March, September was originally the seventh month. When the calendar was later reformed to begin in January, September became the ninth month, yet its name remained unchanged. This historical quirk serves as a reminder of the month’s ancient origins and its place in the rhythm of the year.
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Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of holidays and observances that make September a gentle transition, blending the warmth of summer with the crisp promise of autumn, full of reflection and fresh starts. 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:
First Monday in September – Labor Day
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. This day marks the unofficial end of summer, often enjoyed with parades, barbecues, and outdoor festivities. It’s a time to relax and reflect on the progress made by the labor movement, honoring the hard work that has shaped the nation. Get the printable poster shown below FREE with no email address required. Just click the image. You can also visit the HOLIDAY CALENDAR to read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids.
National Skyscraper Day (September 3)
National Skyscraper Day on September 3rd invites us to appreciate the architectural marvels that define city skylines around the world. This day celebrates the ingenuity and innovation that goes into creating these towering structures, which symbolize progress, ambition, and human achievement. It’s a perfect time to explore the history of skyscrapers or simply admire the awe-inspiring views they offer. Use the Name Graph Resource to create a skyline scene based on the letters of your name, then read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR.
Patriot Day (September 11)
Patriot Day, observed on September 11th, is a solemn day of remembrance for the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001. It’s a day to honor the heroes who emerged in the face of tragedy and to reflect on the resilience and unity that followed. Patriot Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that define the human spirit. Use our free resource to encourage your children to interview a friend or relative that remembers the events of September 11th, 2001.
You can also read more and find ideas for commemorating this day with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
National Play-Doh Day (September 16)
National Play-Doh Day, celebrated on September 16th, brings out the childlike creativity in all of us. This iconic modeling compound has sparked imagination for generations, allowing both kids and adults to sculpt, squish, and create colorful masterpieces. It’s a day to reconnect with your inner artist and enjoy the simple pleasure of hands-on play. Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19)
Arrr! September 19th is Talk Like A Pirate Day, a lighthearted celebration that encourages everyone to channel their inner buccaneer. Whether you’re adding a hearty “yo-ho-ho” to your conversations or dressing up in pirate garb, this playful holiday is all about embracing the adventurous spirit and having fun with pirate lingo.
You can learn about Pirate Lingo in this great resource!
Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
September 21-24 – September Equinox
The September Equinox, occurring between September 21-24, marks the official start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, day and night are nearly equal in length, symbolizing balance and change. It’s a time to embrace the shifting seasons, whether you’re welcoming the crispness of fall or the renewal of spring.
World Gratitude Day (September 21)
World Gratitude Day on September 21st is a global celebration of thankfulness. It’s a day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich us. It’s also a chance to “get ahead” of the over-saturated season of Gratitude in November ;-). By sharing appreciation with others, we can foster a sense of connection and positivity that resonates far beyond this special day. Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Math Storytelling Day (September 25)
Math Storytelling Day, celebrated on September 25th, combines the logical world of mathematics with the creativity of storytelling. It’s a unique opportunity to explore math in a fun and engaging way, using stories to explain mathematical concepts or solve problems. Whether through word problems, puzzles, or imaginative narratives, this day makes math both accessible and enjoyable. Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Shamu the Whale Day (September 26)
Shamu the Whale Day, observed on September 26th, honors one of the most famous orcas in history. This day celebrates the legacy of Shamu, a beloved figure in marine entertainment, while also raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation. It’s a perfect time to learn more about orcas and reflect on the ways we can protect these magnificent creatures and their ocean habitats. Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Confucius Day (September 29)
Confucius Day, celebrated on September 29th, honors the birthday of Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher whose wisdom has influenced cultures around the world. Known for his teachings on ethics, morality, and social harmony, Confucius’ ideas remain relevant today. This day is an opportunity to reflect on his timeless lessons and consider how they can be applied in our own lives. Use the quotes found in our Copywork section. Read more and find ideas for celebrating with kids on the HOLIDAY CALENDAR
More Holiday Activities for September
These products use each of the Holiday of the Days for September
COPYWORK
In each set of September 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!
September 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 September based on the holiday of the day.
September 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:
- American Chess Day (September 1)
- National Skyscraper Day (September 3)
- Grandma Moses Day (September 7)
- Star Trek Day (September 8)
- National Hot Dog Day (September 10)
- National Police Woman’s Day (September 12)
- National Play-Doh Day (September 16)
- Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19)
- World Gratitude Day (September 21)
- Bluebird of Happiness Day (September 24)
September Writing Activities
If you are looking for more September Holiday Fun…I have just the thing! My friend Suzanne over at Teacher Writer has curated a fantastic set of writing prompts and activities 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 September writing prompts:
- National New Hampshire Day. (Learn about the great state of New Hampshire.)
- International Literacy Day. (Write a short story on this day.)
- National Wildlife Day. (Learn and write about tigers.)
- National Skyscraper Day. (Would you like to live in a skyscraper? Why or why not?)
- Elephant Appreciation Day (Learn about the Village of Elephants in the Congo and write a short story.)
Two September National Month journal prompts:
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Classical Music Month
Thanks for checking out the many holidays for September!
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