How to Plan Lessons For National Awareness Days
Each weekday can mark a significant event, historical milestone, or even raise the profile of a lesser well known disease or disability. It’s the reason why national awareness days exist. But with an awareness day falling nearly everyday, how do you know which ones to celebrate in class? We’ve picked our top three you should know about, which fit nicely with the core subjects maths, English and science. Learn what these events signify, why they should be taught in class, and how you can celebrate with your students.
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What Are National Days?
National awareness days are usually annual events which celebrate either:
- Historical events
- Historical figures
- Disabilities
- Sporting events
- Occasions
Having specific dates or days to celebrate these events not only provides a reason to honour the occasion, but also raises awareness. This is especially important when considering events which are either on the national curriculum, or when we think about disabilities. Educating students about national awareness days early, could help to reduce stigmas around certain topics, or help them to remember important occasions based on the activities you decide to implement in the classroom.
It’s important to remember that national awareness days may not fall on the same date every year. Having a national awareness day calendar can help to ensure you never forget the most important events throughout the academic year.
3 National Awareness Day Lesson Plan Ideas
We know how important following the national curriculum is in schools, but we also know that making lessons fun and engaging is key for students. While lesson planning, why not consider national awareness days you can celebrate? It’s important to check with other staff members before committing to an event, but there is no reason the whole school couldn’t be involved. To get you started, we have three national days which fit perfectly around the three core subjects.
National Numeracy Day - Maths
Date: 22nd May 2024 (Changes annually)
National numeracy day is a fun day dedicated to all things mathematics. Highlighting the maths skills needed in everyday life, the aim is to inspire the younger generation that numbers are important. To get you started, we have listed our five favourite national numeracy day activities you can undertake with your class. From bingo to baking, the creativity combined with number skills makes for a fun-filled day. One thing to keep in mind is that the date of this national awareness day changes each year.
Which activity will you try first? Be prepared and find your maths resources early to help celebrate this day all about numbers.
World Book Day - English
Date: 7th March 2024 (Changed annually)
World Book Day can be a firm favourite amongst primary schools, thanks to the endless supply of creativity poured into books. Getting lost in a great tale is something we may take for granted, but to a child they may not be as fortunate to own their own copies. This is where World Book Day steps in. As a charity, their aim is to promote ‘reading for pleasure’, while taking the steps to helping children own their own book. Each World Book Day, children across the country can receive a £1 book token which allows them to choose a book to call their own. As well as this incentive, the day celebrates literature's favourite characters, and authors, while also allowing the children to dress up as these characters. Find English resources to go alongside this national awareness day, and celebrate the love of books and classic writing with your students. With plenty of options on offer, who will be the next character you choose to honour?
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
Date: 11th February 2024
The need for representing women and girls in science-related fields is still present in today's society. By raising awareness and inspiring your students, while in KS1 and KS2, may be the difference needed between pupils choosing science-related careers later down the line. But it's not only girls who can benefit from this national awareness day. Involving the boys within your class is equally important to try and reduce the unconscious bias experienced by many. Read how you can inspire the next generation of women in STEM with our guide. You can also find high-quality and engaging science resources your class can benefit from, even after this day has passed.
Mark Your Calendars With Pango
Take note and never miss a national awareness day again. Made by teachers, for teachers, Pango understands the need for making lesson planning easy. Helping to lighten the load, our library of resources span the whole national primary curriculum. From history resources, to geography activities and PSHE worksheets, our high-quality teaching materials are just a click away. Why not try our premium resources? Sign-up today and receive a free 7-day trial.
