Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for January observances:
Month-Long Observances
International Creativity Month
- Art Activities that Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together
- Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together
- How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children…and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- The Relationship Between Learning through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- “Sound” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
National Mentoring Month
- Impact of Mentoring on Youth: Why Every Kid Needs a Mentor, Boys & Girls Club of America
- Professional Development: Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together
National Hobby Month
- 5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby As An Adult, Fortune Well
- 5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring To A Child’s Development, City Magazine
- Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
Self-Love Month
- Register for UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education, Trying Together
- Self-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together
- Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together
- 50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Teach.com, Trying Together
Week-Long Observances
National Storytelling Week
- Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together
- Story Time At The Hub! Trying Together
Day Observances
January 2 is Motivation and Inspiration Day
- “Brave” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together
- Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons
- The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk
January 3 is International Mind-Body Wellness Day
- Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together
- Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for all Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- The Relationship Between Learning through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together
- Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together
- Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club
January 17 is Kid Inventors’ Day
- The Impact of Importance of STEM Education: Preparing Future Innovators, Bricks 4 Kidz
- “Plan” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- “Geometric” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
January 21 is National Hugging Day
- The Importance Of Hugging Your Child & 7 Amazing Benefits, Parenting For Brain
- Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together
January 24 is International Day of Education
- Supporting The Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together
- Early Learning PA, Trying Together
- A Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together
- Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Pittsburgh
January 24 is National Compliment Day
- 6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps
- “Thankful” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- “Welcome” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
January 26 is International Environmental Education Day
- Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
- “Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- “Migrate” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- “Bloom” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
January 28 is National Lego Day
- 10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre
- Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- “Plan” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
January 29 is National Puzzle Day
- 5 ways Puzzles Benefit Your Child’s Cognitive Development, Infinity Math Creations
- 10 Puzzle Activities For Toddlers, Preschoolers, And Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love
- Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
- The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative
January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
- Art Activities that Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together
- “Sound” Activities, Buzzword Pittsburgh
- Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
