Teaching children about special days: why it matters

In a world that moves so quickly, special days and celebrations offer wonderfully meaningful pauses - moments to reflect, connect, and learn. For children, these occasions aren’t just fun dates on the calendar; they’re opportunities to understand the world around them, discover different cultures, and begin to form their own sense of identity and belonging. Whether it’s Remembrance Day, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Eid, Ramadan, or any of the many festivals and commemorations we observe, each holds a unique lesson worth sharing with little minds.

Young children are naturally curious. They want to know why things happen, why people come together, and what makes a particular day special. When we take the time to explain, explore, and celebrate these occasions, we help them develop empathy, respect, and awareness. For example, Remembrance Day gives us a gentle way to talk about bravery, sacrifice, and gratitude. While the deeper themes may be complex, children can grasp the idea of honouring those who helped keep others safe. Activities like visiting a memorial or creating simple poppy crafts allow them to participate in a meaningful yet age-appropriate way.

Cultural and religious celebrations, like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or Ramadan, open the door to richness and diversity. Diwali, the festival of lights, teaches children about hope, goodness, and new beginnings. Christmas highlights themes of giving, kindness, and togetherness. Easter brings messages of renewal and joy. Eid and Ramadan offer opportunities to learn about reflection, gratitude, and community. Each celebration comes with its own traditions, stories, food, colours, and music, and inviting children to experience them helps build appreciation for the many different ways people live and celebrate across the world.

Celebrating these days in a nursery or early years setting also strengthens the sense of community. Children learn that their friends may have different backgrounds or mark different occasions, and that’s something to be proud of and curious about. When a child sees their own traditions reflected in the classroom, perhaps through a lantern for Diwali, a wreath for Christmas, or an Easter bonnet, it helps them feel seen and valued. When they learn about celebrations not part of their own family’s customs, it encourages openness and respect.

These special days also offer delightful opportunities for creativity. Crafts, cooking, storytelling, dressing up, and sensory play all help bring celebrations to life in ways children truly understand. It’s not just about the day itself, but the memories made, the sense of magic, and the shared experience of doing something meaningful together.

Ultimately, teaching children about important days isn’t only about marking the date, it’s about nurturing kind hearts, curious minds, and a sense of belonging in an inclusive world. When children learn the stories behind these celebrations, they carry with them the values they represent. And that, more than anything, is what makes these moments so special.

Here at Grace Dieu Manor Park Nursery and Charles Booth Pre-School, we want your children to experience these values every day - growing, learning, and celebrating in a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels special and every moment matters.