September Lesson Plan Calendar
Teaching Ideas for September Observances
Clasroom lesson plans to integrate with September observances and educate students on important issues.
Every month of the year, there are numerous observances nationwide to highlight an issue or cause. Their main function is to educate the public about their cause. As a teacher, use these observances to open discussions in the classroom and to teach students about important issues.
September Observances Lesson Plans
Observances are a great learning tool for students to educate themselves on a variety of issues. Learning about observances may link to math, language, science, social studies and health curriculum. As well, each observance can integrate the arts into learning about the topic.
Divide students into pairs or groups and research a specific observance. Try and align the observances with the academics for that year. For example, college savings month is great for junior and intermediate students as it will teach them about saving for college or other purchases. As well, it will teach them about interest, and other financial topics.
Students are given a specific amount of time to learn about their topic and present it to the class. Students may present the information in a brochure, short video, power point or other presentation avenue. Students will teach their fellow students about the topic and how it influences their lives.
Students will present throughout the month and must include one activity that engages all the students to learn about the topic. As examples, students may ask all students to write a letter to save the tigers that is graded by the teacher and then sent to the appropriate organization. Or, they may write a biography on a Native American. Students are great for coming up with different and unique assignments that will engage their fellow students. Teacher should have a meeting with students before they present their activities to the classroom to ensure they meet the minimum criteria.
Sample Observance Activities
Better Breakfast Month: Students write a breakfast food journal. Students include their breakfast, mood and level of energy till lunch time.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Students write a get well card to a cancer patient or have a classroom fundraiser for cancer research.
College Savings Month: Students investigate the cost of one year of higher education and how much money they must save starting today. Students must consider interest rates.
Good Manners Month: Students illustrate good manners on posters and distribute throughout the classroom.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Students write about a country that is rich in Hispanic heritage.
Library Card Sign up Month: Students write a short commercial, jingle to inspire kids to get reading.
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month: Students write the physical, emotional, financial, and mental effects of alcohol or drugs on the individual or their family.
National Piano Month: Teacher brings in a small keyboard and students learn a simple song to present to the class. A teacher with no musical ability can find simple songs on the Internet.
National Skin Care Awareness Month: Students demonstrate a natural remedy to keep the skin healthy.
National Suicide Prevention Month: Students outline the warning signs of suicide and how they can be active in educating the public.
Native American Month: Students write a biography on a Native American.
Save a Tiger Month: Students learn one way to save a tiger. Students may start a petition, donate funds to WWF, or write congress.
United Planet Month: Students interview a classmate about their heritage. Students should ask about the positive and negative about their heritage and the misconceptions. Students will discuss in small groups what they learned about their classmate’s heritage.
