Do you wonder how to add interest to your classroom or homeschool? It’s easy if you add a few calendar observances into your schedule. I’m sharing my calendar of October themed activities for kids. With this, you’ll find lots of calendar observances (both silly and serious) throughout the month. They’re perfect as a focus for unit studies or mini units.
You’ll find all my unit studies and holiday posts listed by themes in my “Montessori-Inspired Unit Studies + Seasonal and Holiday Activities” post. Here you’ll find activities listed by date throughout October.
You’ll find more links for calendar observances in my “Enliven Your Homeschool with Some Calendar Fun” post. The post has links to resources for calendar observances for any level. I’m especially focusing here on October themes for preschoolers through early elementary, although I’ve added some calendar observances for pre-teens and teens.
Fall Themes
Montessori-Inspired Fall Activities
Monthly Observances for October
Monthly observances can be used for themed activities throughout the month or for one or two weeks during the month.
September-October
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) – Montessori-Inspired Snowman Spanish Color Activity, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – Mexico, Montessori-Inspired Color Tablets, Yarn Balls, and Spanish Colors, Free Spanish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spanish Color Activities, Free Cinco de Mayo Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Montessori-Inspired Spanish Activities and Resources, Free Spanish Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board, Kids’ Cinco de Mayo Activities Pinterest Board
October
Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month – Montessori Care of Pets, Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities, Talking with Children about Death: Creating an “I Remember” Book, Best Children’s Books about the Death of a Pet, Pets Unit Study Pinterest Board- American Cheese Month
- American Cancer Society Denim Days
- National Animal Safety and Protection Month – Montessori Care of Pets, Montessori-Inspired Pet Activities, Talking with Children about Death: Creating an “I Remember” Book, Best Children’s Books about the Death of a Pet, Pets Unit Study Pinterest Board
- National Apple Month – Montessori-Inspired Apple Unit, 30+ Apple Sensory Tubs, Free Apple Printables and Montessori-Inspired Apple Activities, 20+ Apple Phonics Activities, Fall Sensory Bin with Practical Life and Math Activities, Fun with Montessori Apple Coring, Slicing, Spreading, and Sharing, Free Apple Printable for Ten Apples Up On Top Activities (Instant Download), Ten Apples Up On Top Sensory Bin & Table (Free Printables), Ten Apples Up On Top Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Playdough Math Activities for Fall {Free Printables}, Free Seasons of an Apple Tree Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}, Apple Unit Study Pinterest Board
- National Arts and Humanities Month – Montessori-Inspired Art Appreciation, Art Appreciation and Creation for Kids, Art Appreciation Activities from Montessori By Mom, Art Postcards: Montessori Art Appreciation for a Variety of Ages, Free Art Appreciation Resources for a Mystery of Easter Tray, Kids’ Art Appreciation Pinterest Board, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Peter and the Wolf, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Swan Lake, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Carnival of the Animals, Montessori-Inspired Activities for the Tortoise and the Hare, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Casey at the Bat, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: My Name is Handel, Montessori-Inspired Music Unit Studies, Free Nutcracker Printables and Montessori-Inspired Nutcracker Activities, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Early Explorers Activities – Music, Montessori-Inspired Music Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Making Music Activities from Montessori By Mom, Montessori-Inspired Music Appreciation: Juanita the Spanish Lobster (Juanita la langosta española) Activities, Free Bell Printables and Montessori-Inspired Bell Activities, Fun with Cleaning, Movement, and Music Appreciation, How to Have Fun with Classical Music for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kids’ Music Activities Pinterest Board
- National Audiology Awareness Month – DIY Montessori Sound Cylinders, Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Sound Shakers for Babies and Toddlers
- National Bake and Decorate Month – Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers, Montessori-Inspired Food Art, Kids in the Kitchen Posts, Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Go Pink Blog Hop, Make a “10 Things I Love About You” Book {Free Printable}, Getting Kids Involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Talking with Children about Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Ideas for Adults and Kids
- National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month – Do You Follow the Thumper Theory?, The Golden Rule for Back to School, Free Anti-Bullying Songs {Character Education Resources}
- Car Care Month – Free Car Printables and Montessori-Inspired Car Activities, Super-Cool Beginning Reading Activity – Race Car Blending, Free Car Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Car Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Fun Magnetic Vehicle STEM Trays and Activity, Transportation Unit Study Pinterest Board
- National Clock Month – Free Digital Clock Numbers Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
- Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month – Montessori-Inspired Spanish Activities, Montessori-Inspired Snowman Spanish Color Activity, Montessori-Inspired Little Passports Activities – Mexico, Montessori-Inspired Color Tablets, Yarn Balls, and Spanish Colors, Free Spanish Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spanish Color Activities, Foreign Language for Kids Pinterest Board
- National Diabetes Month
- Celiac Disease Awareness Month
- Church Library Month
- Computer Learning Month
- National Cookie Month – Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers, Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board
- Co-op Awareness Month – Starting a Montessori Playgroup or Montessori Homeschool Co-op
- National Crime Prevention Month – Free Police Printables and Montessori-Inspired Police Activities
- Cut Out Dissection Month
- National Cyber Security Awareness Month
- National Dental Hygiene Month – Montessori-Inspired Dental Health Unit, Dental Health Unit Study Pinterest Board
- National Down Syndrome Awareness Month – Montessori-Inspired Special Needs Support
- International Drum Month
- Dyslexia Awareness Month – Learning to Read Can Be Just a Fun Game, DIY Beginning Montessori Phonics for Preschoolers, Inexpensive and DIY Sandpaper Letters, DIY Alphabet Box, Inexpensive and DIY Movable Alphabets, The Montessori Grammar Farm
- Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
- National Field Trip Month – Should You Use Unit Studies?, How to Create a Unit Study
- German-American Heritage Month
- Global Diversity Awareness Month – Montessori-Inspired Respect for Diversity, Free Equality and Fairness Songs {Character Education Resources}, Equality and Peace Resources for Parents and Teachers
- Health Literacy Month
- Home Eye Safety Month
- Intergeneration Month
- National Liver Awareness Month – Human Body Unit Study Pinterest Board
- National Medical Librarians Month
- Organize Your Medical Information Month
- Photographer Appreciation Month – Montessori-Inspired Photography for Kids, Go on a Smile Hunt with Your Child, Photography for Kids Pinterest Board
- National Physical Therapy Month
- National Pizza Month – Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers, Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board
- Polish-American Heritage Month
- National Popcorn Poppin’ Month – Montessori-Inspired CornUnit, Corn Unit Study Pinterest Board
- Positive Attitude Month – Bits of Positivity Facebook page
- National Reading Group Month
- Right-Brainers Rule Month
- National Roller Skating Month
- International School Library Month – Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, Montessori-Inspired Eric Carle Activities, How to Help Your Child Treasure Books, Simple Tips for Organizing Your Homeschool Library, Montessori-Inspired Ideas for Enjoying Books with Your Child or Students, Montessori-Inspired Activities for the Tortoise and the Hare, Goodnight Moon Resources and Activities, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Free Mitten Printables and Montessori-Inspired Mitten Activities, Montessori-Inspired Brown Bear, Brown Bear Activities, Using Children’s Books to Raise Awareness about Hunger, Montessori Book Baskets for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers, 50+ Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, 30+ Dr. Seuss Inspired Phonics Activities, {Dr. Seuss Inspired} Cat in the Hat Sensory Bin, How to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers to Take Care of Books, Favorite Montessori-Friendly Books for a 2 Year Old, Spring Book Lists for Preschool and Elementary Kids: Garden Adventures Around the World, Best Children’s Books about the Death of a Pet, The Best Ant Books for Kids, Free Kissing Hand Songs, Poems, and Videos to Ease Separation Anxiety, The Best Classic Children’s Books for Preschoolers, The Best Children’s Books about Taking Turns and Sharing, The Best Children’s Books about Manners for Preschoolers, Encourage Kindness with the We’re All Wonders Picture Book, Encourage Kindness with the Wonder Books #ChooseKind, The Best Bee Books for Kids, Simple Literature-Based Ideas with the Pink and Green Kindness Elves, The Best Alligator and Crocodile Books for Kids, My Children’s Favorite Books from Childhood, Our Favorite Picture Book about Inclusion and Friendship, Positive Messages We All Need from Pete the Cat, The Best Moon Books for Kids, The Best Nest Books for Kids, The Best Duck and Duckling Books for Kids, The Best Ladybug Books for Kids, The Best Star and Constellation Books for Kids, The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Literature-Based Activities Pinterest Board
- Spinach Lovers Month – Montessori-Inspired Vegetable Unit, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities, Free Eat-a-Rainbow Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board
- Squirrel Awareness Month – Montessori-Inspired Squirrel and Nut Activities, Outdoor Acorn Math Activities, Squirrel and Nut Activities Pinterest Board
- National Stamp Collecting Month – Montessori Continent Boxes
- Vegetarian Month – Creating Healthy Family Recipes, Favorite Healthy Family Recipes, Focusing on Healthy, Gluten-Free Foods for My Family, Kids in the Kitchen Posts, Healthy Eating Pinterest Board
- National Work and Family Month
October Calendar Observances with Changing Dates
- August 22, 2018: Eid al-Adha in the United States; different dates in different countries (Muslim Holiday, sometimes in October) – Kids’ Non-Christian Religious Holiday Activities Pinterest Board
- October 1, 2018: World Habitat Day (1st Monday in October )
- October 1, 2018: Child Health Day (1st Monday in October)
- October 4, 2018: National Poetry Day (1st Thursday in October typically) – Montessori-Inspired Poetry Activities, Montessori-Inspired Rhyming Fun for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kids’ Poetry Activities Pinterest Board
- October 5, 2018: World Smile Day (1st Friday in October) – Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages, Go on a Smile Hunt with Your Child, Kindness Posts at Bits of Positivity
- October 5, 2018: American Cancer Society Denim Day (1st Friday in October)
- October 6, 2018: International Frugal Fun Day (1st Saturday in October)
- October 7-13, 2018: Fire Prevention Week (Sunday to Saturday in which October 9 falls) – Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Community Helpers Pinterest Board
- October 8, 2018: Columbus Day or Native American Day (2nd Monday in October) – Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit
- October 8, 2018: Thanksgiving Day in Canada (2nd Monday in October) –Montessori-Inspired Gratitude Activities, How to Help Your Child Feel Comfortable Greeting Relatives, Table Setting, How to Teach Your Child Table Manners for Holiday Gatherings, Homeschool Thanksgiving, Activity of the Week – Montessori Thanksgiving Noun Sorting Work, Montessori-Inspired Corn Unit, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Activities, Kids in the Kitchen on Thanksgiving, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Math Activities and Free Thanksgiving Printables , Thanksgiving Grace and Courtesy, Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit, Free Turkey Printables and Montessori-Inspired Turkey Activities, 20+ Family Gratitude Activities, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Ideas, Free Thanksgiving Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Gratitude Songs and Rhymes for Home or School, Delicious and Nutritious Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie Squares, 30+ Free Thanksgiving Gratitude Printables for Kids, 20+ Free Year-Round Gratitude Printables for Kids, Free Guided Gratitude Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources, Kids’ Thanksgiving Activities Pinterest Board
- October 10, 2018: Take Your Teddy Bear to Work & School Day (2nd Wednesday in October … some say it’s October 11) – Montessori-Inspired Teddy Bear Activities, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Teddy Bear Picnic, Kids’ Teddy Bear Activities Pinterest Board
- October 12, 2018: World Egg Day (2nd Friday in October) – Montessori-Inspired Life Cycle Activities, Free Easter Egg Printables and Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Activities, Easter Egg Rainbow Practical Life and Sensorial Activity, Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Sound Shakers for Babies and Toddlers
- October 13, 2018: National Chess Day (2nd Saturday in October)
- October 20, 2018: Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday in October) – Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages, Family Fun with 100 Acts of Kindness and Operation Beautiful, Teaching Kids to Be Kind, Kindness Projects Pinterest Board
- October 21-27, 2018: Character Counts Week (3rd week in October) – Character Education Resources from Bits of Positivity, Character Education Pinterest Board
- October 23-31, 2018: Red Ribbon Week (the last full week in October)
- October 27, 2018: Make a Difference Day (4th Saturday in October) – Simple Ways to Make a Difference in the World, Making a Difference Posts from Bits of Positivity, Make a Difference Pinterest Board
- October 28, 2018: Daylight Saving Time Ends (European Union) – Last Sunday in October
October Dates that Can Be Used for Themed Activities
Calendar observances are great for mini units or even units that might last the whole month.
- October 1: Colorado became a state, 1876 – Montessori-Inspired State Box – Colorado
- October 1: World Vegetarian Day – Creating Healthy Family Recipes, Favorite Healthy Family Recipes, Focusing on Healthy, Gluten-Free Foods for My Family, Kids in the Kitchen Posts, Healthy Eating Pinterest Board
- October 1, 2018: World Habitat Day (1st Monday in October )
- October 1, 2018: Child Health Day (1st Monday in October)
- October 1: Homemade Cookies Day – Montessori-Inspired Food Preparation for Preschoolers, Kids’ Food Fun Pinterest Board
- October 1: Henry Ford Introduced the Model T, 1908 – Montessori-Inspired Transportation Unit, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Pre-Schoolers: Car Parking Game, Free Transportation Printables and Montessori-Inspired Transportation Math Activities, Free Car Printables and Montessori-Inspired Car Activities, Super-Cool Beginning Reading Activity – Race Car Blending, Free Car Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Car Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Transportation Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 2: Name Your Car Day – Montessori-Inspired Transportation Unit, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Pre-Schoolers: Car Parking Game, Free Transportation Printables and Montessori-Inspired Transportation Math Activities, Free Car Printables and Montessori-Inspired Car Activities, Super-Cool Beginning Reading Activity – Race Car Blending, Free Car Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Car Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Transportation Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 2: International Day of Non-Violence (birthday of Mohandas Ghandi, born 1869) – Montessori-Inspired Peace Education Activities, How to Prepare a Peace Corner
- October 3: Virus Appreciation Day – Handwashing Activities for Kids – Free Songs and Lessons, Montessori-Inspired Hygiene Lessons to Help Kids Stay Healthy, Fun with Handwashing + Handwashing Song by a 2 Year Old
- October 3: Techies Day
- October 4-10: World Space Week – Astronaut Unit, Montessori-Inspired Astronomy Activities, Montessori-Inspired Star and Constellation Unit, Montessori-Inspired Moon Unit, Montessori-Inspired Solar System Activities and World Space Week Blog Hop, Montessori-Inspired Astronomy Units, Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Montessori-Inspired Phases-of-the-Moon Playdough Tray, Free Moon Printables and Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities, Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities with Spielgaben {Free Printables}, Free Moon Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Moon Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Moon Books for Kids, Free Star and Constellation Printables and Montessori-Inspired Constellation Activities, Fun Montessori Hundred Board Extension – Count 100 Glow-in-the-Dark Stars, The Ultimate Star and Constellation Unit, The Best Star and Constellation Books for Kids, Free Constellations Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Create a Glow-in-the-Dark Constellation with Dictation or Writing Tray, Free Constellation Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Astronomy Cards from KHT Montessori, Astronomy Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 4, 2018: National Poetry Day (1st Thursday in October typically) – Montessori-Inspired Poetry Activities, Montessori-Inspired Rhyming Fun for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kids’ Poetry Activities Pinterest Board
- October 5, 2018: World Smile Day (1st Friday in October) – Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages, Go on a Smile Hunt with Your Child, Kindness Posts at Bits of Positivity
- October 5, 2018: American Cancer Society Denim Day (1st Friday in October)
- October 5: Do Something Nice Day –Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Simple Ways to Make a Difference in the World, Family Fun with 100 Acts of Kindness and Operation Beautiful, Including a Toddler in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Using Montessori Principles in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Teaching Kids to Be Kind, The Ultimate Guide to Having Kind Kids This Christmas, Focusing on Toddler Manners in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge, Free Kindness Songs and Rhymes for Home or School {Character Education Resources}, Completing 100 Acts of Kindness (Toddler Manners Challenge) and Starting 100+ Acts of Kindness, The Ultimate Guide to Kindness Elves, Encouraging 100 Acts of Kindness with the Kindness Elves, Introducing the Kind Words Challenge with the Kindness Elves, Fun with Kindness Elves, 100 Acts of Kindness, and the Kind Words Challenge, Encouraging Kindness with Gardening Activities and the Kindness Elves, Encouraging Kindness with the We’re All Wonders Picture Book, Encourage Kindness with the Wonder Books #ChooseKind, Simple Literature-Based Ideas with the Pink and Green Kindness Elves, How to Do a Simple Version of Camp Kindness, Ways to Be Kind to Humankind for Kids and Adults, How to Help Your Kids Get the Most out of the Wonder Movie, Teaching about Hunger and Poverty through a Food and Toy Drive, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages {100 Acts of Kindness}, 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge for Big Sisters and Big Brothers, Free Inspirational Kindness Videos for a Variety of Ages, How to Add Kind Words from Books to the Kind Words Challenge, Kindness Projects Pinterest Board
- October 5: World Teachers’ Day – Mother’s Day- and Teacher’s Appreciation Gifts for Kids to Give, Thumbprint Keepsake Keychain Gift for Mothers, Grandmothers, and Teachers, Best Teacher Appreciation Quotes to Say Thank You, “The Best Teachers” Word Art Freebie, “2 Teach Is 2 Touch Lives 4Ever” Word Art Freebie, “A Truly Special Teacher” Word Art Freebie, Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board
- October 6: International School Library Day – Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, Montessori-Inspired Eric Carle Activities, How to Help Your Child Treasure Books, Simple Tips for Organizing Your Homeschool Library, Montessori-Inspired Ideas for Enjoying Books with Your Child or Students, Montessori-Inspired Activities for the Tortoise and the Hare, Goodnight Moon Resources and Activities, Montessori-Inspired Activities for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Free Mitten Printables and Montessori-Inspired Mitten Activities, Montessori-Inspired Brown Bear, Brown Bear Activities, Using Children’s Books to Raise Awareness about Hunger, Montessori Book Baskets for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers, 50+ Montessori-Inspired Dr. Seuss Activities, 30+ Dr. Seuss Inspired Phonics Activities, {Dr. Seuss Inspired} Cat in the Hat Sensory Bin, How to Teach Toddlers and Preschoolers to Take Care of Books, Favorite Montessori-Friendly Books for a 2 Year Old, Spring Book Lists for Preschool and Elementary Kids: Garden Adventures Around the World, Best Children’s Books about the Death of a Pet, The Best Ant Books for Kids, Free Kissing Hand Songs, Poems, and Videos to Ease Separation Anxiety, The Best Classic Children’s Books for Preschoolers, The Best Children’s Books about Taking Turns and Sharing, The Best Children’s Books about Manners for Preschoolers, Encourage Kindness with the We’re All Wonders Picture Book, Encourage Kindness with the Wonder Books #ChooseKind, The Best Bee Books for Kids, Simple Literature-Based Ideas with the Pink and Green Kindness Elves, The Best Alligator and Crocodile Books for Kids, My Children’s Favorite Books from Childhood, Our Favorite Picture Book about Inclusion and Friendship, Positive Messages We All Need from Pete the Cat, The Best Moon Books for Kids, The Best Nest Books for Kids, The Best Duck and Duckling Books for Kids, The Best Ladybug Books for Kids, The Best Star and Constellation Books for Kids, The Best Growth Mindset Books for Kids, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Literature-Based Activities Pinterest Board
- October 6: Mad Hatter Day – Cat in the Hat Practical Life Activities, {Dr. Seuss Inspired} Cat in the Hat Sensory Bin
- October 6: Thomas Edison Showed 1st Motion Picture, 1889
- October 6: American Library Association Founded, 1876
- October 6, 2018: International Frugal Fun Day (1st Saturday in October)
- October 7-13, 2018: Fire Prevention Week (Sunday to Saturday in which October 9 falls) – Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Community Helpers Pinterest Board
- October 8, 2018: Columbus Day or Native American Day (2nd Monday in October) – Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit
- October 8, 2018: Thanksgiving Day in Canada (2nd Monday in October) – Montessori-Inspired Gratitude Activities, How to Help Your Child Feel Comfortable Greeting Relatives, Table Setting, How to Teach Your Child Table Manners for Holiday Gatherings, Homeschool Thanksgiving, Activity of the Week – Montessori Thanksgiving Noun Sorting Work, Montessori-Inspired Corn Unit, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Activities, Kids in the Kitchen on Thanksgiving, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Math Activities and Free Thanksgiving Printables , Thanksgiving Grace and Courtesy, Montessori-Inspired Native American Unit, Free Turkey Printables and Montessori-Inspired Turkey Activities, 20+ Family Gratitude Activities, Montessori-Inspired Thanksgiving Ideas, Free Thanksgiving Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Free Gratitude Songs and Rhymes for Home or School, Delicious and Nutritious Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie Squares, 30+ Free Thanksgiving Gratitude Printables for Kids, 20+ Free Year-Round Gratitude Printables for Kids, Free Guided Gratitude Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources, Kids’ Thanksgiving Activities Pinterest Boar
- October 8: The Great Chicago Fire started, 1871 – Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Community Helpers Pinterest Board
- October 8: American Touch Tag Day
- October 9: Fire Prevention Day – Community Helpers Activity Trays and Sensory Tubs, Free Fire Safety Printables and Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Activities, Montessori-Friendly Community Helper Resources, Montessori-Inspired Activities with Community Helper Figures and Free Printables, “Look for the Helpers” Mister Rogers Word Art Freebie, Montessori-Inspired Fire Safety Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos, The Best Fire Safety Books for Kids, Community Helpers Pinterest Board
- October 9: Curious Events Day
- October 9: First Two-Way Telephone Conversation, 1876
- October 9: Leif Ericson Day
- October 9: Moldy Cheese Day
- October 10, 2018: Take Your Teddy Bear to Work & School Day (2nd Wednesday in October … some say it’s October 11) – Montessori-Inspired Teddy Bear Activities, How to Have a Healthy and Courteous Teddy Bear Picnic, Kids’ Teddy Bear Activities Pinterest Boar
- October 10: James Marshall Born – (For a thorough children’s author birthday calendar, see the right sidebar of Happy Birthday Author)
- October 10: Nancy Carlson Born
- October 11: International Day of the Girl – International Day of the Girl
- October 11: It’s My Party Day
- October 12: Farmer’s Day – Montessori-Inspired Corn Unit, Safari Ltd. Farm TOOBS and Keys, Free Farm Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities Using Farm Replicas and Printables, 40+ Farm Sensory Tubs, Inexpensive, Simple-to-Prepare Montessori Grammar Farm, Montessori-Inspired Farm Animal Matching/Vocabulary for Babies and Toddlers, Farm, Zoo, & Ocean Animal Sensory Bottles for Babies and Toddlers, Montessori-Inspired Horse Unit, Story Stones – Farm Animal Families Treasure Basket, Free Lamb Printables and Montessori-Inspired Lamb Activities, Free Lamb Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Lamb Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Farm Unit {Hundreds of Resources}, The Montessori Grammar Farm for Learning Grammar the Hands-on, Fun WayFree Duckling Printables and Montessori-Inspired Duckling Activities, Free Make Way for Ducklings Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Duck and Duckling Books for Kids, Fun 100 Board Extension – Count 100 Ducks {Free Printable}, Free Duckling Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Farm Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 12: Moment of Frustration Day – Helping Kids Cope Pinterest Board
- October 12, 2018: World Egg Day (2nd Friday in October) – Montessori-Inspired Life Cycle Activities, Free Easter Egg Printables and Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Activities, Easter Egg Rainbow Practical Life and Sensorial Activity, Montessori-Inspired Easter Egg Sound Shakers for Babies and Toddlers
- October 13, 2018: National Chess Day (2nd Saturday in October)
- October 13: Cornerstone of the White House Laid by George Washington, 1792
- October 14: Lois Lenski born, 1893
- October 14: Dwight David Eisenhower (34th President) born, 1890
- October 14: National Dessert Day
- October 15: National Fossil Day – Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Unit, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Fun with Printables, Water Beads, and Glass Gems, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Activities Using Dinosaur Replicas, Make Fossils from Montessori at Home!, Free Dinosaur Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Math Activities, Literature-Based Dinosaur Activities for Preschoolers, Dinosaur Ice Melt Science Experiment for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Free Dinosaur Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Language Activities, Free Dinosaur Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Dinosaur Cutting Strips {Montessori-Inspired Instant Download}, I Have, Who Has? Dinosaur Game, Dinosaur Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 15: White Cane Safety Day
- October 16: Dictionary Day (Noah Webster born, 1758)
- October 17: Black Poetry Day – Montessori-Inspired Poetry Activities, Kids’ Poetry Activities Pinterest Board
- October 17: San Francisco Earthquake, 1989
- October 17: Wear Something Gaudy Day
- October 19: “Star Spangled Banner” First Sung, 1814 – Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- October 19: Thomas Edison Demonstrated Electric Light Successfully, 1879
- October 19: Final battle of the Revolutionary War, 1781
- October 20, 2018: Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday in October) – Montessori-Inspired 100 Acts of Kindness Project, Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages, Family Fun with 100 Acts of Kindness and Operation Beautiful, Teaching Kids to Be Kind, Kindness Projects Pinterest Board
- October 21-27, 2018: Character Counts Week (3rd week in October) – Character Education Resources from Bits of Positivity, Character Education Pinterest Board
- October 21: Count Your Buttons Day
- October 21: Reptile Awareness Day – Free Alligator Printables and Montessori-Inspired Alligator Activities, Greater Than, Less Than Alligator Math Printables and Activities, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Unit, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Fun with Printables, Water Beads, and Glass Gems, Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Activities Using Dinosaur Replicas, Make Fossils from Montessori at Home!, Free Dinosaur Printables and Montessori-Inspired Dinosaur Math Activities, Literature-Based Dinosaur Activities for Preschoolers, Dinosaur Ice Melt Science Experiment for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Dinosaur Unit Study Pinterest Board , Free Turtle Printables and Montessori-Inspired Turtle Activities, Free Turtle Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Turtle Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Zoo Printables and Montessori-Inspired Zoo Activities, Easy-to-Prepare Animals of the Continents Activity, Free Zoo Animal Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Zoo Animal Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), I Have, Who Has? Dinosaur Game, Montessori-Inspired Alligator Unit with Free Printables and Activities, Fabulous, Hands-on, Greater Than, Less Than Alligator Math, Free Alligator Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Free Alligator Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), The Best Alligator and Crocodile Books for Kids, Pet Unit Study Pinterest Board, Zoo Animal Unit Study Pinterest Board
- October 23-31, 2018: Red Ribbon Week (the last full week in October)
- October 24: United Nations Day
- October 25: Pablo Picasso Born, 1881 – Montessori-Inspired Art Appreciation, Art Appreciation and Creation for Kids, Art Appreciation Activities from Montessori By Mom, Art Postcards: Montessori Art Appreciation for a Variety of Ages, Kids’ Art Appreciation Pinterest Board
- October 25: World Pasta Day
- October 25-31: National Magic Week
- October 26: International Red Cross Organized in Geneva, Switzerland, 1863.
- October 26: Erie Canal Opened, 1825
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt born, 1858
- October 27, 2018: Make a Difference Day (4th Saturday in October) – Simple Ways to Make a Difference in the World, Making a Difference Posts from Bits of Positivity, Make a Difference Pinterest Board
- October 28, 2018: Daylight Saving Time Ends (European Union) – Last Sunday in October
- October 28: Statue of Liberty dedicated, 1886.
- October 28: Plush Animal Lover’s Day
- October 29: John Adams born, 1735
- October 29: Stock Market Crashed, 1929, and the Great Depression Followed
- October 30: Checklists Day
- October 31: Halloween – Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Activities, Homeschool Halloween, Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Unit, 25+ Montessori-Inspired Halloween Activities, Halloween Grace and Courtesy, Montessori-Inspired Friendly Ghost Activities, Montessori-Inspired Halloween Activities, Montessori-Inspired Skeleton Activities, Free Spider Printables and Montessori-Inspired Spider Activities, 20 Pumpkin Phonics Activities, Free Halloween Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time, Halloween Activities for Montessori-Inspired Themes and Parties, Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Hammering for Toddlers, 20+ Pumpkin Hammering Activities for Preschoolers, Free Skeleton Printables and Montessori-Inspired Skeleton Activities, Free Spider Printables and Montessori-inspired Spider Math Activities, Free Tarantula and Spider Do-a-Dot Printables (Montessori-Inspired Instant Downloads), Free Spiderweb Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Yummy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Delicious and Nutritious Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie Squares, Simple Fun with Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Hands-on Fun with Montessori-Inspired Human Skeleton Activities, How to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project with Non-Food Treats, Kids’ Halloween Activities Pinterest Board
- October 31: Carve a Pumpkin Day – Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Unit, 20 Pumpkin Phonics Activities, Montessori-Inspired Pumpkin Hammering for Toddlers, 20+ Pumpkin Hammering Activities for Preschoolers, 20+ Fabulous Fall Gourd Activities for Kids, Free Fall Playdough Math Pack (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download), Montessori-Inspired Playdough Math Activities for Fall {Free Printables}, Yummy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Montessori Pumpkin Scrubbing for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Delicious and Nutritious Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pie Squares, Simple Fun with Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Pumpkin Unit Study Pinterest Board
Have a great October!
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Free Printable October Calendar from iMom
Thanks so very much for putting this amazing list together! It always get me so many ideas to try with my daughter afterschool and on weekends.
So much thing to do..so little time.. Looking forward for the many activities October has to offer! Lovin’ it! 😀
What a fantastic list that is sure to keep everyone busy with fun learning throughout the month of October. I have marked down the Mad Hatter Day on my calendar (any excuse to have an un-birthday party around Alice in Wonderland is a must in my book 🙂 )
I always love reading all the great themes and celebrations you find for each month!