Children’s Day was established in 2000 and is supported by government and non government agencies with the vision that children must be celebrated, nurtured and treasured by all. In New Zealand, Sunday 26 October 2003 marks the 4th annual Children’s Day - however schools may celebrate Children's Day at any time that is convenient for them and their community - it is the universal message which is important. Children’s Day is about celebrating children in positive ways. It is an opportunity for schools and their communities to celebrate and appreciate children, have fun with them and start new traditions as well as continuing old ones, which will benefit children and families. Children’s Day Themes Five key messages/themes make up the Children’s Day Charter: Giving time Love and affection Praise and encouragement Listening and talking New experiences The major themes for 2002 are Giving Time and New Experiences Children’s Day is for Everyone Talk about why we have Children’s Day with the class. Why do we celebrate it every year? Why is celebrating children important? Make a large wall chart of all class ideas about why Children’s Day is special to them. Introduce the five key messages (above) that make up the Children’s Day Charter. Ask class members how they feel when a family member: eg - listens to them and talks to them - gives them praise and encouragement Why is giving time and new experiences to children important ? How important do they think it is for them to also do or show the same things to other family members. Brainstorm and make a list of times when they could do this, eg - giving praise when Dad has fixed something in the home - showing an interest in the activities of family members Involve Your School Community The school and local community must own and fully support the concept of Children’s Day. Set up a committee of parents and students to plan community and family activities. The next task is to make sure the school community are aware of Children’s Day - the date chosen and it's purpose and the activities. Involve all the children in publicity drives including: posters, flyers, talking to the press, the school web site, letters home … The school is a natural community focus and many events can be scheduled to take place at the school prior to and during Children’s Day or it can be used as a meeting place for a major combined community event. Children's Day Programme Ideas hobbies and DIY demonstrations at school by parents as a family, make and fly your own kites have a community BBQ at school or in a local park run an ‘all ages’ talent quest and/or concert go for a community walk or bike ride concluding with a picnic celebrate ethnic backgrounds with a shared meal teach children games parents used to play at school run a family tabloid sports afternoon have a family day where no technology is used create a new family tradition for Children’s Day such as going to the beach planting shrubs and trees at school or in the local community clean up the litter from your school, street, property … combine all family members and act out a play together have a school feast paint a family members portrait/take a photo and have a community display Visit the Children’s Day website to find out what is happening in your area. Children’s Day freeephone: 0800 10 33 22 email: giving time@childrensday.org.nz website: www.childrensday.org.nz Do you have a lesson you would like to share with other teachers? Simply email us an attached Word, Works or PDF file and we will add it to our library. Don't forget to include your name and school so we can acknowledge your work.