Language Arts, Writing, Writing Process, Social Studies

Grade 1- 3

Objective

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1872 as a Mother's Day for Peace, as suggested by Julia Ward Howe. She had nursed the wounded during the Civil War and was dedicated to the cause of peace. She is best known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." In 1907, Anna Jarvis started a campaign for a national Mother's Day. In 1915, President Wilson declared the second Sunday in May to be Mother's Day in the United States.

Directions

Day 1--Mother's Day Around the World
Materials

• encyclopedias or other illustrated reference materials
• writing materials
• "Mother's Day Around the World" research form below

Activity
Help students find information about how mothers are honored in different countries or let them do research on their own.

1. Name
2. Date
3. Mother's Day Around The World
4. Country
5. Customs
6. Country
7. Customs

Day 2--My Mother: An Essay
Materials

• writing materials

Activity
Have each student write (or dictate to you or an instructional assistant) an essay titled "My Mother." Help students edit and complete final copies of their work to present to their mothers for Mother's Day. Or, have a bulletin board display titled "Our Mothers" and post these essays for all to see and read. (If a student does not have a mother, encourage him or her to write about another female loved one.)
Day 3--Mother's Day Cards
Materials

• art supplies
• paper or copy of card below

Activity
Have students make cards based on the word "Mother."

• M is for
• O is for
• T is for
• H is for
• E is for
• R is for

Put them all together; they spell Mother!
Day 4--Coupon Books
Materials

• paper
• writing materials
• art supplies

Activity
Have students make and illustrate personalized coupons that can be stapled into book form. They can include coupons for things that would be particularly meaningful to their own mothers.
Day 5--Breakfast Plans
Materials

• writing materials

Activity
Since many children believe mother wants breakfast in bed more than anything else, go over plans for this project with them. Talk about serving it on a tray and including eating utensils and napkins. Caution them to get an adult to help with any actual cooking or coffee making!

Resources

• see activitites below for lists of materials