In just a few days we will celebrate a fun national holiday - Labor Day, this year on Monday, September 2, 2024! But what is it, and why do we celebrate it? Let’s find out!
WHAT ARE WE CELEBRATING?
Labor Day is a time to appreciate the contributions of the working class and to honor how hard they work to help our country grow and prosper. It is celebrated each year on the first Monday in September and is a national federal holiday in the United States and Canada, which means most people have the day off of work. And, since it always falls on a Monday, it means most people get to celebrate with a three day weekend!
THE HISTORY OF LABOR DAY
Labor Day was first observed in 1882, during a time when many Americans worked long days in harsh and unsafe work environments for little money. These workers joined together to create unions, which were organized groups created to speak out for the rights of all members. On September 5, 1882, union workers in New York City took an unpaid day off of work to protest the poor working conditions. Afterward, many of the workers stayed behind to eat and enjoy the day off of work with their families -- and that was the first labor day picnic!
Twelve years later, in 1894, Congress passed an act that made Labor Day a national holiday. And that’s why we celebrate today!
TEACH KIDS ABOUT LABOR DAY
- Take them to work with you so they can see how hard you and other adults work everyday.
- Show them how to work around the house by giving them some additional chores
- Read some books about Labor Day
Learn more about Labor Day at https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history
Kids can learn more about Labor Day with these worksheets at https://www.jumpstart.com/parents/resources/holidays/labor-day/labor-day-worksheets
Create a lesson plan about Labor Day at https://www.woojr.com/labor-day-for-kids/
Songs for Labor Day https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/6236398/labor-day-playlist-work-songs
