Community Helpers of Labor Day Weekend
As most of us know, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It’s a day dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday tributes the working class contributions to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. Military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with Reyes, leader of the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. Learn more about Labor Day’s origins here.
This holiday is usually celebrated with summer activities – swimming, camping, picnics, etc., and is the unofficial end of summer in the Northern part of the U.S. Most schools usually start sometime during the week after Labor Day. Elementary teachers use this holiday to introduce the concept of Community Helpers to small children. In an ideal society – everyone plays a role, or works a job that supports the community.
Chipper teaches kids all about helping out each other, family, and their communities in his latest book, Helping Hands. By positively reinforcing the good that comes when we all work together, children will be ready to lend their hands and hearts around the home, school, and community. Try our Helping Hands Activity Kit! Print out the helping hand coloring page and have your child color it and write a few things they have done to help out around the house or for the environment. Then hang up on fridge with a magnet (check out our cool home-made mini-magnet craft!) so your kids can be proud of their accomplishments and encouraged to do more! Here’s an easy Lesson Plan you can print out.
Have a Chipper Labor Day weekend and help your community in anyway you can! Find a place to volunteer your time and give back to your community here.
