Calendar: May 2018
-
Monday 30
George Washington becomes first US president (1789)
On this day in 1789 George Washington was sworn in as the first elected President of the United States.
-
Tuesday 01
May Day
Celebrated to mark the start of summer with dancing around a maypole and the choosing of a May Queen. On-line resources
-
Wednesday 02
David Beckham's Birthday
Famous football player born on this day in 1975. On-line resources
-
Thursday 03
-
Friday 04
Greenpeace launched (1971)
Founded in Canada in 1971 as the ‘Don’t Make A Wave’ committee, the environmental group officially changed its name to ‘Greenpeace Foundation’. Find resources on an environment theme here
-
Saturday 05
-
Sunday 06
Four-minute mile broken
On this day in 1954, Roger Bannister ran a mile in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds. What strengths do the children think Roger had to draw on to succeed (determination, self belief)?
-
Monday 07
Local History Month
Starting on 1st May, make the most of your local area’s history this month. Visit The Historical Association website for more information.
-
Tuesday 08
VE Day (1945)
Victory in Europe (VE) Day marked the end of the Second World War. We have resources about both World Wars.
-
Wednesday 09
Europe Day
Celebrate the formation of the EU in 1949 with a European cities topic. Each child could research a different capital city — add in food, flags and different languages for extra fun!
-
Thursday 10
Nelson Mandela Became President
On this day in 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black President. Take a look at our activities and resources linked to South Africa.
-
Friday 11
-
Saturday 12
Edward Lear's Birthday
Author and illustrator famous for his literary ‘nonsense’ and limericks born on this day in 1812. On-line resources
-
Sunday 13
Alison Hargreaves conquers Everest
On this day in 1995, Alison Hargreaves became the first woman to reach Everest’s peak unaided. Download a poster of Alison Hargreaves.
-
Monday 14
National Smile Month
Running until 14th June, this month aims to increase awareness of dental health. Visit www.nationalsmileweek. org/
-
Tuesday 15
-
Wednesday 16
First Academy Awards ceremony
On this date in 1929 the first Academy Awards, or ‘Oscars’, were handed out in Hollywood, California.
-
Thursday 17
-
Friday 18
-
Saturday 19
-
Sunday 20
The Sun
The Sun newspaper was published for the first time on this day in 1964. Talk to the children about issues involved in newspaper journalism, such as bias. Should they believe everything they read?
-
Monday 21
World Day for Cultural Diversity
Proclaimed by the UN in 2001, this event is the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of respecting all cultures. Visit the UN website for more information. Plus, check out our activities and resources linked to promoting cultural diversity.
-
Tuesday 22
-
Wednesday 23
World Turtle Day
This awareness day aims to raise the profile of the endangered turtle. Use our resources to discuss the plight of endangered animals with your class, and what we can do to help protect them.
-
Thursday 24
The Brooklyn Bridge
On this day in 1883, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic. Take a virtual tour of New York.
-
Friday 25
Star Wars
On this day in 1977, the world-famous film Star Wars TM was released. Check out our space-themed activities and resources.
-
Saturday 26
UK Fuel Rations End
On this day in 1950, the petrol rationing of World War II came to an end.
-
Sunday 27
The Golden Gate Bridge
On this day in 1937, San Francisco’s famous bridge opened.
-
Monday 28
Sir Francis Chichester Arrives Home
On this day in 1967, Sir Francis Chichester became the first man to sail single-handedly around the world. On-line resources
-
Tuesday 29
Everest Conquered
On this day in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men to climb Mount Everest. Check out our mountains-themed activities and resources.
-
Wednesday 30
-
Thursday 31
Big Ben
London’s famous clock rang out for the first time on this day in 1859.
-
Friday 01
-
Saturday 02
Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation
On this day in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey. Celebrate with our activities and resources.
-
Sunday 03
Marriage of abdicated King Edward VIII
On this day in 1937, the Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII) married Wallis Simpson, the divorcee who he abdicated the throne to marry.