January can be a challenging month to keep students excited. Between coming back to school after holiday break and the cold weather in many parts of the country, January can drag a bit. So, try spicing up your classroom by celebrating a few of these unique days.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Third Monday of January

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1986 and serves to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his importance to the Civil Rights Movement. To honor Dr. King, ask students to research Dr. King’s many accomplishments and then lead a discussion about his impact on the world. You can find resources for different grade levels on the NEA website.

National Hat Day

January 15

National Hat Day is exactly what the name implies—a day to wear hats! Ask your students to wear an interesting hat to school and to write a story about the origins of their headwear. You may even consider having your students create a hat to wear.

National Winnie the Pooh Day

January 18

National Winnie the Pooh Day celebrates A.A. Milne’s birthday, the author who brought Winnie the Pooh to life. To celebrate, read a story, have a teddy bear picnic, or create stories about bears that include bear drawings.

National Compliment Day

January 24

National Compliment Day, created in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin, is the perfect day to say something kind to someone else. Go around the classroom and have students give a compliment to the person sitting next to them.  

National Backward Day

January 31

End the month by celebrating National Backward Day. Wear your shirt backward, eat dessert first, or see who can say the alphabet backward the fastest. Use your imagination and end the month with a little fun!