January Is...
The month of January is the first month of the year, and its name comes from the Latin word for “door.” Think of January as the time to open doors to new possibilities and new beginnings. This page is full of fun, off-the-wall holidays in addition to the well-known holidays we celebrate every year. Click on the book covers and links below to enjoy these read aloud books. (All of the links have been converted to video.link so the students won't see ads. You may have to select CONTINUE to listen to the stories.) updated 1/8/2024
- In January we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Click HERE to learn more about him.
- January is National Braille Literacy Month. Take time to learn about Louis Braille, Helen Keller, and Stevie Wonder. Watch the videos and then listen to the stories in the picture books.
Videos
The Story of Louis Braille (3:30)
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Helen Keller Bio (3:55)
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Books
- January is National Soup Month. There are some great soup-themed picture books you can read with your kids as you enjoy a nice bowl of soup for lunch.
January Book Calendar
Read as many of the books as you can this month and try some of the activities! Have fun! (I do not own the rights to these books.) Most of the videos have been converted to video.link. Look for the books in your library or purchase from your local book store.
January 1 New Years Day - Read New Year’s Day for Cats. Then, have your kids fill out a New Year interview. These make great keepsakes to look back on from year to year.
January 2 World Introvert Day - Read Shh! I Have a Plan. Introverts feel more comfortable alone or with a small group of friends. Extroverts are the opposite! Discuss with a friend which one you are most like.
January 3 National Drinking Straw Day - The straw was patented in 1888 by Marvin C. Stone. Here is a fun book about Straw. Read Straw by Amy Krous Rosenthal. Check out 21 Incredibly Cool Things You Can Do With Straws.
January 4 National Spaghetti Day - Read The Spaghetti Slurping Sewer Serpent. Of course, tonight would be a great night to serve spaghetti for dinner. Try this fun recipe for Spaghetti Pizza.
January 5 National Bird Day - Read Fine Feathered Friends - All about Birds by Tish Rabe. Make a homemade bird feeder to hang outside.
January 6 Three Kings Day- Read On Three Kings Day / El Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos (a BILINGUAL book) by Judith Zocchi.In Latin America, Christmas gifts don't come on December 25th but on January 6th from the Three Kings (or "3 Wise Men"). Think of three gifts that you can share with someone on this day. (Do a chore, make a picture, sing a song, etc.)
January 7 Play Outside Day (2023) - The first Saturday of every month is Play Outside Day. Read Henry Holton Takes to the Ice. Then go outside and play.
January 8 Bubble Bath Day - Read King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub. Try this fingerprint bubble bath craft.
January 9 International Choreographer's Day - Debbie Allen is a famous dancer and choreographer (creator of a dance). She has a dancing school. Read her book Dancing in the Wings. Turn on some music and create your own dances.
January 10 Houseplant Appreciation Day - Read Plantzilla. Do you have houseplants in your home? Check to see if they have enough water. Check out this site from Seed to Fruit. (It is in English and Espanol.)
January 11 International Thank You Day - Read The Thank You Book by Mo Willems. Make a list of people and things that you are thankful for. Share with a family member of friend.
January 12 *Readers Choice - Choose a chapter book. Read chapters on Readers Choice Days. Choose a new book when you finish this one. Set a goal for yourself. Read at least two chapter books in January. For younger readers, ask an adult or older sibling to read a chapter book to you.
January 13 International Skeptics Day - What is a skeptic? This a person inclined to question or doubt almost everything. Read Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo by Dr. Seuss. Who was the skeptic in this story?
January 14 National Dress up Your Pet Day - Read Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers. Do you have a pet? Do you dress your pet in clothes? Draw a picture of how the pet would look wearing your clothes.
January 15 Dr. King's Birthday - On this date in 1929 Martin Luther King Jr. was born. Read I Am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Metzler. Dr. King's birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year. Check out my Dr. King page on this website. You will find more books, videos and activities.
January 16 Appreciate a Dragon Day. Read Dragons Love Tacos. Download and make this fire-breathing dragon craft. (It looks like a lot of fun.) Even though this day falls on a Saturday, you can still have taco night on this day.
January 17 *Readers Choice - Finish reading the book you started earlier. If you're finished with that book, choose another.
January 18 Winnie the Pooh Day - On this date A. A. Milne the author of Winnie the Pooh was born. Winnie-the-Pooh is not a picture book, I chose one story from the book. Read Out of Bounce about Pooh's friend, Tigger. Or, you could read the entire book throughout the month. Students may enjoy creating their very own Winnie the Pooh Craft (with paper plates).
January 19 Popcorn Day - The Popcorn Book discusses what popcorn is, how it’s stored, how it’s cooked, legends, and recipes! Enjoy some yummy popcorn for a snack.
January 20 Penguin Awareness Day - Read Penguins (National Geographic Kids). Make this delicious Chocolate Banana Penguin Snack.
January 21 National Hugging Day - Read I Need a Hug. During these times it is not always okay to hug someone up close, but share some "air" hugs.
January 22 * Chinese New Year - Read Lunar New Year. Go to my Chinese Year page and find your Zodiac animal and find your Chinese name. (This year Chinese New Year is on February 10, 2024)
January 23 – National Pie Day Read Ugly Pie by Lisa Wheeler. Create a survey. Ask your classmates what are their favorite pies. Big kids may want to try their hand at baking a pie for tonight’s dinner!
January 24 *Readers Choice - Complete your chapter book. Start a new one.
January 25 Opposite Day - Read Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks. Readers: Try this Synonyms/Antonyms Game from ABCya. (NOTE: You may have to have Tech unblock this activity.)
January 26 Australia Day. Read I'm Australian Too by Mem Fox. Did you know that Australia is a country and continent? If you want to know more about Australia, visit the National Geographic Kids-Australia.
January 27 Chocolate Cake Day. Do you like Chocolate Cake? Read Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake. Then, have kids make a chocolate cake from scratch or using their favorite boxed cake mix. Try this Make a Cake activity.
January 28 National Lego Day - Read this Lego Book called The Wind Is Strong. Here are some fun online Lego Games. Try Bits and Bricks.
January 29 *Readers Choice - Complete your chapter book. Start a new one.
January 30 National Draw a Dinosaur Day - Here is a animated video book (book), Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones. Then find some paper, pencils, markers and crayons and draw some dinosaurs. Watch this How-To Video.
January 31 Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. The Anholt's Artists Books For Children is a wonderful series that introduces to great artists. Read Frida and the Bravest Girl in the World. The author does a beautiful job of introducing the reader to many of the interesting aspects of the artist, Frida Kahlo's life. Take a 3D tour of her home. Also visit the ART page on this website to create your own masterpieces.
Listed below are some more books from the Anholt's Artists Books for Children Series.