How to Teach the History of Mother's Day

Help your students recognize Mother's Day in a unique way. Learning the history of this popular American holiday enhances their understanding of it. At the same time, guide them in the research, writing and discussion of a special piece of American history.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin class by writing Mother's Day on the board. Lead students in a discussion about the holiday celebration in the United States. Find out if any student knows when the holiday falls. Ask how the holiday began.

2. Write the following sentence fragment on the board: "I am going to create a new national holiday for mothers because..." Direct students to write a one page free style essay finishing the sentence. Put students in pairs. Each must read the other's paper and offer an opinion.

3. Assign students to research the history of Mother's Day in the United States. Students must write a paper identifying the holiday's founder, Julia Ward Howe. They must explain Howe's reasons for the holiday. They must also describe the efforts to have the holiday declared a national one.

4. Engage students in a class discussion of their findings. Have students write short journal entries identifying the similarities and differences between the actual history of Mother's Day with their invented versions. Ask students which version they prefer. Allow them to explain why.

5. Place students in small groups. Have groups discuss what they've learned so far and prepare simple presentations explaining whether they believe Mother's Day is necessary or not. End the lesson with each student describing how they celebrate the holiday.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn this lesson into a cross-cultural exercise. Have students research the history of the holiday in a country of their choice. They can then compare and contrast it to the holiday's origins in the United States.