Resources for January Observances
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for January observances.
Month-Long Observances
INTERNATIONAL CREATIVITY MONTH
Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together
Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together
How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children… and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh
The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh
“Sound” Activities, Buzzword
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
Youth Mentoring, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together
NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH
5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby as an Adult, Fortune Well
5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring to a Child’s Development, City Magazine
Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh
The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh
SELF-LOVE MONTHSelf-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together
Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together
50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Trying Together
The Power of Self-Love, Psychology Today
Week-Long Observances
NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK
Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword
Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together
National Storytelling Week 2026, National Literacy Trust
Day Observances
JANUARY 2 IS MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION DAY
“Brave” Activities, Buzzword
Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together
Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons
The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk
JANUARY 3 IS INTERNATIONAL MIND-BODY WELLNESS DAY
Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together
Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh
Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh
Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh
The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh
JANUARY 17 IS KID INVENTORS DAY
“Plan” Activities, Buzzword
“Geometric” Activities, Buzzword
JANUARY 19 IS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together
Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together
Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together
Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club
2026 King Holiday, The King Center
JANUARY 21 IS NATIONAL HUGGING DAY
The Transformative Power of Hugging in Child Development, Meaningful Beginnings
Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together
“Friendship” Activities, Buzzword
JANUARY 24 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION
Supporting the Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together
Early Learning PA, Trying Together
Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together
Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword
JANUARY 24 IS NATIONAL COMPLIMENT DAY
6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps
“Thankful” Activities, Buzzword
“Welcome” Activities, Buzzword
JANUARY 26 IS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY
Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
“Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword
“Migrate” Activities, Buzzword
“Bloom” Activities, Buzzword
JANUARY 28 IS NATIONAL LEGO DAY
10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre
Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh
“Plan” Activities, Buzzword
JANUARY 29 IS NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY
10 Puzzle Activities for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love
Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh
The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh
JANUARY 31 IS INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY
Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together
“Sound” Activities, Buzzword
Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh