The International Day of Happiness, observed globally on 20th March, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of well-being, joy, and positive relationships in children’s lives. In early childhood settings, celebrating this day can foster belonging, resilience, and emotional literacy. By embedding happiness-focused activities into daily routines, educators can nurture environments where children, families, and staff thrive together.
Why Celebrate International Day of Happiness in Early Childhood
- Promotes Emotional Wellbeing: Encourages children to recognize and express feelings of joy.
- Builds Positive Relationships: Strengthens bonds between children, educators, and families.
- Supports Curriculum Outcomes: Links directly to EYLF outcomes such as “Children have a strong sense of well-being" and “Children are connected with and contribute to their world.”
- Encourages Reflection: Provides educators with a chance to reflect on how happiness is embedded in daily practice.
Suggested Evidence and Activities for Happiness Folders
| Category | Examples of Evidence/Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Voice | Floorbook entries of children’s drawings about what makes them happy | Demonstrates agency and self-expression |
| Group Celebrations | Photos of happiness-themed circle times, singing, dancing | Showcases collective joy and belonging |
| Family Involvement | Parent contributions (photos, notes on family happiness rituals) | Strengthens home-service partnerships |
| Educator Reflections | Journals on how happiness is fostered in routines | Links practice to wellbeing outcomes |
| Displays & Resources | Happiness walls, murals, or banners created collaboratively | Visual evidence of community participation |
| Wellbeing Practices | Documentation of mindfulness, gratitude circles, or kindness activities | Shows intentional teaching of emotional regulation |
Practical Ideas for Educators
- Happiness Wall: Invite children to add drawings or photos of things that make them happy.
- Kindness Chain: Each child contributes an act of kindness, linked together as a paper chain.
- Gratitude Circle: During group time, encourage children to share one thing they are thankful for.
- Music & Movement: Celebrate with joyful songs and dance sessions.
- Family Collaboration: Ask families to share “happiness rituals” from home, such as bedtime stories or family meals.
- Mindfulness Moments: Introduce simple breathing or relaxation exercises to promote calm happiness.
Activity Ideas for Babies (0–2 years)
- Bubble Joy: Blow bubbles and capture babies’ delight through smiles, claps, and reaching.
- Sensory Happiness Play: Provide soft scarves, textured fabrics, or rattles to explore.
- Smiles Collage: Take photos of babies smiling and create a “Smiles Wall” for families.
- Peekaboo Games: Simple peekaboo fosters laughter and connection.
- Family Voice: Invite families to share what makes their baby happy (favorite songs, toys).
Activity Ideas for Toddlers (2–3 years)
- Happiness Hunt: Walk around the room or outdoor area, asking toddlers to point out things that make them happy.
- Dance Party: Play lively music and let toddlers move freely, celebrating joy through movement.
- Happy Faces Art: Provide mirrors and crayons; toddlers draw happy faces inspired by their reflections.
- Kindness Chain: Each toddler contributes a drawing or mark to a paper chain symbolizing acts of kindness.
- Story Time: Read books about joy and friendship, then ask toddlers to share what makes them happy.
Activity Ideas for Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- Gratitude Circle: Invite each child to share one thing they are thankful for during group time.
- Happiness Floorbook: Document children’s voices through drawings, photos, and quotes about happiness.
- Collaborative Mural: Children paint or collage a “Happiness Wall” with images of things that bring joy.
- Kindness Tracker: Create a chart where preschoolers record daily acts of kindness (helping a friend, sharing toys).
- Mindfulness Moments: Introduce simple breathing exercises or yoga poses to promote calm happiness.
- Family Collaboration: Ask families to contribute photos or notes about happiness rituals at home.
Tips for Educators
- Keep activities inclusive, simple, and child-led.
- Use documentation tools (floor books, photos, and displays) to capture children’s voices.
- Link activities to EYLF outcomes (well-being, belonging, and contribution).
- Reflect with staff: How do we embed happiness beyond this day into everyday practice?
Celebrating the International Day of Happiness in early childhood settings is more than a one-off event; it’s a reminder to embed joy, wellbeing, and positive relationships into everyday practice. By tailoring activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, documenting children’s voices, engaging families, and reflecting as educators, services can demonstrate their commitment to nurturing environments where happiness is valued as a foundation for lifelong learning.
Further Reading
EYLF Outcome 3 - Children Have A Strong Sense Of Wellbeing V2.0
What Does Child Wellbeing Really Mean?
30 Emotional Regulation Activities For Toddlers and Preschoolers
Your Smile
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