Programming Activity Ideas for March Events 2026

March offers a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, awareness days, and playful observances. These programming ideas help educators embed inclusion, creativity, and wellbeing into daily routines while linking to EYLF Outcomes.

Month-Long Observances

Australian Women’s History Month

Honoring the achievements and contributions of women across Australia.

Programming Ideas:
- Create a “Wall of Inspiration” featuring photos or drawings of notable Australian women.
- Invite families to share stories of women in their own lives who inspire them.
- Role-play activities where children act out professions traditionally held by women.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Children develop a strong sense of identity by learning about diverse role models.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds respect for contributions of women in society.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Encourages storytelling and sharing experiences.

Adopt a Pet Month

Encouraging families to provide loving homes for animals in need.

Programming Ideas:
- Set up a dramatic play “Pet Adoption Centre” with stuffed animals, adoption forms, and care routines.
- Discuss animal care responsibilities and empathy through picture books.
- Invite a local vet or animal shelter representative for a visit.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Children learn about caring for living things and community responsibility.
- Outcome 3—Wellbeing: Promotes empathy and emotional wellbeing through nurturing play.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Builds problem-solving skills through role play and discussions.

Daily Events

1st March (Sunday)

World Compliment Day

Celebrating kindness and positive communication.

Programming Ideas:
- Compliment Chain: Children sit in a circle and pass a “compliment ball” (soft toy). Each child gives a compliment to the next before passing it on.
- Compliment Cards: Provide pre-cut paper hearts or stars for children to write or draw compliments for peers and educators. Display them on a “Wall of Kindness.”
- Mirror Messages: Place mirrors around the room with sticky notes saying “You are creative,” “You are kind,” etc. Invite children to add their own positive notes.
- Role Play: Act out scenarios where giving compliments builds friendships and confidence.
- Art Activity: Children create posters with positive words and images to decorate the classroom.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds self-esteem and a strong sense of self through positive recognition.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages respect, empathy, and supportive relationships.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes emotional wellbeing through kindness and affirmation.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens verbal and non-verbal communication skills by expressing compliments.

2nd March

Dr Seuss Day

A celebration of the beloved author’s whimsical stories, encouraging children to enjoy reading and imagination.

Programming Ideas:
- Story Parade: Children dress up as their favourite Dr Seuss characters and share why they chose them.
- Rhyme Time: Create a rhyming wall where children add silly rhymes inspired by Dr Seuss.
- Green Eggs and Ham Cooking Activity: Make a simple snack (e.g., scrambled eggs with spinach) to connect food with story.
- Creative Art: “Cat in the Hat” hat-making craft with red and white stripes.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Builds literacy through rhymes, storytelling, and reading.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Encourages self-expression through character choice.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Supports creativity and problem-solving through imaginative play.

Clean Up Australia Day

A nationwide initiative inspiring communities to care for the environment by reducing litter and protecting natural spaces.

Programming Ideas:
- Mini Clean-Up: Organise a safe clean-up of the centre’s outdoor area, with gloves and child-sized tongs.
- Sorting Game: Children sort recyclable items into bins (paper, plastic, compost).
- Art from Waste: Create collages or sculptures using clean recycled materials.
- Story Circle: Read books about caring for the Earth and discuss how children can help.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds responsibility and respect for the environment.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes safe practices and healthy environments.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages inquiry and problem-solving through recycling and sustainability activities.

2nd – 10th March

National Sea Week

A week dedicated to marine conservation and ocean awareness.

Programming Ideas:
- Ocean Diorama: Children create shoebox dioramas of marine habitats using craft materials.
- Sensory Play: Set up a “mini ocean” sensory tub with shells, toy fish, and blue water beads.
- Storytime: Read books about sea creatures and discuss how to protect them.
- Science Experiment: Explore floating and sinking objects to understand buoyancy.
- Community Connection: Invite a local marine conservation group to share resources or photos.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds respect for the environment and living creatures.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes safe and healthy practices around water.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages inquiry and scientific exploration.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens vocabulary through marine-themed discussions.

3rd March

World Wildlife Day

Celebrating the beauty and importance of wildlife while raising awareness about conservation efforts.

Programming Ideas:
- Wildlife Role Play: Children dress up or act as different animals, exploring habitats and behaviours.
- Animal Art: Create posters or clay models of endangered species.
- Wildlife Bingo: Use picture cards of animals for a fun recognition game.
- Story Circle: Read books about Australian wildlife and discuss conservation.
- Outdoor Exploration: Nature walk to observe local birds, insects, or plants.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds connection with nature and living things.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages responsibility for protecting wildlife.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Supports curiosity and problem-solving through observation.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Enhances descriptive language when talking about animals.

4th March

World Engineering Day

Celebrating the role of engineering in shaping sustainable development and improving lives worldwide.

Programming Ideas:
- STEM Building Challenge: Provide blocks, recycled materials, or LEGO and invite children to design bridges, towers, or simple machines.
- Water Flow Experiment: Use pipes, funnels, and containers to explore how water moves through systems, linking to sustainable engineering.
- Community Builders: Role-play engineers solving problems (e.g., building safe playgrounds, designing eco-homes).
- Art + Engineering: Create “blueprints” with rulers and pencils, then build models from craft supplies.
- Guest Connection: Invite a local engineer or parent to share how engineering helps communities.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Children see themselves as capable problem-solvers and innovators.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds awareness of how engineering supports sustainable living.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Encourages safe practices and highlights engineering’s role in improving quality of life.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Strengthens inquiry, experimentation, and design thinking.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Enhances vocabulary through blueprint drawing, design explanations, and collaborative discussions.

14th March

Holi – Festival of Colours

The vibrant Hindu festival of colours celebrates love, joy, and the arrival of spring.

Programming Ideas:
- Colour Play: Provide safe powdered paints or chalk dust for outdoor art, or use coloured water in spray bottles for creative play.
- Tie-Dye Craft: Children create colourful fabric squares or paper towel tie-dye art to represent Holi’s vibrancy.
- Storytime: Share simple stories about Holi’s meaning — love, joy, and the triumph of good over evil.
- Dance & Music: Play traditional Indian music and encourage children to dance with scarves or ribbons.
- Community Connection: Invite families to share cultural traditions, food, or clothing associated with Holi.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds cultural pride and respect for diversity.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages inclusion and celebration of cultural traditions.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes joy, movement, and positive emotional expression.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Supports creativity and exploration through colour-based activities.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens storytelling and expressive language through shared cultural narratives.

16th – 22nd March

Harmony Week

A week dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Programming Ideas:
- Orange-themed crafts (Harmony Week colour).
- “Cultural Showcase” where families share food, music, or clothing.
- Friendship bracelet-making to symbolise unity.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds respect for cultural identity.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages inclusion and belonging.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes positive emotional connections.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens dialogue about diversity.

National Playgroup Week

Celebrating playgroups and the role they play in early childhood development.

Programming Ideas:
- Organise a “Playgroup Picnic” with collaborative games.
- Set up themed play stations (blocks, art, dramatic play).
- Invite families to join in shared play sessions.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Strengthens family and community connections.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes social and emotional development.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages exploration and creativity through play.

17th March

St Patrick’s Day

Celebrating Irish culture and heritage.

Programming Ideas:
- Shamrock crafts using green paper and glitter.
- Rainbow treasure hunt with gold coins (chocolate or tokens).
- Irish music and dance exploration with ribbons or scarves.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds cultural awareness and pride.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages respect for diverse traditions.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens storytelling and expressive language.

18th March

Global Recycling Day

Encouraging sustainable practices and recycling awareness.

Programming Ideas:
- Sorting game: children separate recyclable items into bins.
- “Recycled Art” project using clean waste materials.
- Storytime about caring for the Earth.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds responsibility for the environment.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes safe and healthy practices.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages inquiry and problem-solving through sustainability activities.

19th March

International Read to Me Day

Highlighting the importance of reading aloud to children.

Programming Ideas:
- Invite parents, grandparents, or older children to read aloud.
- Create a “Story Corner” with cushions and puppets for interactive reading.
- Children illustrate their favourite part of a story and share it with peers.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Builds literacy and language skills.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Encourages self-expression through storytelling.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Supports imagination and comprehension.

20th March

International Day of Happiness

A global celebration of joy, well-being, and the importance of happiness in everyday life.

Programming Ideas:
- “Happiness Bingo” — children complete joyful acts (smiling, helping a friend, sharing a toy).
- Create a “Happy Wall” where children draw or write what makes them happy.
- Dance party with upbeat music to celebrate joy.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes emotional health and resilience.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds self-awareness of what brings happiness.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages sharing joy with others.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Day

Honoring Eric Carle’s beloved children’s book and encouraging literacy through storytelling.

Programming Ideas:
- Storytime with props (fruit cut-outs, toy caterpillar).
- Sequencing activity: children order the foods the caterpillar eats.
- Art project: create butterfly crafts to represent transformation.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Builds literacy and sequencing skills.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages problem-solving and pattern recognition.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Supports self-expression through art.

National Day of Action Against Bullying

Raising awareness and taking a stand against bullying to create safe, supportive communities.

Programming Ideas:
- Role-play scenarios showing kindness and inclusion.
- Create “Friendship Pledges” where children commit to positive behaviour.
- Circle time discussions about feelings and respect.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds safe, inclusive environments.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes emotional safety and resilience.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Encourages children to value themselves and others.

World Storytelling Day

Celebrating the art of storytelling and its power to connect cultures and generations.

Programming Ideas:
- Invite families or elders to share cultural stories.
- Puppet theatre for children to retell favourite tales.
- Collaborative storytelling circle where each child adds a line.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens oral language and narrative skills.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds cultural pride and self-expression.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Connects children through shared stories.

Close the Gap Day

Highlighting the need to improve health outcomes and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Programming Ideas:
- Art inspired by Aboriginal symbols and storytelling.
- Discussions about fairness, equality, and respect.
- Invite local community members to share cultural practices.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Encourages pride in cultural heritage.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes awareness of health and equality.

21st March

Harmony Day

A celebration of cultural diversity and belonging, encouraging respect and inclusivity in communities.

Programming Ideas:
- Orange-Themed Crafts: Children create handprint art or friendship chains using orange (the Harmony Day colour).
- Cultural Showcase: Families share food, music, or clothing from their heritage.
- Storytime: Read books that highlight diversity and belonging, followed by group discussions.
- Friendship Bracelets: Children make bracelets to exchange with peers, symbolising unity.
- Music & Dance: Explore songs and dances from different cultures, encouraging participation and joy.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 1 – Identity: Builds respect for cultural identity and self-expression.
- Outcome 2 – Community: Encourages inclusion, belonging, and respect for diversity.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes positive emotional connections and empathy.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens dialogue and storytelling about cultural experiences.

28th March

Earth Hour

A global climate action event where lights are switched off for one hour.

Programming Ideas:
- Lights Out Storytime: Gather children for a story circle using torches or glow sticks to create a calm, reflective atmosphere.
- Shadow Play: Explore shadows with flashlights, encouraging children to make shapes and tell mini-stories.
- Eco-Discussion: Talk about why saving energy matters and brainstorm ways children can help at home (turning off lights, unplugging devices).
- Creative Art: Glow-in-the-dark painting or recycled lantern-making to symbolise sustainability.
- Outdoor Stargazing: If possible, take children outside to observe the night sky and discuss natural light sources.
EYLF Links:
- Outcome 2 – Community: Builds responsibility for caring for the environment.
- Outcome 3 – Wellbeing: Promotes safe practices and awareness of sustainable living.
- Outcome 4 – Learning: Encourages inquiry into energy, light, and conservation.
- Outcome 5 – Communication: Strengthens dialogue about climate action and environmental care.

Programming Activity Ideas for March Events 2026

Month-Long Observances

Daily Events

Further Reading