May’s programming ideas are designed to be practical, adaptable, and inspiring—helping educators scaffold learning experiences that connect with children’s worlds while strengthening ties with families and communities.
Use this guide as a springboard to plan activities that are hands-on, reflective, and celebratory, ensuring that every child has the chance to explore, create, and grow throughout the month.
Monthly Observances
Mindful in May
- Create a “quiet corner” with mindfulness cards, breathing exercises, and calming music.
- Invite children to practice short guided meditations or yoga stretches.
- Fundraise with families by hosting a “Mindful Morning Tea” to support clean water initiatives.
- Mindfulness In Early Childhood Setting
- A to Z Of Mindfulness Posters
- Mindfulness Activity Cards
- Mindful Moments In A Jar
- Deep Breathing Posters
- Mindful Transitions for Educators and Children
Daily Observances
1 May – May Day / Global Love Day / Mother Goose Day
- Dance around a Maypole with ribbons.
- Create “love notes” where children draw or write something kind for a peer.
- Read classic Mother Goose rhymes and encourage children to act them out with puppets.
- Love Monster
- I Love You In Different Languages Posters
- I Love You, You Love Me
- Love Bug Shapes
- I Love You To Pieces
- I Love You Because
- What I Love About You
- Celebrating Mother Goose Day In Early Childhood Services
2 May – International Harry Potter Day / World Tuna Day
- Host a “magic day” with wand‑making crafts and spell‑themed literacy games.
- Explore ocean conservation with a tuna‑themed art project (e.g., collage of sea life).
- Potion Play
- Peaceful Potion Recipes for Young Scientists
3–9 May – International Compost Awareness Week
- Set up a compost bin in the centre and involve children in food‑scrap sorting.
- Use magnifying glasses to observe worms and soil creatures.
- Teaching Children to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- Reducing Food Waste In An Early Childhood Service
- Reducing Food Waste In An Early Childhood Service
4 May – Star Wars Day / Firefighters’ Day / World Laughter Day
- “May the Fourth Be With You” dress‑up day with space‑themed play.
- Invite local firefighters to visit and show equipment.
- Hold a laughter yoga session or silly joke circle.
- Teaching Through Delight: A New Lens for Early Childhood
- 10 Little Firefighters
- Teaching Children About Bushfires
- Firefighter Alphabet Match
- I'm A Little Firefighter
4–10 May – National Family Day Care Week
- Create a family tree wall where children add photos or drawings of their families.
- Share stories from family day care educators about their role in children’s lives.
5 May – World Portuguese Language Day / Kodomo no Hi / African World Heritage Day / World Hand Hygiene Day
- Teach simple Portuguese greetings and songs.
- Make carp streamers (koinobori) for Children’s Day in Japan.
- Explore African heritage through music and storytelling.
- Practice hand‑washing with glitter to show how germs spread.
7 May – Tell Your Crush Day
- Encourage children to share compliments or kind words with peers.
8 May – World Red Cross Day / Iris Day
- Role‑play first aid scenarios with toy bandages.
- Plant iris bulbs or create flower art.
8–12 May – UN Global Road Safety Week
- Set up a “road safety play zone” with toy cars, signs, and pedestrian crossings.
- Teaching Children About Road Safety
- Free Online Professional Development Road Safety Workshops
10–16 May – Food Allergy Awareness Week
- Read stories about allergies and discuss safe food practices.
- Create posters about “safe snacks” for the centre.
- Common Food Allergies In Children
10th May - Mother's Day
- Mother's Day Activities For Children
- Mother's Day DIY Gift Ideas From Babies
- Celebrating Mother's Day Inclusive Of Families Without Mothers
- Mother's Day Colouring Pages
- Mother's Day Poem
11 May – World Migratory Bird Day
- Go birdwatching or make bird feeders.
- Bird House Colour Match
- Australian Birds Posters
- Australian Birds Colouring Pages
11–18 May – National Road Safety Week
- Practice safe crossing routines during outdoor play.
- Teaching Children About Road Safety
- Free Online Professional Development Road Safety Workshops
12 May – International Nurses Day / Buddha’s Birthday
- Invite a nurse to talk about caring for others.
- Share stories of Buddha and create lotus flower crafts.
15 May – International Day of Families / Walk Safely to School Day
- Host a family picnic or storytelling session.
- Encourage families to walk together to school or care.
18 May – International Museum Day / World Baking Day
- Create a “mini museum” in the classroom with children’s collections.
- Bake simple treats together and share with families.
20 May – World Bee Day / World Metrology Day
- Build bee hotels or plant bee‑friendly flowers.
- Explore measurement with fun activities (weighing, measuring height, etc.).
- World Bee Day Activities For Children
21 May – World Day of Cultural Diversity / Outdoor Classroom Day/ Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
- Share cultural dress‑up, food tasting, or music.
- Host a morning tea fundraiser with families.
- Take learning outdoors with nature play, gardening, or art.
- Nature Mandala
- Nature Art See Through Frames
- Nature Name Writing
- Nature Bracelets
- Nature Weavin
22 May – 65 Roses Day
- Create rose crafts to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis.
23 May – World Turtle Day
- Learn about turtles through books and documentaries.
- Make turtle crafts with recycled materials.
26 May – National Sorry Day
- Share age‑appropriate stories about reconciliation.
- Create a “hands of friendship” mural.
- Teaching Preschoolers About Apology Day
- Ideas For Introducing Apology Day For Babies and Toddlers
27 May – National Simultaneous Storytime
- Join the national reading event with children’s books.
27 May–3 June – National Reconciliation Week
- Explore Aboriginal art, music, and storytelling.
- Discuss themes of respect and unity.
31 May – Dragon Boat Festival
- Make paper dragon boats and race them in water troughs.
- Cook or taste rice dumplings with families.
Please like/follow our Aussie Childcare Network Facebook page to receive event and celebration activity ideas, resources, and documentation templates for child portfolios, and more.
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