March brings gentle changes in routines and the world around us. Days get longer, birds return, and plants begin to grow. This month is a chance to notice what’s happening and explore it slowly.
Instead of rushing through lessons or activities, March encourages pausing and observing. Children can revisit favorite stories, ask questions, and engage in play that sparks curiosity. These moments let them share ideas, connect with others, and enjoy small discoveries.
This month offers opportunities to:
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Notice nature’s rhythms, from buds on trees to birdsong, building careful observation skills.
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Reflect on past experiences, linking familiar stories to new learning.
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Engage in conversation and group activities, supporting language growth and social skills.
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Celebrate small discoveries, whether on the playground, in art, or in quiet reflection.
March is a time to focus on the present, nurture curiosity, and enjoy learning together. It’s a chance to explore, observe, and prepare for the next part of the school year.
March offers opportunities to notice change, curiosity, and connection — from cultural celebrations to the first signs of spring. Rather than focusing on covering every date, this month invites exploration, conversation, and reflection.
This month offers opportunities to:
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International Women’s Day (March 8): Recognize the achievements of women worldwide. Discuss gender equality, influential women in history, and their contributions.
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Read Across America Day (March 2): Celebrate the joy of reading and literacy. Engage in book-related activities, storytelling, or a themed reading challenge.
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St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): Discover the customs and folklore of this Irish celebration. Explore arts and crafts, Irish culture, and the history of St. Patrick.
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Exploration of Weather: Notice the arrival of spring, changing seasons, and shifting weather patterns as winter moves toward spring.
March is a time to observe, ask questions, and explore learning at a natural pace. It’s a month for curiosity, conversation, and celebrating small discoveries that connect children to the world around them.
These stories cover themes of spring, nature, celebration, and imagination. Read them slowly — not to cover content, but to notice what each story opens up.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A classic that explores the life cycle of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, perfect for discussing change, growth, and the rhythms of nature. Grab some ideas to do with this bookThe Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf: A gentle bull prefers smelling flowers to fighting, ideal for discussions about individuality, kindness, and staying true to oneself.
How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace: A playful tale about trying to catch a mischievous leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day, perfect for imagination and creative problem-solving. Grab some ideas to do with this book.There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro: A rhythmic and humorous story introducing St. Patrick’s Day symbols, ideal for laughter, memory, and engagement. Grab some ideas to do with this book.
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes: A beautifully illustrated story about a boy watching and waiting for his garden to bloom. This gentle tale encourages observation, patience, and noticing small changes in nature. Grab some ideas to do with this book.
Saint Patrick: The Story of Ireland’s Patron Saint by Tomie dePaola: Introduces the life and legends of Saint Patrick, great for historical context and exploring cultural traditions.
These books invite curiosity, conversation, and reflection, offering moments for children to connect stories with real-life experiences, seasonal change, and cultural celebrations.
Rather than turning these into rigid units, let them arise organically in conversation, play, and storytelling. These themes provide contexts for connection, not checklists to finish.
Spring and Renewal: Explore vocabulary related to spring, discuss changes in nature, and notice how different cultures celebrate the arrival of the season. Grab some ideas here
Women's History Month: Learn about influential women in history, discuss their achievements, and explore their impact on society. Grab some ideas here
St. Patrick's Day: Explore Irish culture, traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day, discuss symbols like shamrocks, and learn about the history of this celebration. Grab some ideas here
Weather Changes: Discuss the transition from winter to spring, focus on weather-related vocabulary, and notice how changing weather affects daily life. Grab some ideas here
Healthy Living and Nutrition: Focus on healthy eating habits, discuss balanced diets, and the importance of exercise.
These themes are not just lessons — they are windows into language and culture. They offer moments to notice new words, explore traditions, reflect on history, and talk about the world around us. Let them unfold naturally, adapting to each child’s curiosity and comfort, so learning happens at a gentle, meaningful pace.
Each of these traditions reflects ways people around the world mark time, community, and belonging. We don’t need to cover them all; we can notice what resonates and let curiosity lead the rest.
Holi (India and Nepal): Celebrated predominantly in India, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It involves colorful powder throwing, water fights, music, dancing, and the sharing of sweets.
St. Patrick's Day (Ireland and global Irish communities, March 17th): Honors Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick. Festivities include parades, wearing green attire, traditional music, dancing, and enjoying Irish foods and drinks. Grab some ideas here.Nowruz (Persian New Year): Celebrated by Persian and Central Asian communities, Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the Persian New Year. It involves special dishes, cultural performances, and rituals symbolizing renewal and rebirth.
Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan): Celebrated in March or April, it marks the blooming of cherry blossoms. Events include hanami (flower-viewing) picnics, cultural performances, and light displays under cherry blossom trees.
International Women's Day (Global, March 8th): Honors women's achievements and advocates for gender equality. Events include rallies, discussions, performances, and highlighting women's contributions.
Hinamatsuri (Japan, March 3rd): Also known as Doll's Day or Girls' Day, it involves displaying dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, and court musicians on tiers, wishing for the well-being of girls.
Las Fallas (Spain, mid-March): Celebrated in Valencia, Spain, it involves elaborate sculptures (ninots) displayed throughout the city, culminating in their burning to welcome spring.
These March celebrations remind us that culture is not something to rush through — it’s something to explore with care.
When we choose one story, one symbol, one meaningful conversation, we create space for language to grow naturally. Thoughtful planning doesn’t require more — it requires intention.
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