5 Labor Day Learning Activities

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We know that homeschoolers learn year round. But for many, Labor Day marks the official beginning of the school year. For the hot dog industry, Labor Day marks the end of their prime season. Labor Day is also a day for big department store sales. Most importantly, it is a day for workers around the country to rest from their labor. 

But did you know that Labor Day has a rich history behind it? It is so much more than a day to picnic, shop, and rest. 

If you want to seize Labor Day as a learning opportunity in your homeschool, why not try one of these activities:

1. Read or watch the president’s Labor Day message: Presidents always give statements on Labor Day in honor of American workers. Sometimes, presidents will travel to a factory or meet with a group of workers. They will talk about why workers make our country great. Presidents also talk about how America can better help its workers. So, this Labor Day go to www.whitehouse.gov and read or watch the president’s message. Discuss what the president had to say about today’s workers and their problems. 
2. Attend a parade or picnic: The very first Labor Day parade was in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. The founders of Labor Day organized the festivities so that union workers to come together and show off their collective spirit. They also wanted to draw attention to their problems at work, such as with their wages and working hours. So, in the spirit of the first Labor Day, attend a parade or picnic. See if you can find any workers marching and carrying signs.
3.  Research a current labor issue: From the decline of American manufacturing to a living wage, from family and medical leave to the rights of the disabled, labor issues still abound today. Use Labor Day to research a current labor issue. Write a persuasive essay on what should be done to solve the particular issue.
4. Check out a biography of Grover Cleveland: Did you know that President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday? Did you know that a violent railroad strike prompted him to act? Grover Cleveland is actually quite fascinating. He was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. He served at the height of the Industrial Revolution. The country was going through some fascinating growing pains while he served, the labor movement being one of those. 
5. Discuss the benefits and protections provided to workers in your family: Did your grandfather have a pension? Do you have a 401K? Health insurance? Has anyone in your family received disability benefits? Can you only work so many hours per week? Talk to your students about the benefits and protections workers in your family have enjoyed. Explain that workers did not always have these benefits. 

For a rich, historical study of Labor Day using primary sources, check out our White House Holidays: Labor Day unit study. There, you will find lessons and activities to engage your students in the rich history of Labor Dayfc.  

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