Eid al-Adha is a time many families remember faith, family, and giving. In the classroom, we can teach simple ideas young children understand: kindness, Why does celebrating Eid al-Adha matter in early childhood settings?
When teachers talk about special days in an age-appropriate way, children learn respect and social skills. Eid al-Adha activities can help children practice:
-
Sharing and caring for others
-
Listening and taking turns
-
Using friendly greetings
-
Noticing that families celebrate in different ways (#inclusion)
These small lessons support belonging and build strong family partnerships.
For ready-to-use ideas, include this ChildCareEd resource in your plan:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00816-eid-al-adha-classroom-activities.html
How do I explain Eid al-Adha to very young children?
Keep explanations short, clear, and focused on shared values. You don’t need to teach religious practice.
Try one or two simple lines:
-
“Some families have a special day called Eid al-Adha. It can mean extra time with family, sharing, and helping others.”
-
“Some people say ‘Eid Mubarak’ to wish someone a happy Eid.”
Tips for classroom talk
-
Use “some families” language so no child feels singled out.
-
Keep sharing optional—children can pass.
-
Use real photos or neutral images (not costume role-play).
-
If children ask a big question, answer briefly: “Families may do different things. In our classroom we focus on kindness and respect.”
If you want more general Eid classroom language, this ChildCareEd article can help (ideas translate well):
https://www.childcareed.com/a/celebrating-eid-al-fitr-in-child-care.html
What playful, low-prep activities can little learners enjoy?
Pick 2–4 activities for the week. Short and repeated activities help preschoolers feel safe.
Here are easy choices that build fine motor skills, language, and social play:
-
Lantern process art (10–20 minutes)
-
Tear tissue paper, glue onto a lantern shape, and add stickers.
-
No “perfect” results needed—process art is the goal.
-
-
Kindness chain (10–15 minutes)
-
Each child adds a paper link with one kind action (teacher writes words).
-
Examples: “help a friend,” “use gentle hands,” “share toys.”
-
-
Community helper thank-you cards (15–20 minutes)
-
Children draw pictures and dictate “thank you” messages.
-
Deliver to helpers like cooks, custodians, or office staff.
-
-
Calm sensory bin (supervised)
-
Use rice, sand, or large safe items for scooping and pouring.
-
Add stars, simple blocks, or toy animals (avoid small parts for young children).
-
-
Sheep craft (non-food option)
-
Cotton balls + paper + glue = easy sheep art.
-
Talk about caring for animals and being gentle.
-
Want an activity list that’s already organized and classroom-ready? Use:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00816-eid-al-adha-classroom-activities.html
How do I keep Eid activities inclusive, safe, and respectful?
Inclusion means every child can join without pressure.
Use these steps
-
Message families (optional):
“We’ll learn that some families celebrate Eid al-Adha. Would you like to share a book title, a photo, or preferred words we should use?” -
Focus on shared themes: kindness, helping others, gratitude, and community (#community).
-
Food safety: if you include snacks, get permission, label ingredients, and follow allergy rules. If unsure, choose non-food activities.
-
Offer sensory supports: quiet corner, visual schedule, and choices.
-
Avoid putting children on the spot: never ask one child to represent a whole religion or culture.
For staff training on culturally responsive care, ChildCareEd courses like Strength in Differences: Cultural Diversity can help teams plan respectful celebrations and family partnerships.
How can I plan a simple week and avoid common mistakes?
A calm plan keeps the week manageable for staff and children.
Simple 1-week plan
-
Day 1: Read a book about family and giving. Practice “Eid Mubarak” for one minute.
-
Day 2: Lantern art center (process art).
-
Day 3: Kindness chain + community helper cards.
-
Day 4: Sensory bin + a short movement break (stretch, march, or calm yoga poses).
-
Day 5: Look at the kindness chain and share one kind thing the class did.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
-
❌ Asking one child to “teach” the class
✅ Use teacher language and optional family sharing instead -
❌ Pretend religious role-play or costumes
✅ Use books, photos, and universal themes -
❌ Too many activities in one day
✅ Do 1–2 short centers and repeat favorites -
❌ Food without permission
✅ Follow allergy and licensing rules, or skip food
Quick FAQs
Q: Should we celebrate every holiday?
A: No. Choose celebrations that reflect your families and do them respectfully.
Q: What if no families celebrate Eid?
A: You can still teach about different traditions using neutral themes like kindness and community.
Q: Are costumes okay?
A: Avoid religious costume role-play. Use props, books, and photos instead.
Q: How long should activities be?
A: About 10–20 minutes for preschoolers, with calm choices available.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha can be included in early childhood settings in a simple, respectful way. Keep explanations short, offer low-prep activities, invite family input without pressure, and focus on #gratitude, #kindness, and #inclusion. Small, thoughtful moments help little learners grow into caring classmates and build a classroom where every family feels welcome.
Planning resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00816-eid-al-adha-classroom-activities.html
