Women’s History Month in Childcare: Activities, Books, and Circle Time - post

Women’s History Month happens every March. It is a time to notice and celebrate women who helped their families, communities, and the world. In childcare, we can do this in a way that is kind, simple, and age-appropriate from infants all the way through school-age.

How can childcare programs celebrate Women’s History Month in a simple, respectful way?

You do not need long lessons or big projects. Young children learn best through daily routines, play, stories, and conversations.

Try these simple goals:

• Help children notice that women and girls can do all kinds of work

• Share stories about helpers, leaders, artists, and problem-solvers

• Practice respectful language like “We all belong” and “Everyone can learn”

• Include families by asking, “Who are the strong women in your family?”

Tip: If you want ready-to-use classroom ideas, check out this ChildCareEd resource: Women’s History Month Activities

What should I say (and not say) with young children?

Keep words short and clear. Many children (and adults) are still learning English, so simple language helps everyone.

Try saying:

• “Women can be leaders, helpers, and inventors.”

• “We are learning about women who made life better.”

• “Girls and boys can both be strong, smart, and kind.”

• “Let’s listen and learn about someone new today.” #earlychildhood

Avoid:

• Scary details or long history talks

• “Girls are better than boys” (We want fairness, not switching roles.)

• Sharing private family stories without permission

What are easy Women’s History Month activities for infants and toddlers?

For babies and young toddlers, focus on faces, voices, music, and caring relationships. They learn through bonding and sensory play.

Infant ideas (birth–12 months):

• Photo cards: Show pictures of women doing different jobs (teacher, doctor, pilot, artist). Say, “She helps people.”

• Soft book time: Read simple board books with women and girls as main characters.

• Songs with names: Sing a hello song and include women staff members’ names: “Hello Ms. Ana…”

Toddler ideas (1–2 years):

• “Helper baskets” pretend play: Add items like a toy stethoscope, measuring tape, paintbrush, chef hat. Say, “Women can do these jobs, too!”

• Mirror talk: “I see your eyes. You are strong and growing.”

• Art invitations: Offer crayons/paint and say, “You are an artist!” #childcare

Keep activities short (2–5 minutes) and repeat them often.

What activities work best for preschool and pre-K?

Preschoolers love stories, dramatic play, and making things with their hands. This is also a great age to practice fairness and kindness.

Easy classroom activities:

• “Women Who Help” collage: Children cut pictures from magazines (or use printed images) and glue them on a poster labeled “Women can…”

• Dress-up day: Add props for many roles (construction worker vest, apron, lab coat). Encourage every child to try any role.

• Kindness notes: Children draw a picture for a woman they appreciate (mom, grandma, aunt, teacher, neighbor).

• STEM mini-challenge: “Let’s build a bridge” with blocks. Say, “Engineers solve problems!”

Simple discussion questions:

• “What do you like about this person?”

• “How did she help others?”

• “How can we help in our classroom today?” #womeninspiring

How can I include school-age children without making it feel like a big lecture?

School-age children enjoy choices and real-world connections. Give them a little more responsibility.

Try:

• “Biography buddy” research (short): Each child picks one woman to learn about and shares 3 facts.

• Timeline wall (simple): Add one card each day: name + picture + “What she did.”

• Community helpers: Invite a guest speaker (a woman in the community) or watch a short safe video about her job.

• Service project: Make thank-you cards for women who help in your community (nurses, cafeteria staff, bus drivers).

What are good circle time ideas for Women’s History Month?

Circle time is perfect for short, meaningful moments. Keep it predictable:

1. Greeting

2. Short story or picture

3. 2–3 questions

4. Quick song/movement

Circle time starter script (preschool):

• “Today we are learning about Women’s History Month.”

• “That means we learn about women who helped people and made good changes.”

• “Women can be leaders, helpers, artists, and inventors.”

Try these circle time activities:

• Job match: Hold up a picture (teacher, scientist, firefighter). Ask: “What job is this? Can a woman do it?” (Yes!)

• Guess the helper: Give clues: “This woman helped sick people. She worked in a hospital.” Let kids guess.

• Movement break: “Show me a strong pose. Now show me a kind pose. Now show me a brave pose.”

If you want extra support with inclusive group learning, this ChildCareEd article has helpful circle time tips: How to Make Your Circle Time More Inclusive for All Learners

What books can I read for Women’s History Month in childcare?

Books are one of the easiest ways to share big ideas in a gentle way. Choose books that show:

• Women from different cultures and backgrounds

• Women and girls solving problems

• Women in many types of jobs

• Strong friendships and family stories

Book ideas to look for (by theme):

• Women who lead: stories about women leaders and community helpers

• Women in STEM: stories about scientists, inventors, and builders

• Everyday heroes: moms, grandmas, teachers, neighbors

• Girls with courage: stories about trying, failing, and trying again

Tip: Before reading, preview the book. Ask yourself: “Is this respectful? Is it age-appropriate? Is the message hopeful?”

How do I connect Women’s History Month to families and culture?

Families may celebrate in different ways. Some may not celebrate at all—and that’s okay. You can still keep the focus on respect, community, and learning.

Try:

• Send a note home: “Tell us about a woman your child looks up to.”

• Invite families to share (optional): a photo, a story, a job, or a talent

• Use inclusive language: “Someone who cares for you” instead of only “mom”

• Add home languages when possible (hello, thank you, strong, brave)

For family communication support, ChildCareEd’s course can help: Bridging Cultures: Family Communication & Collaboration

What training can help teachers lead this topic with confidence?

If you want to feel more prepared (and earn training hours), these ChildCareEd courses connect well with Women’s History Month planning:

• Diversity and fairness in the classroom

• Understanding how early education has changed over time

• Partnering with families from many backgrounds

You can also pair this month with a related read from ChildCareEd: Celebrating International Women's Day

How can I keep Women’s History Month meaningful (and not overwhelming)?

A little each day is enough. You can do one small activity daily:

• A 3-minute story

• A picture + one sentence

• A quick circle time question

• A short “women who help” dramatic play prompt

Even small moments teach children: everyone matters, everyone can learn, and everyone can help.