November is a month rich with meaning, reflection, and action, honoring the diverse experiences and voices that shape our communities and lives. It’s a time to celebrate cultures, raise awareness, and extend gratitude, acknowledging the way each day of this month offers a chance to make a difference.

As we move into Thanksgiving, we recognize the importance of celebrating with inclusivity and sensitivity. This holiday invites us to gather with friends, family, and community, fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude. However, it’s also a moment to reflect on the history of the land we share and to honor Indigenous communities whose stories, struggles, and contributions are part of our nation’s foundation. By embracing a more thoughtful Thanksgiving, we can recognize its complex history, honor Native voices, and show respect for diverse perspectives.

In celebrating November as a season of awareness, gratitude, and learning, we open our hearts to each other and strengthen our collective commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate world. Let’s embrace this month with sensitivity, understanding, and a dedication to honoring the diversity that defines us all.

Monthly

• National Native American Heritage Month
• Movember
• Child Safety and Prevention Month
• Prematurity Awareness Month
• National Child Mental Health Month
• National Diabetes Awareness Month
• National Education/Scholarship Month
• National Epilepsy Awareness Month
• National Family Caregivers Month
• National Family Literacy Month

Weekly:

• November 1-7 – World Communication Week
• November 11-15 National Psychology Week
• November 11-17 – World Kindness Week
• November 17-23– International Restorative Justice Week
• November 18-22 – American Education Week

Daily in November

1- All Saints’ Day

1 - Autistic Speaking Day

6 - International Stress Awareness Day

8 - Jain New Year

9 - World Freedom Day

9 - World Adoption Day

11 - Veteran’s Day

13 - World Kindness Day

14 - Ruby Bridges National Walk to School Day - Wear Purple

16 - International Day for Tolerance

16 - Dutch American Heritage Day

19 - International Men’s Day: a day uplifting the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and their respective communities

20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance

20 - World Children’s Day

28 - Thanksgiving

29 - Native American Heritage Day

Veteran's Day, observed on November 11th each year in the United States, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in service to their country. Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918. In 1954, recognizing the contributions of veterans of all wars, the U.S. renamed it to Veteran's Day.

At its core, Veteran's Day is about gratitude, reflection, and acknowledgment of those who've dedicated themselves to protecting the values and freedoms we hold dear. In the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the day also reminds us of the myriad backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of those who've served. Military personnel come from all walks of life, representing a broad spectrum of the American tapestry. On this day, we celebrate both their shared commitment and their unique stories, advocating for their rights, well-being, and continued integration into the fabric of our society.

Ruby Bridges Day, also known as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (RBWTSD), is celebrated on November 14th to honor Ruby Bridges' historic walk to school in 1960:

The day is a chance to teach children about the civil rights movement and inspire them to make positive changes in their communities. Some ways to celebrate include:

• Walking to school: Students can walk to school in honor of Bridges.

  
  

• Discussing activism: Schools can engage in a day of dialogue about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying.

  
  

• Sharing books: Booksellers can share books about activism, dialogue, and local action.

  
  

• Taking pictures and videos: People can take pictures and videos to share on social media.

  
  

• Continuing conversations: After the event, schools can continue conversations about racism, bullying, and activism throughout the year.

• Don’t – Create culturally insensitive crafts.

Please do not create or color headbands, bead necklaces, deer-skin clothes, etc. Often, many activities found through Pinterest or Googling perpetuate inaccurate indigenous iconography, clothing, and practices.

• Do – Emphasize Gratitude

Did you know that November is both National Gratitude Month and Native American Heritage Month? See “Gratitude” below for lesson ideas.

• Don’t – Teach historically inaccurate info

There are many grade-level, accurate, student-appropriate articles to read on Newsela. They can be found in one place, here.

• Do – Focus on food

Food connects us across cultural boundaries and is foundational to many celebrations. Learn more about how Harvest Celebration turned into a national holiday (Newsela) Also, author Pat Mora has published a collection of Haiku poems that celebrates uniquely American foods. (Yum! MMMM! Que Rico! America’s Sproutings / Epic)