The Learning Curve

Universal Children’s Day, celebrated every year on November 20th, is a day to honor children’s rights and promote their well-being worldwide. We would like to highlight this event as it offers you a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the joys of parenthood and the importance of nurturing young minds. 

 

Why Universal Children’s Day Matters

This special day was established by the United Nations in 1954 to advocate for the welfare of children everywhere. It also commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). It’s a reminder that every child deserves a safe, supportive environment to grow, learn, and thrive.
As a parent, you play a critical role in shaping your child’s understanding of their rights and responsibilities as global citizens. In support of all the work we do in school, being aware that this day has just passed provides a perfect opportunity this weekend to have meaningful conversations about fairness, respect, and inclusion.

Creative Ways to Celebrate with Your Children

 

1. Explore the Concept of Rights and Responsibilities

Discuss what it means to have rights. For example, explain that children have the right to be safe, to be loved, and to learn—but with rights come responsibilities like being kind, respecting others, and caring for the planet.

Activity idea: Create a “Family Rights and Responsibilities” poster. Let your child contribute ideas for what rights they value at home and how they can take responsibility to uphold them.

 

 

2. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

This is a great time to discuss again with your children the concept of diversity and the beauty of different cultures. The Positive Education work that is currently happening within the Primary is encouraging the children to recognise and celebrate that we are all different and we deserve to be treated with kindness.

Activity idea: Organize a “World Celebration Day” at home. Research traditions from different countries with your child and try cooking an international dish, listening to music from other cultures, or learning basic greetings in a new language.

 

 

3. Spread Acts of Kindness

Encourage your child to practice kindness and empathy, emphasizing how small actions can make a big difference. 
Within school we are beginning work on The Kindness Collective Project that includes children, staff and parents in promoting kindness. This is an exciting new project that will begin to bring us all together to question and develop ways in which we all have a responsibility to promote and model kindness in our everyday lives.
Look out for an invitation in the new year to join us in our work on this.

Activity idea: Work on a kindness project together. This could be as simple as writing “thank you” notes to teachers, friends or creating care packages for local charities.

 

4. Celebrate Creativity and Play

Children express themselves best through play and creativity. Use this day to bond with your child through activities that spark joy and imagination and promote sharing and collaboration. They love to learn from you - fun, creative activities are a great platform to begin important conversations about the responsibility we have in our everyday interactions.

Activity idea: Spend the day drawing, painting, building with blocks, or playing outdoor games. Let your child take the lead in choosing the activities.

 

 

Encouraging a Lifelong Spirit of Advocacy

Introduce your child to important global issues in an age-appropriate way. Discuss topics like access to education, clean water, and health care for children around the world. Emphasize how they can be part of solutions, even as kids.

Book recommendation: Read books like “Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Yousafzai (for years 5 and 6) or “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers (for younger children) to inspire conversations about courage, equality, and self-belief.

 

 

 

Reflect on the Joy of Parenting

Parenthood comes with its challenges, but it’s also filled with extraordinary moments of love and growth. This is a perfect time to celebrate your child’s unique qualities and let them know how much they are cherished.

Tip: Write a heartfelt letter to your child, expressing your hopes and dreams for them. This simple gesture can create a lasting memory.

 

 

 

 

Universal Children’s Day reminds us that children are at the heart of a brighter future. By discussing this with your primary school-aged child, you’re not only honoring their individuality but also teaching them to value the rights and well-being of children everywhere.
Let’s use this weekend as an opportunity to think more about how we can nurture empathy, celebrate diversity, and inspire a new generation of compassionate, responsible global citizens.