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Special Days and Holidays in November
by Jessica Friedrichs

November is Peanut Butter Lover’s Month
Peanut Butter is more than a delicious snack.  It is tied to American history as well.  Find out more about the inventor of peanut butter, George Washington Carver, who was an early African-American scientist.  Carver found many uses for the peanut, and your class can, as well.  Sponsor a peanut butter sandwich drive at your school to donate peanut butter and jelly to local shelters.  Shelters are often in need of tasty, yet nutritious, snacks for children!

Information on George Washington Carver
http://www.george-washington-carver.com/george-washington-carver/
 
Helpful Hands – note the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive!
http://www.geocities.com/HelpfulHandsjr/stories2.html
 
The Anniversary of Public Television’s Debut in 1969 was on November 3
Public Television has a long legacy of informative, educational television programming.  Have your class conduct a school survey to find out what most students are watching.  What programs on PBS appeal to students in your school?  Educate students about their television options for watching character-building shows.  Students could also create a mock TV show that follows public television’s model.  Celebrate the anniversary of “Sesame Street”, which premiered November 10, 1969, and educate children while having fun by bringing your mock TV show to another school or grade.

PBS Online – Check out the teacher resources!
http://www.pbs.org/
 
Sesame Street Online
www.pbs.org/kids/sesame
 
November 7 marks the Anniversary of the First African-American Governor Elected in 1989
L. Douglas Wilder, who was elected governor of Virginia, was the first African-American governor in U.S. history.  In light of this November's elections, examine the candidates and discuss the diversity of U.S. politicians.  How do these figures compare to the diversity statistics of the U.S. as a whole?  How can your students raise interest and awareness about elections among minority communities?

African Americans and Politics
http://afroamhistory.about.com/cs/politics/
 
Children’s Day in India is November 14
This widely celebrated holiday in India honors its children.  We can be thankful for our children and the many contributions they make to our nation.  What are students doing to better your community?  Hold a special day to honor the young people of your community! 

Learning In Deed – Youth Service-Learning Website
http://learningindeed.org/index.html
 
November 18 marks the Anniversary of South Africa’s new Constitution in 1993
After more than 300 years of white majority rule, basic civil rights were finally granted to blacks in South Africa.  What kind of character lessons does the history of South Africa teach us?   What are the current social issues in South Africa?  Connect your class to South Africa through a Peace Corps pen pal and hear first-hand what life is like!

South Africa Online
http://www.southafrica.net/
 
The History of Apartheid in South Africa
http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.html
 
Peace Corps for Students
http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/students/index.html
 
National Community Day is November 19
This holiday recognizes and promotes strong relationships between public schools and the communities they serve and helps schools develop new relationships with parents, community members, local organizations and agencies.  What better day to make a service commitment to an organization in need in your community?

National Community Education Association
http://www.ncea.com/
 
National Stop the Violence Day is celebrated on November 22
Radio and TV stations are encouraged to promote “peace on the streets” and help put an end to violence on this day .  Discuss the current state of violence in your community and the entire U.S.  Study the current conflicts in the world arena and what character lessons they hold.
 
t>Buy Nothing Day is November 29
This holiday, celebrated on the biggest shopping day of the year, is a moratorium on consumer spending and a celebration of simplicity that focuses on bringing consumer culture to a more sustainable path.  What negative character traits are associated with consumerism?  How can students participate in this holiday or share the beauty of buying nothing with others?

Ad Busters – Sponsors of Buy Nothing Day
www.adbusters.org/campaigns