Mother’s Day is a memorable holiday where we show love and thanks to the amazing mothers and mother figures in our lives. But do you know how it all began?
How Mother’s Day Got Started
Mother’s Day began thanks to a woman named Anna Jarvis. In 1908, she wanted to honor her own mom, who spent her life helping others and supporting important causes. Anna believed all caregivers who nurture and raise children deserved a special day to be celebrated. She worked very hard to make this idea a reality, and in 1914, the President of the United States officially recognized the holiday.
Today, we celebrate by giving cards, flowers, hugs, and doing kind things to show our love and appreciation.
Mother’s Day is celebrated in many different ways all over the world!
In the United States and Canada, people often give flowers, cards, and small gifts to their mothers. Families frequently have a nice meal together.
United Kingdom: It’s called Mothering Sunday and is celebrated in March. Children give flowers and homemade cards, and sometimes they bake a special cake called a Simnel cake!
Mexico: Mother’s Day is a big party! Families often gather to enjoy music, singing, and delicious food in celebration of their mothers.
Japan: In Japan, children give their mothers red carnations, which symbolize love and respect.
Ethiopia: Mother’s Day is part of a large family festival called Antrosht, which includes singing, dancing, and sharing special meals.
Australia: Like in the U.S., people give flowers (especially chrysanthemums) and spend time showing appreciation for their mothers.
No matter where you are, it’s a day to say “Thank you” and “I love you” to the wonderful moms, or mother figures, who care for us!
Whether you’re a teacher planning a classroom craft or a parent looking for a surprise at home, here are some great activities to help celebrate Mother’s Day.
Make a Handmade Bouquet Card
- Fold a piece of paper in half.
- Paint the child’s hand with washable paint and press the hand onto the front of a card to create flowers.
- Add stems and leaves with a green marker.
- Inside the card, help the child write or copy:
Happy Mother’s Day! (Happy Parent Day!)
I made this bouquet with my own little hands.
I love you because______
Write a Card from a Printable Selection
Make this special celebration truly memorable by helping children create one-of-a-kind handmade cards for the amazing women who care for them! Which of the 10 open-ended cards will your kids choose to craft for their mom or exceptional caregiver? Let little artists shine as they create heartfelt keepsakes filled with love and appreciation.
Note: The same 10 card designs are also included with wording for “Mothering Sunday.“
“All About My Mom”
Create a classroom chart with student responses, invite kids to share in small groups, or design a poster answering questions like:
- What is Mom’s favorite food?
- What makes my Mom laugh?
- I love my mom because _______.
- My mom always says _______.
- My favorite thing to do with Mom is _______.
Nature Craft: Painted Rock Hearts and Flower Pots
If the weather permits, go outside and gather smooth stones or small terracotta pots. Kids can paint them with loving messages, hearts, or colorful designs.
Suggestion: Add a small plant or seeds to the pot for a gift that keeps growing!
Mother’s Day Performance
In class, or at home, organize a little show:
- A song saying “I love you” for your Mom (i.e., Skidamarink)
- Reciting a short poem.
- A group thank-you note!
Story Time + Writing
Happy Mother’s Day! Develop your child’s reading comprehension skills and practice high-frequency words with these diverse Emergent Readers! Aligned with the Science of Reading, the students may choose to cut, paste, write, draw, and/or color. As a bonus, create one of two Mother’s Day cards. Get started today! Write your own story about your mom!
Mother’s Day Coupons
Have the kids brainstorm helpful or kind things they can do, and then make a coupon to give to mom!
This coupon is suitable for:
- One BIG Hug.
- Help set the table.
- Quiet reading time together.
- Doing a chore without being asked.
- A special dance just for you!
- Help with the dishes.
- You get to choose the show we watch together!
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate love, gratitude, and connection — and it doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Simple activities can create lasting memories and teach children the joy of giving from the heart. It’s also important to be mindful of and accommodate children who have lost a mother or come from diverse family backgrounds.
