🛠️ Labor Day
First Monday in September Grades K–5
Labor Day honors the workers who build, grow, teach, heal and keep America running. It falls on the first Monday in September.
📅 Next dates
- Monday, September 7, 2026
- Monday, September 6, 2027
- Monday, September 4, 2028
📖 The story
In the late 1800s, many Americans — even children — worked 12-hour days, six or seven days a week, often in unsafe factories. Workers joined together in labor unions to ask for fair pay, safer jobs and shorter hours.
The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. In 1894, Labor Day became a national holiday. Thanks to workers’ efforts, today we have the eight-hour workday and laws that protect children from dangerous work.
✨ Traditions
- Parades
- Picnics and barbecues
- The unofficial end of summer
- Thanking workers in our community
✂️ Activities
Thank-You Cards for Community Helpers
- Think of workers you see: bus drivers, cafeteria staff, nurses, mail carriers.
- Make a card that says what they do and thank them.
- Deliver it with a grown-up.
Job Interview Game
- Ask a family member about their job.
- Write down what they do, what tools they use and what they like best.
Labor Day quiz
When is Labor Day?
Where was the first Labor Day parade?
What did workers fight for?
When did Labor Day become a national holiday?
💭 Let’s write
What job would you like to have one day, and why?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________