November 2020

Key Themes:

All Souls Day

2 November 2020

All Souls' Day or the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is celebrated widely by Christians on November 2nd, following All Saints' Day. Christians will remember deceased relatives on the day. Some believe that the origins of All Souls' Day in Europe are related to customs of ancestor veneration which is practised worldwide through events such as

the Indian Pitru Paksha, Ghost Festival in China and, Bon Festival in Japan. Bells ring on this day, as it is believed that the sound will comfort the dead and cleanse them.

Bonfire Night

5 November 2020

Every year, Bonfire Night commemorates the prevention of the Gunpowder Plot, which occurred on 5th November 1605. On this day, James I, the Protestant King was almost killed by a group of Catholic enemies. They planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, where the King and his government were.

While this Catholic group was lead by Robert Catesby, it was another man called Guy Fawkes that was caught in the cellar. Here he was found with over 30 barrels of deadly gunpowder. This is why Bonfire Night is often called Guy Fawkes Night. To celebrate his survival of the attack, King James I created this event. Referencing to Guy Fawkes, straw dummies were hung up and burnt. It’s believed James I did this to reemphasize his power: nobody could get away with hurting the King.

For their act of treason, all of the plotting group were imprisoned and were ordered for execution. However, before he could be hung, Guy Fawkes broke his neck and died in 1606.

Maths Week England

9 November 2020 - 14 November 2020

Believe it or not, some perceive maths as being a little bit elitist (that is, being only for extremely clever people)! Maths Week sets out to encourage children to pursue maths by promoting a more positive and inclusive approach. This is in order to allow children from all social backgrounds to access and enjoy the wonders of mathematics, which are many!

World Science Day

10 November 2020

World Science Day is an occasion that seeks to draw attention to the importance of scientific work and aims to engage the wider public in emerging scientific issues, like artificial intelligence or renewable energy.

A secondary aim of World Science Day is to highlight the relevance of science to how we live our lives. We are increasingly surrounded by technology and one of the aims of World Science Day is to use this to inspire people to participate in scientific activities.

Remembrance Day

11 November 2020

Remembrance Day is an annual event, where we remember all the people who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. It’s also called Armistice Day or Poppy Day.

In Britain, Remembrance Day has been a tradition since the end of the First World War. It’s also celebrated in many different countries across the globe. People from different backgrounds, cultures and religions come together to honour Remembrance Day. We remember the bravery and courage of those who fought in the World Wars on Remembrance Day. We also commemorate all those who have served in the army since, and those who are serving in the army today.

BBC Children in Need

13 November 2020

BBC Children in Need is a charity that provides grants and funding to projects based in the UK that have the aim of helping disadvantaged young people. This help comes in a variety of forms. For example, a lot of Children in Need’s work involves supporting charities that help children with their mental health. Children in Need currently supports over 3,000 projects, in communities across the UK, that aim to improve the lives of children. To support this fantastic and valuable work, each year, in November, the BBC hosts an appeal show that features appearances from celebrities and comedians in order to raise money for the charity.

Diwali

14 November 2020

Diwali - also known as the festival of lights - is a five-day celebration originating from the Indian subcontinent. One of the most popular festivals in India, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains from across the world celebrate in a number of ways. Traditionally, Diwali is a Hindu festival commemorating the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In the traditional Diwali story, their way home was lit by lamps. Paper lanterns and traditional oil lamps known as Diya are lit around people’s homes, temples and even the streets. This lighting of lamps symbolises Lord Rama’s return and the triumph of light over darkness. People also take part in ceremonies, prayer, firework displays and lively gatherings where sweets and food are served. Diwali takes place on a different date each year, according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. It typically coincides with the first new moon of October or November - the darkest night of the year.

World Diabetes Day

14 November 2020

World Diabetes Day is a global awareness day held on the 14th of November each year. It became an official United Nations Day in 2006. The 14th of November was chosen as it's the birthday of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin.

Each year there is a theme for this event, for 2018 and 2019 it was the same 'The Family And Diabetes'. The theme for 2020 is 'Nurses Make The Difference'. The aim of this year's theme is to raise awareness about the pivotal role nurses play in the life of diabetics.

Anti-Bullying Week

16 November 2020 - 20 November 2020

For Anti-Bullying Week, it’s important to discuss with children what bullying actually is. This way they can identify it if it happens in class and everyday life, and understand why it is wrong.

Bullying is any deliberate behaviour that is done to hurt or upset someone over an ongoing period of time. As such, it can happen anywhere that there are people, such as schools and places of work. Bullying can be done by an individual or a group of people in many different ways.

This includes Verbal bullying, whereby someone is hurt through vicious words, name-calling or statements.

Physical bullying occurs when perpetrators physically cause harm to another person. Resultantly, bullies can exercise control over another and gain a sense of power. This type of bullying can vary from pushing and shoving to kicking, slapping and punching. This makes it the easiest form of bullying to identify and confront.

In contrast, Cyber Bullying is one of the most challenging forms to see and prevent. When occurring through the Internet, smartphones and social media, perpetrators can remain anonymous, whilst victims could suffer in silence.

Cyber-bullying has no fixed location but instead could occur anywhere, from school property to a child’s home. In a world where social media and the use of smartphones is ever-increasing, cyberbullying deems particular importance for the protection and wellbeing of young children.

Road Safety Week

16 November 2020 - 22 November 2020

Road deaths are the biggest accidental cause of death of children and young people. Children will learn skills and attitudes to help stop them being hurt.

Bhai Dooj

16 November 2020

In order to understand Bhai Dooj, it’s important to situate it within the context of Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Lights. Lasting five days, this is a celebration of the return of Lord Rama. He was a Hindu God who spent fourteen years in exile with his wife, Sita and his younger brother, Lakshman. After his exile, Lord Rama was believed to conquer the demon-king Ravana.

In this sense, Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings and the victory of good over evil. Its name derives from deepavali, the Sanskrit word meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’. It is called this because Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman were believed to light their house with lamps in the traditional Hindu story.

Today, Hindus do the same throughout the five-day event. Lights and oil lamps are lit inside and on the outside of public buildings, (e.g. shops and schools )as well as homes. These small lights are called diyas.

World Nursery Rhyme Week

16 November 2020 - 20 November 2020

Celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood, over 4 million children from 106 countries around the world have taken part in World Nursery Rhyme Week since its launch in 2013.

World Nursery Rhyme Week was founded by Music Bugs, a company who specialises in interactive, sensory, music and singing classes for early years babies, toddlers and children, to promote the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development and education.

Universal Children's Day 2020

20 November 2020

nitially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare. Marking the anniversary of the dates when the UN General assembly adopted both the declaration and convention of children’s rights.

The convention sets out a number of children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health and education.

National Tree Week 2020

28 November 2020 - 6 December 2020

St Andrew's Day

30 November 2020

St. Andrew’s Day is a national holiday in Scotland that is celebrated with feasts and festivals on November 30 every year. It’s also Scotland’s national day, which marks the beginning of Scotland as a nation.

St Andrew is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. These countries also celebrate their own variations of St Andrew’s day on November 30. Patron saints are chosen to be special protectors or guardians over things.

Term ‘Play Plan’ 2020

Adults to have group discussions with the children

Expressive Arts and Design & Role play:

Children and Young People will be given opportunities, on a weekly basis, to explore their creative sides with role play, story telling, music and arts and crafts.

November 2020

Key Themes:

World Diabetes Day

14 November 2020

World Diabetes Day is a global awareness day held on the 14th of November each year. It became an official United Nations Day in 2006. The 14th of November was chosen as it's the birthday of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin. Each year there is a theme for this event, for 2018 and 2019 it was the same 'The Family And Diabetes'. The theme for 2020 is 'Nurses Make The Difference'. The aim of this year's theme is to raise awareness about the pivotal role nurses play in the life of diabetics.

Anti-Bullying Week

16 November 2020 - 20 November 2020

For Anti-Bullying Week, it’s important to discuss with children what bullying actually is. This way they can identify it if it happens in class and everyday life, and understand why it is wrong. Bullying is any deliberate behaviour that is done to hurt or upset someone over an ongoing period of time. As such, it can happen anywhere that there are people, such as schools and places of work. Bullying can be done by an individual or a group of people in many different ways. This includes Verbal bullying, whereby someone is hurt through vicious words, name-calling or statements. Physical bullying occurs when perpetrators physically cause harm to another person. Resultantly, bullies can exercise control over another and gain a sense of power. This type of bullying can vary from pushing and shoving to kicking, slapping and punching. This makes it the easiest form of bullying to identify and confront. In contrast, Cyber Bullying is one of the most challenging forms to see and prevent. When occurring through the Internet, smartphones and social media, perpetrators can remain anonymous, whilst victims could suffer in silence. Cyber-bullying has no fixed location but instead could occur anywhere, from school property to a child’s home. In a world where social media and the use of smartphones is ever-increasing, cyberbullying deems particular importance for the protection and wellbeing of young children.

Road Safety Week

16 November 2020 - 22 November 2020

Road deaths are the biggest accidental cause of death of children and young people. Children will learn skills and attitudes to help stop them being hurt.

Bhai Dooj

16 November 2020

In order to understand Bhai Dooj, it’s important to situate it within the context of Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Lights. Lasting five days, this is a celebration of the return of Lord Rama. He was a Hindu God who spent fourteen years in exile with his wife, Sita and his younger brother, Lakshman. After his exile, Lord Rama was believed to conquer the demon-king Ravana. In this sense, Diwali is a celebration of new beginnings and the victory of good over evil. Its name derives from deepavali, the Sanskrit word meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’. It is called this because Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman were believed to light their house with lamps in the traditional Hindu story. Today, Hindus do the same throughout the five-day event. Lights and oil lamps are lit inside and on the outside of public buildings, (e.g. shops and schools )as well as homes. These small lights are called diyas.

World Nursery Rhyme Week

16 November 2020 - 20 November 2020

Celebrating the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood, over 4 million children from 106 countries around the world have taken part in World Nursery Rhyme Week since its launch in 2013. World Nursery Rhyme Week was founded by Music Bugs, a company who specialises in interactive, sensory, music and singing classes for early years babies, toddlers and children, to promote the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development and education.

Universal Children's Day 2020

20 November 2020

Initially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare. Marking the anniversary of the dates when the UN General assembly adopted both the declaration and convention of children’s rights. The convention sets out a number of children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health and education.

St Andrew's Day

30 November 2020

St. Andrew’s Day is a national holiday in Scotland that is celebrated with feasts and festivals on November 30 every year. It’s also Scotland’s national day, which marks the beginning of Scotland as a nation. St Andrew is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. These countries also celebrate their own variations of St Andrew’s day on November 30. Patron saints are chosen to be special protectors or guardians over things.

Term ‘Play Plan’ 2020

Adults to have group discussions with the children

Expressive Arts and Design & Role play:

Children and Young People will be given opportunities, on a weekly basis, to explore their creative sides with role play, story telling, music and arts and crafts.