HAPPY UMBRELLA DAY!

National Umbrella Day is celebrated across the nation each year on February 10th. On this day, we honor one of the world's most useful inventions, the umbrella! Not only does the umbrella help keep us dry from the rain, but it also protects us from the heat of the sun. Umbrellas can also be used as a fashion accessory.

Who thinks of silly holidays like Umbrella Day?  But did you know that you could actually "entice" children to read with an umbrella?  Next rainy day place a large golf umbrella in a corner of the classroom. Put some popular books under the umbrella and explain that two children at a time can get under the umbrella and read together.

What else?

Vocabulary 
Introduce other names for umbrellas, such as parasol and brolly (British).

Brainstorm 
What are some different types of umbrellas? (paper cocktail umbrellas, patio umbrellas)
 
What are some different uses for umbrellas? (shade on a sunny day, cane, carry things, protection)

Writing
Write 4 facts about umbrellas.
 
Write how you would feel if you were an umbrella.

Art 
Let children use the scrap box to design their own umbrellas.

P.S.  Tomorrow is "Don't Cry over Spilled Milk Day."  Discuss what that statement means and encourage the children to give examples.