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History for Kids: April Fool's Day Fun

 

The History

It is generally believed that April Fool's Day evolved simultaneously in several different cultures throughout the 1500's. This silly celebration has its origins in the development of the Gregorian calendar, in which the first day of spring was considered the beginning of the New Year.


The Traditions

April Fool's day is a "for fun only" holiday that requires no gifts, decorations, or special dinners. The idea is to play silly harmless pranks on others.



Celebrating April Fool's Day with Young Children

Childcare providers can observe this holiday with children by making it a day for silly fun.
  • ~ Suggest to children that they should wear their clothing inside-out or backwards.
  • ~ Create crazy hair-do's on all of the kids.
  • ~ Discuss the difference between friendly pranks and jokes that hurt people's feelings.
  • ~ Try playing a harmless prank on the kids such as placing a "wet paint" sign on a door or proclaiming that it is snowing out, when it really isn't.
  • ~ Serve mixed -up meals such as lunch food at breakfast time and breakfast food at lunchtime.

The Yolk's on You For a tricky treat, spread a spoonful of vanilla yogurt on a plate. Place a peach half on top of that and serve the kids their funny fried eggs.