Learning Through the Days of the Year
There are historic, important, and even fun and silly events to commemorate nearly every day of the year. You can use some of these dates to boost your young child's knowledge of the world in a fun and playful way. We have compiled information, books, websites, lessons, DVDs, and other resources to help you do just that in our Universal Preschool Learning Calendar.
Here is a sample of what you will find for the month of April...

April Learning Calendar
2 — Hans Christian Andersen Day!
The Danish fairy-tale writer, poet, and novelist, was born in 1805. This is a perfect day for reading some of his beloved children's stories including:You'll find a full collection of tales in The Classic Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen that will introduce your children to the magical world of wonder and unforgettable characters.
Don't forget to watch the, "The Hans Christian Andersen Collection," starring Lynn Whitfield and Stephanie J. Block on DVD.
8 — Draw a Picture of a Bird Day!
It's Spring and the birds are singing and busily building nests. Go for a walk and count the birds you see. Try to identify some of them. Listen to their songs. Show your preschooler how to build a bird feeder or make an edible nest — you'll find directions on our Springtime Activities page. Then use these instructions that explain how to draw a bird using simple shapes like circles and triangles. Try it — you can do it!15 — Leonardo Da Vinci's Birthday!
Da Vinci was born in 1452. This Renaissance artist painted Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, invented the diving bell, and designed an airplane, helicopter, parachute, and more. You can show your preschooler some of Da Vinci's works and inventions in books designed for children. They may not understand it all — and that's okay. You are simply introducing them to the man, his artwork and ideas. Here are two books that may be useful:- Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities by Janis Herbert
- Leonardo da Vinci by Diane Stanley
Then, to really celebrate the life of this great artist — PAINT! Put on a smock, set up the easel, get out the brushes and paints and have some fun! Once your little da Vinci has created his or her masterpiece — hang it on the wall for all to enjoy.
22 — Earth Day!
Today is a day to talk about environmental issues, including protecting the health of our planet through recycling, water conservation, keeping the air clean, and preserving all living species and their habitats. There are lots of events taking place today in communities everywhere. Check out this directory to find an Earth Day event near you that your whole family can enjoy.Check out this resource too:
- Kaboose — Earth Day has all kinds of activities, coloring pages, crafts, and recipes that you can do with your young children to boost environmental awareness.
25 — World Penguin Day!
Most kids are fascinated by penguins and today is a day set aside to appreciate and learn more about them. That's because penguins start their annual northward migration on or around April 25th of each year. Here are some ideas for celebrating:- Dress like a penguin! Wear black and white.
- Penguins are natives of Antarctica. Show your child where Antarctica is on a globe. Penguins are also found in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Visit a penguin! Your local zoo may have a penguin exhibit.
- Watch a movie about penguins! Two recent hit films include the animated Happy Feet and the documentary March of the Penguins.
Your child may also enjoy these books about penguins:
- Penguins by Liz Pichon
- 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental
- Penguin Chick by BettyTatham
- The Emperor's Egg by Martin Jenkins
- Antarctic Antics: A Book Of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra
- Penguins (Smithsonian) by Seymour Simon
That's just a taste of the entertaining and engaging resources that will help you boost your young child's knowledge of the world in this outstanding activity book and time-saver! Order your copy today - here's how:
New! Universal Preschool's Learning Calendar!
Fun, Easy Activities & Time-Saving Resources - Get a full 12-months of learning just for the little ones!
"If you are the parent of a preschooler - you need this calendar! It will save you hours of research and provide dozens of innovative activities, lessons, and teaching ideas that are just right for children ages 2-5!"
Note: If your preschool-age child has older siblings at home, you may be interested in our comprehensive DVD Schooling Calendar with learning suggestions for every day of the year.