Special Days Resources

Father’s Day can sneak up on us in the classroom, but it’s one of those special times where a little effort goes a long way. With a few simple activities, you can create meaningful moments that help children celebrate the important people in their lives.

In this post, grab our Fathers Day Classroom Activities as well as finding out what Father’s Day is all about. There’s also a short history of how it began in Australia, some of the symbols children will recognise, meaningful ways to teach it in the classroom, picture book suggestions, and tips to make sure every child feels included.

What is Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is a special day to recognise and honour fathers and father figures for the love, care, and support they give. In Australia, we celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September each year.

Father’s Day is not just about dads. It can also celebrate grandfathers, uncles, stepdads, foster dads, carers, and any important male role models who play a special part in a child’s life.

Why the Apostrophe?

You may notice the apostrophe in “Father’s Day.” The day belongs to fathers, which is why the apostrophe comes before the “s.” This can be a lovely teaching moment to highlight grammar in real life — comparing “Father’s Day” (singular possessive) with how the meaning would change if we wrote “Fathers’ Day” (plural possessive).

A Short History of Father’s Day in Australia

Father’s Day is celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday in September. The idea was inspired by Mother’s Day and began here in the 1930s. Families quickly embraced it, and it has been a special tradition ever since.

The very first Father’s Day, however, was held in the United States in 1910. It was started by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honour her father. He had raised six children on his own, and she believed fathers deserved a day of recognition just like mothers.

Over time, Father’s Day spread around the world, becoming an official holiday in many countries. In Australia, it has been celebrated since the 1930s, with families showing their love and thanks through cards, gifts, and time together.

Father’s Day Around the World

While Australians celebrate Father’s Day in September, many other countries mark it in June.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe celebrate on the third Sunday in June, a date chosen in the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day traditions.

In countries such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal, Father’s Day is tied to religious celebrations and takes place on March 19, which is the Feast of St Joseph.

These differences highlight how cultural and historical traditions shape celebrations around the world. Discussing this with students can open up conversations about diversity, culture, and how families celebrate in different ways.

Symbols of Father’s Day

Symbols are a great way to introduce Father’s Day to young learners. They help spark conversations and inspire art or writing projects. Common Father’s Day symbols include:

• Neckties and shirts – traditional “dad” gifts.
• Tools – representing fixing and helping.
• BBQs and food – family celebrations often include a meal together.
• Coffee mugs – personalised, everyday gifts.
• Handmade cards and crafts – treasured keepsakes made by children.

These symbols give students a way to connect the idea of Father’s Day with something familiar and concrete.

How to Teach About Father’s Day in the Classroom

Here are some meaningful ways to teach students about Father’s Day:

• Talk about gratitude and appreciation, and why it’s important to thank the people who care for us.
• Explore the history of Father’s Day in Australia with a simple story or class timeline.
• Include all family structures by giving students the choice to celebrate dads, grandads, uncles, carers, or any father figure.
• Highlight Australian traditions, such as making handmade cards or small gifts.
• Focus on kindness, creativity, and making heartfelt connections rather than expensive presents.

Picture Book Ideas for Father’s Day

Picture books are a lovely way to explore the theme of Father’s Day and to show the many different types of families. Here are a few favourites teachers often use:

1. “My Dad Thinks He’s Funny” by Katrina Germein – A funny and relatable read.
2. “Why I Love My Dad” by Daniel Howarth – Simple sentences children can connect to.
3. “Grandpa and Thomas” by Pamela Allen – Perfect for celebrating grandfathers.
4. “My Two Dads” by Anthony Browne – Inclusive of families with two dads.
5. “Shake a Leg” by Boori Monty Pryor – Celebrates culture and family connection.
6. “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney – A timeless story about love between parent and child.

These books can be used for class discussions, creative responses, or quiet reflections.

Teacher Tips for Inclusivity

It’s important to remember that not every child lives with their father, and for some, Father’s Day can be a sensitive time. A few tips to help:

• Use broad, inclusive language like “dad, grandad, or someone special.”
• Give students the choice of who they make their craft or card for.
• Focus on celebrating love, care, and family in all its forms.
• Provide quiet alternatives for students who may not want to participate.

Celebrating Father’s Day in Your Classroom

Father’s Day is a wonderful chance to help students reflect on the people who matter most to them. By choosing fun, inclusive classroom activities, sharing thoughtful picture books, and keeping the focus on family love, you’ll create a warm and positive experience for every child in your class.

To make it even easier, we’ve created ready-to-use Father’s Day resources designed for the classroom. These include writing prompts, craft templates, and display materials to help you celebrate in an inclusive and meaningful way.

Download your Father’s Day classroom resources below and save time while giving your students a memorable learning experience.