Beth Simon with assistance from chatGPT
Amelia Earhart, an aviation pioneer and trailblazing adventurer, continues to inspire generations with her courage, determination, and passion for exploration. As early childhood educators, we believe in nurturing children’s curiosity and encouraging them to dream big, just like Amelia did. On July 24, 2024, we celebrate Amelia Earhart’s birthday, commemorating her remarkable achievements and sharing her spirit of adventure with the children in our care. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to honor this fearless aviator and inspire the next generation of adventurers.
As a child I was fascinated with Amelia Earhart and her story. This will give away my age, but I used the Encyclopedia Brittanica to look her up and dog eared the pages that shared her story. I was mesmerized by such a strong, independent woman taking on the male-dominated field of aviation. Even at a young age I recognized that was not the “norm” and I idolized her for going against the grain. I must admit I was also intrigued in the mystery of her disappearance during her flight over the Pacific in 1937.
Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, and grew up to become one of the most celebrated figures in aviation history. She shattered stereotypes and defied societal norms by pursuing her passion for flying at a time when aviation was predominantly male-dominated. When she earned her pilot’s license, she became one of only 16 women in the world to have one. Earhart’s groundbreaking accomplishments include becoming the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Celebrating Amelia Earhart’s Birthday in Child Care:
Here are some engaging and educational activities to celebrate Amelia Earhart’s birthday with the children in your care:
- Storytime with Amelia: Introduce children to the life and adventures of Amelia Earhart through age-appropriate books and storytelling. Share fascinating facts about her aviation exploits and encourage children to ask questions and share their thoughts about this pioneering aviator. Check with your local library and borrow books about Amelia Earhart, planes, and aviation principles that are age-appropriate.
- Aviation Exploration: Transform your classroom into an aviation-themed adventure zone, complete with DIY paper airplanes, model airplanes, and aviation-themed puzzles. Encourage children to explore and learn about different types of aircraft and the principles of flight through hands-on activities and experiments. Have children create paper airplanes using various techniques to see which fly further or stay in the air the longest.
- Create Amelia-inspired Crafts: Foster creativity and fine motor skills by engaging children in crafting activities inspired by Amelia Earhart. From making paper pilot hats and goggles to designing miniature airplanes out of recycled materials, the possibilities are endless. Encourage children to use their imagination and express themselves through art.
- Flight Simulation: For school-age children set up a flight simulation station using age-appropriate flight simulator software or virtual reality (VR) technology. Allow children to take on the role of pilots and experience the thrill of flying firsthand in a safe and controlled environment. This immersive activity promotes STEM learning and sparks curiosity about aviation and technology.
- Reading and plotting maps: For school-age children they may be intrigued by her flight patterns or her disappearance. Teach children simple map reading skills and plot Earhart’s various flight patterns on a globe or map.
- Outdoor Adventure: Organize an outdoor scavenger hunt or nature walk inspired by Amelia Earhart’s love of exploration and adventure. Encourage children to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature while engaging in physical activity and teamwork. Emphasize the importance of courage, resilience, and perseverance, just like Amelia demonstrated during her daring flights.
Amelia Earhart’s birthday serves as a reminder of the power of courage, determination, and perseverance in pursuing our dreams. By celebrating her legacy with the children in our care, we can inspire them to embrace curiosity, explore new horizons, and dare to dream big. Let’s honor Amelia’s pioneering spirit and instill in children a sense of wonder and excitement for the limitless possibilities that await them. Happy Birthday, Amelia Earhart! Your legacy continues to soar high, inspiring future generations of adventurers.
Some resources to use in the classroom:
Amelia Earhart: Little People, Big Dreams – Read Aloud Books for Children
