Welcome to our October guide!
This is an all you need to know guide filled with seasonal activity ideas, ways to develop learning at home, storybooks to share and so much more.
Let’s jump straight into our October Guide for Parents.
About October
October is the 10th month of the year!
It’s when autumn is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere but when the Southern experiences spring.
It has 31 days and some amazing events offering wonderful learning opportunities for your little one, which we explore below.
Fun facts about October
October actually kept its name from the old calendar, when it was the 8th month of the year – ‘octo’ meaning 8 comes from Latin & Greek.
The flower for October is the Pot Marigold.
The Anglo-Saxons called October ‘Winterflylleth’, referring to the first full moon of the month as the start of winter.
In the UK October marks Black History Month. The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987.
It was arranged by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984.
October was chosen partly because it's traditionally a time when African leaders gather to talk about important issues, and partly because it was at the start of the school year.
Halloween, which takes place on October 31st has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain. A Pagan celebration when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
Events
Black History Month
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Harvest Festival
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The Big Draw Festival
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2nd - 4th – Rosh Hashanah
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4th – World Animal Day
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4th – World Smile Day
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4th – 10th – World Space Week
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5th – World Teachers’ Day
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6th – Grandparents Day
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6th – National Badger Day
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10th – World Mental Health Day
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11th – 12th – Yom Kippur
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14th – 20th – Recycle Week
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15th - Shwmae Su'mae Day
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16th – World Food Day
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16th – 23rd – Sukkot
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19th – World Singing Day
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21st – Apple Day
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27th – Clocks go back
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29th – 3rd Nov – Diwali
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31st – Halloween
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Click here for trick or treating safety tips.
31st – Day of the Dead
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Recipes to try this month
Fun Activities
Children's Books
Additional Resources
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