Labor Day Unit Study and Printables

Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September, and for some people, it marks the beginning of a new school year with school starting the next day. While, for others, it’s just another holiday. But, what does Labor Day mean and why do we celebrate it? Enjoy this mini unit study and don’t forget to download your free 20-page Labor Day printable set at the bottom of the page!

Labor Day Books to Read

Of course, everyone knows the best way to learn is to read! Visit your local library to find these and other books, or add to your home library by purchasing these books through our affiliate link below.

Things Kids Should Know About Labor Day by Educational Parade
The Story of Labor Day: Learning About The Workers’ Holiday by Chris Art Aferd
The Amazing History of Labor Day – The Day That Celebrates America’s Workers by Peter Stevens
A Labor Day Hooray by Dee Smith
Who Started the Labor Day Celebration? by Baby Professor
How to Draw Professions and Occupations for Kids by Shirley Shirley

Timeline of Events

In fact, a study of Labor Day wouldn’t be complete without first looking at how it became a national holiday!

September 5, 1882 – First Labor Day celebration (even though this was a Tuesday)
1884 – In this year, it was decided that Labor Day would be held on the first Monday of September.
1885 – With the rise in industrial workers and an increase in labor organizations, Labor Day was celebrated.
1894 – Labor Day became a federal holiday.

Celebrating Labor Day With Kids

Today, Labor Day is celebrated with parades, picnics, family gatherings, barbeques, and fireworks. Of course, for some, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. And many adults also enjoy a day off from work. Looking for some other fun ways to celebrate this holiday? Perhaps one of the following Labor Day activities will be suitable for your family:

Plan a factory tour. In fact, Labor Day got its start by paying homage to all workers, but in the 19th century, most hard laborers were involved in the factory scene in some way. Help your students understand what goes on in a factory by giving them a tour of a one that’s local to you.
If possible, plan ahead when buying gifts and purchase American-made products. This helps support the laborers in America, many of whom would be out of a job if the demand declined drastically. You can take this a step further by making sure most or all of your regular purchases are from American-made companies.
Honor those who work to keep us safe. Looking for something to do on Labor Day for kids? Not everyone has Labor Day off from work. Included among those who don’t would be firefighters and police officers. Let them know you’re thinking about them on this day by baking up some goodies to take to them on Labor Day!
Go on a Flag hunt! Take a walk or drive around your town and see how many American flags you can find. Visit the post office, police station, city hall, and more. Draw a map of your town and keep track of where and how many you find.
Attend or host a White Party! Traditionally, fashion gurus tell us not to wear white after Labor Day. Before you pack up anything that breaks the rules, celebrate the end of summer with an all-white-attire party. Check the local restaurants and community centers to see if someone is having one you can attend but if not, why not throw one yourself?
Make your own career-focused unit study. Since Labor Day is about celebrating those in all professions, choose a profession that piques your children’s interest and celebrate it by creating a mini unit study revolving around that profession. Start by going to the library to gather books on the chosen profession and be sure to bookmark any YouTube videos that are related. If you want to take it further, see if you can visit a person in that profession and bring your family along for a tour of his or her workplace.

Labor Day Snack Ideas

Whether you’re having a family and friends cookout to celebrate or it’s just another homeschooling day in your house, get the kids involved and make a fun USA-themed appetizer or dessert.

Make a charcuterie board with your meat and cheeses in the shape of an American flag. Line them up in rows for the stripes and use a small star-shaped cutter for your cheese.
Make a red, white, and blue cheesecake. After slicing up the cheesecake, decorate each piece with blueberries, and strawberries or raspberries.
Bake cookies and decorate them with a patriotic- or even career-themed!
Make red, white, and blue fruit tarts.
As it is the unofficial end of summer, bake an apple pie, peach pie, or better yet, make some homemade ice cream!