Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, marks the unofficial end of summer for many families. But beyond the BBQs and sales, do you know the real history behind this national holiday? Dive into our guide packed with kid-friendly videos, fascinating facts, and stories that bring the true spirit of Labor Day to life. Whether you're curious about the origins, the workers it honors, or how the holiday has evolved, we’ve got something for everyone. Let's explore together!
All About the Labor Day Holiday
What are We Celebrating?
Labor Day is a moment to reflect on and pay homage to the tireless efforts and sacrifices of workers that have fueled our nation's prosperity and advancement. Today, it offers an opportunity to unwind with loved ones and friends. It's recognized as a national holiday in both the United States and Canada, it falling on the first Monday of September. Many people are given this day off of work and . . . since it falls on a Monday, it means lots of people can enjoy a three day weekend!.
The History of Labor Day
Labor Day traces its origins to 1882, a period marked by grueling workdays, hazardous conditions, and scant wages for countless Americans. In response, these laborers united to establish unions—organized groups dedicated to advocating for their rights. On September 5, 1882, workers from various unions in New York City chose to forgo a day's wages, instead staging a parade to protest dire working environments and meager incomes.
Their actions culminated in the first Labor Day picnic, as many workers stayed behind to relish the day with their loved ones. Fast forward twelve years to 1894, when Congress enshrined Labor Day as a national holiday—a well-deserved tribute to the labor movement's struggles and achievements. This historical journey unveils pivotal moments such as the rise of workers' unions like the National Labor Union in 1866 and the subsequent formation of the American Federation of Labor in 1881. These milestones were punctuated by worker strikes and demands for improved pay and safer conditions, paving the way for the Labor Day we celebrate today.
Read more: How a Deadly Railroad Strike Led to the Labor Day Holiday
Help Kids Learn all about Labor Day
- Take them to work with you so they can see how hard you and other adults work everyday.
- Show them how to work around the house by giving them some additional responsibilities.
- Read books about the history behind the labor movement: PICTURE BOOKS FOR LABOR DAY: THE HISTORY OF SOLIDARITY
- Learn more about Labor Day
- Labor Day For Kids: Labor Movement History, Lesson Plan & Worksheets
- Children's Songs for Labor Day
- Living Montessori Now: Free Labor Day Songs and Educational Videos
- billboard Labor Day Playlist: 20 Songs About Working for the Man Please note: Not all of these songs are appropriate for all ages, use parental discretion
People who made a difference for workers:
- Larry Itliong
- U.S. Depart. of Labor - Hall of Honor Inductees
- The Chinese Railroad Workers from 1865 — 1869
- Mary Harris "Mother" Jones 1830?-1930
- Milton Hershey 1857-1945
- Harley Davidson
- Helen Adams Keller 1880-1968
- Henry J. Kaiser 1882-1967
- The Workers of the Memphis Sanitation Strike - 1968
- The Pioneers of the Farm Worker Movement: César Chávez 1927-1993 | Dolores Huerta
- Edward "Ted" M. Kennedy 1932-2009
- The Rescue Workers of September 11, 2001
This is a great show to watch with older kids or use for a homeschool lesson, it's all about Labor Day and the kinds of work people used to do and the machines they used. I found it very fascinating. It might be a bit long for younger kids, but you could watch it together and break it into smaller parts.
Just scratching the surface on what was happing with laborers in America up until and after the creation of this holiday. Take on these topics with your kids, choosing ones that are age appropriate.
Feeling inspired to go beyond and explore related topics?
- Industrial Revolution
- More about the Industrial Revolution
- Child Labor
- Pullman Porters
- Labor Movement
- Socialism
- Labor History Timeline: 1607 – 1999
Workers take a stand:
- The Strike That Shook America - The 1912 Bread and Roses Strike
- The Real Bread and Roses Strike Story Missing from Textbooks
- Homestead Strike: July 1892 marks one of the deadliest labor-management conflicts in our nation’s history involving Iron and Steel workers.
- Uprising of 20,000 in 1909: Yiddish-speaking immigrants, mostly young women in their teens and early twenties, launched an eleven-week general strike in New York’s shirtwaist industry.
- The 1936 Sit-Down Strike That Brought a Powerful Automaker to its Knees
- How Cesar Chavez Joined Larry Itliong to Demand Farm Workers’ Rights
- 5 Latino-Led Labor Strikes That Championed Rights for American Workers
- 10 Major Labor Strikes Throughout US History
Happy Labor Day!
