Lesson Plan
Labor Day Lesson Plan
Students will explore the history and significance of Labor Day and identify how everyday workers contribute to our community. By lesson’s end, they will explain why we celebrate and name at least three community worker roles.
This lesson builds civic awareness and gratitude for daily work. It blends social studies, literacy, and art to foster respect for community helpers and national traditions.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, hands-on sorting, and reflective drawing.
Materials
- Chart Paper, - Markers, - Pencils, - Labor Day History Poster, - Worker Role Cards, - Labor Day Vocabulary List, and - Labor Day Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and assemble the Worker Role Cards.
- Display the Labor Day History Poster on the board.
- Gather chart paper, markers, and pencils.
- Review the Labor Day Vocabulary List and Labor Day Reflection Worksheet.
Step 1
Introduction to Labor Day
5 minutes
- Ask students what they know about Labor Day.
- Introduce key terms using the Labor Day Vocabulary List.
- Show the Labor Day History Poster and briefly discuss its origin in honoring workers.
Step 2
Worker Roles Discussion
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and distribute Worker Role Cards.
- Each group discusses the responsibilities of the worker on their card.
- Have groups share one insight about why that job is important.
Step 3
Sorting Activity
10 minutes
- On chart paper, draw three columns labeled “At School,” “In Town,” and “At Home.”
- Invite groups to place their Worker Role Cards under the correct column.
- Discuss how each role supports our community.
Step 4
Reflection and Sharing
5 minutes
- Hand out the Labor Day Reflection Worksheet.
- Students draw and write about a worker they appreciate and why.
- Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
Slide Deck
Labor Day Heroes
Exploring the history and significance of Labor Day and honoring everyday workers.
Welcome the students and introduce the lesson. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about Labor Day and all the heroes who help our community!”
Today’s Activities
• Introduction to Labor Day
• Key Vocabulary
• The Story of Labor Day
• Worker Roles Discussion
• Sorting Activity
• Reflection & Sharing
Briefly walk through each step so students know what’s coming.
Key Vocabulary
Labor Day – a holiday to honor workers
Holiday – a special day we celebrate
Worker – someone who does a job
Community – a group of people living and working together
Honor – to show respect
Display the Labor Day Vocabulary List. Read each word, ask volunteers for definitions, then share the teacher-friendly definition.
The Story of Labor Day
• First parade for workers: September 5, 1882, in New York City
• Became a national holiday in 1894
• Created to honor the contributions of workers
Show the Labor Day History Poster. Explain these bullet points and ask: “Why do you think we created this holiday?”
Community Worker Roles
• Teacher
• Firefighter
• Bus Driver
• Doctor
• Farmer
Hand out the Worker Role Cards. In small groups, have students name the job and discuss what that worker does each day.
Sorting How We Work
- At School
- In Town
- At Home
On chart paper, draw three columns: At School / In Town / At Home. Invite each group to place their card under the correct column and explain why.
Appreciation Drawing
Draw a worker you appreciate and write one sentence explaining why you’re thankful for them.
Pass out the Labor Day Reflection Worksheet. Ask students to draw and write about one worker they appreciate and why.
Let’s Celebrate!
Thank you for learning about Labor Day and our everyday heroes. Don’t forget to say thanks to the people who help our community!
Congratulate students on their great work. Ask: “Who will you remember to thank this Labor Day?”
Reading
Labor Day History Poster
What Is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a special holiday to celebrate all the people who work hard every day. It’s a day to say “thank you” to workers in our communities!
When Did It Begin?
- First Parade: On September 5, 1882, in New York City, workers held a big parade with bands, banners, and marching groups.
- National Holiday: In 1894, the U.S. government made Labor Day a holiday for the whole country.
Why Do We Celebrate?
- To honor the contributions of workers—like teachers, firefighters, bus drivers, and more.
- To remember the efforts people made long ago to improve fair pay and safe working conditions.
How Do People Celebrate?
- Parades with floats, music, and cheering crowds.
- Picnics and barbecues with family and friends.
- A day off for many workers to relax before school and fall begin.
Did You Know?
• Labor Day marks the end of summer and the start of the school year in many places.
• More than half of U.S. states made Labor Day a holiday on their own before it became a national holiday.
Reading
Worker Role Cards
Use these cards to learn about different community workers. Draw a picture and write down their responsibilities.
Teacher
Picture Prompt: Draw a teacher helping students in the classroom.
Responsibilities:
Firefighter
Picture Prompt: Draw a firefighter putting out a fire or rescuing someone.
Responsibilities:
Bus Driver
Picture Prompt: Draw a bus driver driving a school bus filled with children.
Responsibilities:
Doctor
Picture Prompt: Draw a doctor caring for a patient in a clinic or hospital.
Responsibilities:
Farmer
Picture Prompt: Draw a farmer working on a farm, planting or harvesting crops.
Responsibilities:
Reading
Labor Day Vocabulary List
Below are important words we will use when talking about Labor Day. Read each word and its definition. You can draw a small picture next to each word to help you remember!
Labor Day
A special holiday to honor all the people who work hard every day to help our communities.
(Picture idea: 🎉 parade or banner)
Holiday
A day when people celebrate or rest instead of going to work or school.
(Picture idea: 🏖️ beach or picnic)
Worker
Someone who does a job to help others—like a teacher, firefighter, or farmer.
(Picture idea: 👷 person at work)
Community
A group of people who live, learn, and work together in the same place.
(Picture idea: 🏘️ houses together)
Honor
To show respect and thanks to someone for what they do.
(Picture idea: 🙏 hands or a medal)
Worksheet
Labor Day Reflection Worksheet
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________
1. Draw a Worker You Appreciate
Draw your picture in the box below. Think of someone who helps your community every day!
2. Who Is Your Worker?
Write the name of the worker you drew and one sentence explaining why you appreciate them.
Name: ________________________
3. Community Helpers List
List three workers who help our community.
4. Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
Write one sentence that tells why we have a holiday for workers.
5. How Do People Celebrate Labor Day?
Draw one way people celebrate the holiday and write a word to describe it.
Draw here:
Word to describe your drawing: ________________________