Early Years Theme Dates: October

As the vibrant colours of September fade, October arrives, bringing with it a fantastic opportunity to deepen the children’s exploration of nature, cultural diversity, and essential well-being concepts. For early years settings, this is a prime time to embrace the change in seasons—from collecting conkers and crunching fallen leaves to celebrating a global tapestry of festivals and awareness days.

To make it easier for you to plan fun, enriching activities that link directly to the EYFS, we’ve shared some trending dates coming up this October:

For the whole month – Black History Month
A crucial time to celebrate Black culture, history, and achievements. Introduce new books and diverse role models into your setting. You could also…

• Offer a small, sensory-friendly tasting session featuring different fruits, vegetables, or simple dishes to show children different cultures.
• Read diverse books written by Black authors or featuring Black protagonists in everyday, joyful, and aspirational roles (e.g., JoJo and Gran-Gran, Look Up! by Nathan Bryon, or stories featuring Black inventors/heroes like Mary Seacole).
• You can host a short, simple “Kitchen Dance Party” or a music session using a variety of Black musical styles like Afrobeats, Reggae, Calypso, or Jazz.
• If you are thinking of topping up your CPD, you can learn from Liz Pemberton about the latest early years resources for educators to foster inclusive and equitable environments for all children or from Dr Valerie Daniel on anti-racism as a key part of empathy and advocacy in the early years.

10 October – World Mental Health Day
A wonderful prompt to discuss feelings and emotional well-being. Use a ‘feelings board’ or puppets to help children name and manage their emotions. Alternatively, do visit our mental health resources which include:

• How to teach children emotional regulation
• How to support children through change and transitions
• How to talk to children about death
• How to support children’s self-awareness
• Supporting children’s wellbeing through creativity
• How to support children’s confidence
• How to connect with an anxious child

but also:

• How to manage stress & overwhelm
• How to prevent burnout
• Ways to improve staff wellbeing
• Self-care tips to support your wellbeing
• How to stay calm when children have tantrums

18-23 October – Diwali (Festival of Light)
A beautiful, sensory theme to explore. Create colourful Rangoli patterns, listen to the story of Diwali, and use lights in your construction or sensory play. Need some inspo? Head over to our Pinterest Diwali board for ideas!

31 October – Halloween
Embrace the fun and creativity—decorate pumpkins, make spooky potions in the water tray, and create simple costumes using recycled materials – Halloween offers incredible, enriching activities for all children.

Want more practical resources to streamline your Early Years practice? Simply sign up for a 30-day non-obligation trial of our award-winning platform, Kinderly Together – it’s free!