Whether you would like to teach about the meaning of Ayyam-i-Ha during a community party, a children’s class, in your child’s school, or at home, here are some ideas to use with young children.
Some ideas include:
- Create a “Family Ayyam-i-Ha Book” with a quotation about Ayyam-i-Ha and adding photos of what your family has done in the past on the days of Ayyam-i-Ha (add to this book every year!)
- Draw pictures or make a collage about things you can do to provide good cheer to people
- Cut out pictures of people in the newspaper and talk about how Ayyam-i-Ha is a time to celebrate community and do good things for neighbors
- From Soonjin – We made tissue flowers with a card attached that said “How may I serve you?” The kids were supposed to give the flower to someone.
One mother, Bita, shared how she sent a letter home for the families of her child’s classmates, printed on festive colored paper.
Dear parent,
Your child’s classmate, (Child’s name), and his family are members of the Bahá’í Faith.
The Bahá’í calendar has nineteen months of nineteen days (361 days) and four extra days added (five in leap years) to equal a solar year of 365 days. These extra days are called Ayyám-i-Há (or Intercalary Days) and are devoted to hospitality, feasting, charity and gift giving.
Bahá’í children around the world enjoy celebrating these special days with their friends between February 26th and March 1st. (Child’s name) is very excited to be able to share this celebration with his classmates today.
Sincerely,
Your name (mom of “Name of your child”‘)“Ye are the fruits of one tree, the leaves of one branch.” – Baha’i Writings
She then prepared a little goodie bag for each child along with a Baha’i verse, which included a small eraser, notebook, and a treat.
Some other ideas for sharing in classes include:
- Make cupcakes to share with friends (you can even make special Ayyam-i-Ha cake toppers like these)
- Offer coloring sheets based on virtues (such as these)
- Decorate nine-pointed stars with glitter and a Baha’i verse such as, “O God, guide me, protect me, make of me a shining lamp and a brilliant star.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayers, p. 36)
Do you have more ideas for how you can teach children about the meaning of Ayyam-i-Ha? Please share your photos and comments below!
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