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As a preschool teacher, I love finding ways to help children show kindness, appreciation, and respect. One of the sweetest holidays for this is Respect for the Aged Day, or Keirō no Hi (敬老の日). It is a beautiful tradition celebrated in Japan each September.
This day is all about showing love and gratitude to our grandparents and older adults.
It’s a perfect opportunity to teach even our youngest learners about the importance of honouring the wisdom, care, and stories of older generations.
What is Respect for the Aged Day?
Respect for the Aged Day is a national holiday in Japan celebrated on the third Monday in September.
It’s a special time when families thank their grandparents and other elders for everything they’ve done, often with letters, gifts, and visits.
Even though this is a Japanese tradition, it’s a beautiful idea that we can bring into any classroom or home, no matter where we are in the world!
Children may not understand aging yet, but they do understand love and family. Talking about Respect for the Aged Day helps preschoolers:
- Practice gratitude
- Build empathy
- Learn about family roles and traditions
- Celebrate kindness and connection
Free Printable: Make a Card for Someone Special!
To help your little ones join in the celebration, I’ve created a free printable Respect for the Aged Day card.
It’s simple, sweet, and includes space for a drawing and short sentence prompts—perfect for preschool-aged children!
[Download Your Free Printable Card Below]
How to Use It:
- Talk About Grandparents or Elders: Ask questions like, “What do you love about Grandma or Grandpa?” or “Who helps take care of you?”
- Color and Decorate the Card: Let kids use crayons, stickers, or even paint.
- Fill in the Prompts: Adults can help write words like “Thank you” (Arigatou ありがとう) and “I love you” (Daisuki だいすき).
- Send or Deliver the Card: Encourage children to give their card to a grandparent, older neighbor, or special senior in their life.
Add a Book or Two!
Pair this activity with a read-aloud that celebrates grandparents or older adults, like:
Even small gestures—like a handmade card—can mean so much. By teaching children to say “thank you” and “I love you” in simple ways, we’re helping them grow into thoughtful, caring people.
Happy Respect for the Aged Day!
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