Finding reading ideas for this date…
Explore Hawaiian lei traditions, civic life, rhyming stories, skyscrapers, and rhino conservation. The selected year adds its own school and space observances.
Special date
An informal literary observance on May 1 invites a closer look at nursery rhymes and oral storytelling; it is not a federal holiday.
2 reading resources
An informal literary observance on May 1 invites a closer look at nursery rhymes and oral storytelling; it is not a federal holiday.
Read passageAn informal literary observance on May 1 invites a closer look at nursery rhymes and oral storytelling; it is not a federal holiday.
Read passageSpecial date
Hawaii observes Lei Day on May 1. Traditions and meanings vary; use local Hawaiian voices and treat lei as living cultural practice, not decoration.
3 reading resources
Related collection for readers who want to explore Lei Day further.
Open collectionHawaii observes Lei Day on May 1. Traditions and meanings vary; use local Hawaiian voices and treat lei as living cultural practice, not decoration.
Read passageHawaii observes Lei Day on May 1. Traditions and meanings vary; use local Hawaiian voices and treat lei as living cultural practice, not decoration.
Read passageOn this date in history · 1931
The Empire State Building officially opened May 1, 1931. The readings cover the building and skyscraper design, then compare the landmark with the engineering behind tall buildings.
3 reading resources
Related collection for readers who want to explore Empire State Building officially opened further.
Open collectionThe Empire State Building officially opened May 1, 1931. The readings cover the building and skyscraper design, then compare the landmark with the engineering behind tall buildings.
Read passageThe Empire State Building officially opened May 1, 1931. The readings cover the building and skyscraper design, then compare the landmark with the engineering behind tall buildings.
Read passageSpecial date
Law Day is observed in the United States on May 1. Frame the topic around civic life and the rule of law, without giving legal advice.
Law Day is observed in the United States on May 1. Frame the topic around civic life and the rule of law, without giving legal advice.
Read passageSpecial date
May 1 is observed as International Workers’ Day in many countries; the U.S. Labor Day is a different observance.
May 1 is observed as International Workers’ Day in many countries; the U.S. Labor Day is a different observance.
Read passageSpecial date
May 1 is an informal conservation observance. The passages focus on rhinos and conservation rather than the day’s origins.
3 reading resources
Explore wildlife and conservation through more reading passages.
Open collectionRelated collection for readers who want to explore Save the Rhino Day further.
Open collectionMay 1 is an informal conservation observance. The passages focus on rhinos and conservation rather than the day’s origins.
Read passageSpecial date
School Lunch Hero Day is the first Friday in May. Read a conversation with a school chef to learn about the planning and work behind lunch.
School Lunch Hero Day is the first Friday in May. Read a conversation with a school chef to learn about the planning and work behind lunch.
Read passageSpecial date
National Space Day is the first Friday in May. Explore how astronauts, scientists, and engineers work together to investigate space.
2 reading resources
National Space Day is the first Friday in May. Explore how astronauts, scientists, and engineers work together to investigate space.
Read passageNational Space Day is the first Friday in May. Explore how astronauts, scientists, and engineers work together to investigate space.
Read passageMore reading for this time of year, alongside today’s special dates.
2 reading resources
Read stories about care, family, and ways to show appreciation.
Open collectionExplore plants, wildlife, and changing weather throughout spring.
Open collectionYour topic. Your level.
Have another idea for today’s lesson? Let Pico create an AI-assisted passage with questions and an illustration. Choose the topic and reading level in the creator.
Read Lei Day: A Celebration of Aloha. Find a detail about making or giving a lei. Explain what that detail suggests about the meaning of the tradition.
