Welcome to the National Non-Fiction Day 2011 website. Here you can find information about great non-fiction books, authors and free resources for you to use at home or in the classroom. Find out more about National Non-Fiction Day…

This month

May 2012

Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 17 Friday 18 Saturday 19 Sunday 20
Share a Story Month

Share a Story Month

Throughout May promote books and stories to your children with this year’s events. More details at www.fcbg.org.uk
Day of Families

Day of Families

Today is the UN’s International Day of Families. Invite your children to think about and discuss their family and friends. Find great activities and resources about families on our website.
First Academy Awards ceremony

First Academy Awards ceremony

On this date in 1929 the first Academy Awards, or ‘Oscars’, were handed out in Hollywood, California.
National Smile Month

National Smile Month

Annually, between May and June, the BDHF organises this campaign. Find out more at www.national smilemonth.org
Fruity Friday

Fruity Friday

Get healthy with a fruit-themed event today! Find out about what’s happening in your area at www.wcrf-uk.org
Start of Olympic torch relay

Start of Olympic torch relay

The London 2012 Olympic Games build up begins today as the flame starts its journey from Land’s End.
The Sun

The Sun

The Sun newspaper was published for the first time on this day in 1964. Talk to the children about issues involved in newspaper journalism, such as bias. Should they believe everything they read?

May 2012

Monday 21 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 Thursday 24 Friday 25 Saturday 26 Sunday 27
World Day for Cultural Diversity

World Day for Cultural Diversity

Proclaimed by the UN in 2001, this event is the perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of respecting all cultures. Visit the UN website for more information. Plus, check out our activities and resources linked to promoting cultural diversity.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The world famous flower show begins today at the Royal Hospital in London and ends on 26 May.
World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day

This awareness day aims to raise the profile of the endangered turtle. Use our resources to discuss the plight of endangered animals with your class, and what we can do to help protect them.
The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge

On this day in 1883, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic. Take a virtual tour of New York.
_Star Wars_ released

_Star Wars_ released

On this date in 1977, the first feature film in the series, Star Wars: A New Hope, received its release in the US. Check out our space-themed activities and resources.
UK Fuel Rations End

UK Fuel Rations End

On this day in 1950, the petrol rationing of World War II came to an end.
The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge

On this day in 1937, San Francisco’s famous bridge opened.

May 2012 / June 2012

Monday 28 Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 Thursday 31 Friday 01 Saturday 02 Sunday 03
Sir Francis Chichester Arrives Home

Sir Francis Chichester Arrives Home

On this day in 1967, Sir Francis Chichester became the first man to sail single-handedly around the world. On-line resources
Everest Conquered

Everest Conquered

On this day in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men to climb Mount Everest. Check out our mountains-themed activities and resources.
Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens

The Flemish Baroque painter died on this date in 1640, aged 62. He was renowned for his portraits and history paintings that were popular throughout Europe.
Big Ben

Big Ben

London’s famous clock rang out for the first time on this day in 1859.
Walk to School

Walk to School

Time to order your 2012/2013 Walk to School resources today from www.walktoschool. org.uk. org.uk
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Celebrations begin to mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with an extended weekend until 5 June. Find great resources at education. scholastic.co.uk
Marriage of abdicated King Edward VIII

Marriage of abdicated King Edward VIII

On this day in 1937, the Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII) married Wallis Simpson, the divorcee who he abdicated the throne to marry.

June 2012

Monday 04 Tuesday 05 Wednesday 06 Thursday 07 Friday 08 Saturday 09 Sunday 10
First recorded solar eclipse

First recorded solar eclipse

On this day in 781BC the first record of a solar eclipse was made, in China.
World Environment Day

World Environment Day

Invite your children to think about positive changes they can make to the world. Take a look at our activities and resources on this theme.
Troops land on Normandy’s beaches

Troops land on Normandy’s beaches

On this date in 1944, British troops began their invasion of occupied France. Have a look at our WWII resources.
UEFA Euro 2012 kicks off tomorrow!

UEFA Euro 2012 kicks off tomorrow!

The summer of sport in 2012 continues with this European football tournament that opens on 8 June. Discover lots of useful resources and great activity ideas to support your planning in Scholastic’s online resource bank: education.scholastic.co.uk
World Ocean Day

World Ocean Day

Raising awareness of the importance of oceans. Find out more. A wide range of resources are available on-line including The Oceans and Using Oceans.
Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens

The British novelist died on this date in 1870 at the age of 58. His famous works include Oliver Twist.
First University Boat Race (1829)

First University Boat Race (1829)

On this day in 1829, the first of the famous boat races between Oxford and Cambridge was held. (Oxford won.)

View the full month's calendar.