Why is January the first month of the New Year?
From Mystery Doug
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScienceSocial Studies
Summary
Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "Why is January the first month of the New Year?" -- and follows the clues. January starts the year because of an old Roman calendar choice -- the month was named for Janus, their god of beginnings. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "Why is January the first month of the New Year?"
- What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
- What surprised you most about calendar, or what did you already know?
- What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: calendar, Roman, month.
Try it: Explain the answer to "Why is January the first month of the New Year?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.