Part of our Counselor’s Corner series. Click to read other posts in the Counselor’s Corner.

January 11 is Amelia Earhart Day. On January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person—man or woman—to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean. Her life came to a tragic end when she took her last flight in July of 1937, an attempt to fly around the world. She encountered weather difficulties and was not heard from again. After weeks of searching that spanned 250,000 square miles of ocean, the U.S. government ended the search. Earhart is admired for her incredible bravery and for breaking barriers for women.

Here are some ways teachers and families can celebrate the life and spirit of Amelia Earhart.

• Visit the Amelia Earhart: The Official Website for information about Earhart, including a biography, facts, photos, and links to other Earhart sites.
• Watch Amelia (2009) starring Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, and Ewan McGregor. View the official trailer here.
• Read a book about Earhart:
  • Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
  • A Picture Book of Amelia Earhart by David A. Adler
  • I Am Amelia Earhart (Ordinary People Change World) by Brad Meltzer
  • National Geographic Readers: Amelia Earhart by Caroline Gilpin
  • West with the Night by Beryl Markham
  • Who Was Amelia Earhart? by Kate Boehm Jerome
• Do an Earhart-inspired activity! The Surviving a Teacher’s Salary blog has lots of great activities that align with I Am Amelia Earhart (Ordinary People Change World), listed above, including clothespin airplanes, paper airplanes, and dramatic play—packing for an adventure.
• Make an aviator costume like the Grey Luster Girl blog did, or check out Pinterest for costume inspiration.
• Be inspired! Explore Amelia Earhart quotes on the Amelia Earhart: The Official Website or on Pinterest.
• Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison, Kansas.

I would love to hear how you marked Amelia Earhart Day. Share your stories in the comments below.

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