What is Pink Shirt Day? Through some research I found that Pink Shirt Day originated in 2007 in Berwick, Nova Scotia, when David Shepherd and Travis Price intervened after witnessing a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In solidarity, they distributed 50 pink shirts to their peers, igniting a movement that has expanded into a national campaign against bullying. Now, Pink Shirt Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of February in Canada and other countries. This year, Pink Shirt Day falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The theme is “Let Kindness Grow”, encouraging individuals to nurture empathy and inclusivity, much like tending to a garden
So why exactly is Pink Shirt Day celebrated in Canada? “Pink Shirt Day is celebrated to address the pervasive issue of bullying in schools, workplaces, and online spaces. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for others, fostering empathy, and creating supportive communities. The day empowers individuals to reject bullying behaviors and promote positive interactions through acts of kindness” (“Pink Shirt Day Canada February 26, 2025”).
How can I get involved with Pink Shirt Day during my final practicum? During my final practicum, I plan to teach students in K-3, as I have primarily taught intermediate classrooms. This will be a great opportunity to incorporate a brief unit leading up to Pink Shirt Day. I would love to use the books “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids” by Carol McCloud and “The Original Warm Fuzzy Tale” by Claude M. Steiner. These were books that were frequently used during my elementary years, and they are wonderful ways to show how small acts of kindness, empathy, and positive interactions can create a happier world.
I would have students create small buckets to hang on the wall, serving as pockets. Within these pockets, they could fill them with “warm and fuzzy” thoughts to brighten each other’s day, demonstrating kindness throughout the class. I still have some warm and fuzzies from my classmates, and I find them both nostalgic and heartwarming. Ensuring that students know our classrooms are welcoming and safe environments is essential, as some may find the classroom community to be a refuge if their home lives are difficult. It is vital that every student feels safe at school. Furthermore, I would love to encourage students to wear pink and engage in discussions about bullying prevention.
Overall, I find it highly important to create a unit plan surrounding Pink Shirt Day, especially at a primary age. At this stage in their development, young students are forming foundational social skills and learning how to interact with others in positive, respectful ways. Pink Shirt Day provides a unique opportunity to reinforce the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity in an engaging and meaningful manner.
Works Cited:
“Pink Shirt Day Canada February 26, 2025.” NWZToday, www.nwztoday.com/february/pink-shirt-day-canada-february-26-2025/. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
“Pink Shirt Day Canada.” Pink Shirt Day, https://pinkshirtdaycanada.ca. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
“Pink Shirt Day in Ontario: When and How to Take a Stand Against Bullying.” GTAChronicle, 24 Feb. 2025, www.gtachronicle.com/news/pink-shirt-day-in-ontario-when-and-how-to-take-a-stand-against-bullying/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.