What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time is probably the day that you dread (or look forward to?) in the spring of each year!
This is the day when people move their clocks forward (spring forward!) to allow for more daylight during the day.
In fact, it occurs on the second Sunday of March every year at 2AM. Daylight saving time starts then, but it continues until the first Sunday of November each and every year.
The History of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time was first introduced in the United States in 1918. The purpose of this day was intended to save on fuel costs during the First World War by adding an extra hour of sunlight to the day. It was even first known as “war time”! This new law also gave the federal government the ability to set up 5 different time zones across the country.
Daylight saving time is the federal law that was once called the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This law said that there was one time on a certain date when states needed to move their clocks to a certain time. States in the United States were actually given the option not to observe this holiday and to stay on standard time instead; the only two states that chose this option were most of Arizona and Hawaii.
Daylight Savings Time: Save It or Not?
There has been a big debate in recent years whether this day should stick around…or not! As you’ve probably experienced yourself, this day might come along with some pros but also some cons.
Congress is even considering the Sunshine Protection Act- a bill that would establish daylight saving time year round. More than half of the United States show that they would support this bill!
Fun Facts about Daylight Saving Time
- Many people incorrectly call this holiday Daylight Savings Time, but it is actually called Daylight Saving Time. I even had to catch myself a few times as I was writing this post!
- Many TV stations and companies dislike this daylight saving time because the number of people that watch TV decreases in the spring when this day occurs.
- However, other stores and companies most likely appreciate this observance because there is usually an increase in people buying more things during daylight saving time!
- Daylight saving time is also associated with lower levels of crime.
Daylight Saving Time Activities
- Make your own clock with a paper plate, paper, a brad, arrows, and scissors. You can discuss daylight saving time with your child and have them move the time on their clock to visually see what his holiday is all about!
- Take advantage of the extra hour of sunlight by playing outside longer! What can you do with more sunlight that is harder to do throughout the colder and darker months?
- Have a debate with your child, have them draw pictures, or have them write a paper, about if they are FOR daylight saving time or AGAINST daylight saving time. What reasons can they think of to support their opinion?
- There are lots of books that help to explain this holiday to kids! Here are some of our suggestions to check out: Daylight Saving Time For Kids!: Why in the World Do We Turn Our Clocks Forward? An Easy-to-Read Children’s Book by Brian Smith / Once Upon a Daylight Saving Time by R.E. Skibiski / The Lost Hour: A Grand Globetrotting Adventure with Six O’Clock & Friends by Nicola Pearson
Whether you are eager about this daylight saving time or not, your child can learn more about it with Dailies! Go to dailiespods.com to sign up for your child’s one-time class offered to enrich about this holiday.
By: Jennifer Blanchard
