World Heritage Day 2024 Teaching Resources

Bring World Heritage Day 2024 into your primary school classroom with activities, printables, and more teaching resources from the teacher team at Teach Starter!

Looking to integrate this day into your lesson plans? Read on for some history of the event and some tips from the teachers on the Teach Starter team to get you started.

What Is World Heritage Day?

World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, is an annual observance that takes place each year in April. The day was established in 1983 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1984.

The purpose of World Heritage Day is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting cultural and natural heritage sites around the world and to encourage people to visit and appreciate these sites. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage conservation and the role of heritage in shaping communities and cultures.

When Is World Heritage Day 2024?

World Heritage Day is held on the same day every year, the 18th of April. In 2024, this will be a Thursday.

Why Is World Heritage Day Held Each Year?

World Heritage Day is held to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting cultural and natural heritage sites around the world. The day is an opportunity for teachers to reflect on the value of heritage and the role it plays in shaping communities and cultures. It is also an opportunity to promote the importance of conservation efforts to our students.

Heritage sites are important not only for the people who live near them, but also for our future generations, as they are the tangible links to our past that help us understand who we are and where we come from.

What Can You Teach on World Heritage Day?

In many countries, cultural events, guided tours, educational workshops and exhibitions are organised on this day to celebrate and promote the heritage sites, but you don't have to have a heritage site near your school to participate! Consider these ideas for taking part in the 2023 event:

1. Take a virtual excursion with your students to a site or multiple sites around the world.
2. Teach about the history and significance of specific heritage sites: This could include information about the architecture, art, and cultural practices associated with a particular site, as well as the historical and cultural context in which it was built.
3. Teach students the importance of heritage conservation: This could include information about the processes and techniques used to preserve heritage sites, as well as the reasons why conservation is important for maintaining cultural diversity and promoting sustainable development.
4. Explain the role of heritage in shaping communities and cultures: Teach students how heritage sites and artifacts have shaped the identity of a community, and how they continue to shape the way people understand and experience their culture.
5. Discuss the impact of tourism on heritage sites: Talk to your class about the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism on heritage sites, as well as how to promote sustainable tourism.
6. Teach kids the role of everyday citizens in heritage preservation: Remind your students that they can make a difference too! Your lesson plan could include information about how students can get involved in heritage conservation efforts, such as volunteering at heritage sites, supporting conservation organisations, and participating in heritage-related events and activities in your community.