The month of December can feel like a whirlwind. As educators, we often think about how to approach holidays in our classrooms this time of year. Three major holidays are highlighted this month—Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah—but culturally, we know that so much more is at play in the lives of the children in our care and in the world at large. If all of the children in your setting celebrate the same December holiday, then you may simply embrace it and move along. However, for more diverse groups, it may be a struggle to know what to do—to know what families would like for you to do. Before promoting any holiday in your setting, it is best to talk with families and caregivers about their preferences. You might also consider taking an anti-bias education approach, which seeks to promote fairness and inclusion in school settings by offering alternative and informed approaches to celebrating mainstream holidays. Here are 5 examples to consider: Continue reading
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears Read-Aloud
And the Benefits of Classic Fairy Tales
by Katie Brazerol
Classic stories and fairy tales have long been passed down from generation to generation. Stories such as “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” and “The Three Little Pigs” are well-known all around the world. Recently, however, classic stories have come under scrutiny for being violent or inappropriate for children. While original versions of traditional classics often have disturbing endings, many authors have done a fantastic job retelling the original stories so the events and outcomes are less harsh—without compromising the moral or the flow of the story.
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10 Great Ways to Enjoy the Library
by Judy Mullican
Have you visited your local library lately? Modern libraries are bright, cheerful places that offer an amazing array of services and activities. Here are ten great ways to enjoy your library:
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Celebrating NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child
by Katie Brazerol
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) will be celebrating the Week of the Young Child, and we want to join in! Find ways to celebrate your youngest learners with the following suggestions. For more information, ideas, and resources, please visit naeyc.org/woyc.
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20 Things to Do before Summer Ends
by Katie Brazerol
I was approached by a child care provider in my neighborhood, and she said she’s been struggling this summer to find things to do to keep the children in her care, especially the older ones, from fighting and exclaiming, “I’m bored!”
Although most of us look forward to summer, the change in routine can be tough on children. The structure of the day is often more relaxed creating a challenge for children who become bored easily. Here is a list of 20 activities to try:
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