“We are at a really critical moment for pre-K in the United States,” said Suzanne Bouffard, an education researcher and author of the newly published book The Most Important Year: Pre-Kindergarten and the Future of Our Children. This is where gratitude can be woven into the day. Holidays! Because we always do them, whether hosted by others or done on our own.

There’s a well-known phrase: “It takes a village to raise a child.” More to the point: “It takes a village to sustain all of us.” Whether cultural, religious, or personal, ritual celebrations affirm that we are not alone; that there are others who share our values, beliefs, and ideals. What do I mean by celebrations? Activities are connected to specific children and families in the group. At the end of many wedding rituals, for example, those in attendance are asked to also make a vow to support the couple in their marriage. Here is a list of ways you can bring celebrations into your classroom and teach our children that in life and learning, … Here is a list of ways you can bring celebrations into your classroom and teach our children that in life and learning, happiness and pride are great feelings to acknowledge, feel, and celebrate.Each other! They can take on many forms. Also, celebrations spark joy. We show how much we care about our families when we celebrate their birthdays; we underline how important our relationships are when we celebrate anniversaries; and when we celebrate holidays and other significant days -- such as Celebrations are in fact a brilliant and joyful way to teach your children what you believe in. A simple song and then a treat shared by the child, maybe that “treat” is a book they brought to share from home with the class.

DIY activities, tips, and weekly resources right in your inbox. Learning about holiday celebrations, especially ones celebrated by other students in their classroom, helps children to develop an appreciation and understanding for what is important to their friends, neighbors and other people they meet in the community.Parents can reinforce explaining holidays to preschoolers by reading multicultural holiday books. Celebrations are the perfect opportunity! Come harvest time, we bet your children will start to suggest little celebrations, showing you that the seeds you’re planting are taking root! Here are some good books to start with:Many adults have not had the opportunity to learn about the beliefs and cultures of other people, so take this opportunity to grow in understanding along with your child. We must teach that learning is about fun, excitement, and joy! She earned a BA with majors in English and Psychology at Amherst College, an MS in Educational Leadership at Bank Street College, and was trained to become a Forest School leader at Bridgwater College, UK. All rights reserved. Classes are led by well-trained, certified, passionate leaders from your community. Parents and Topics: We’d love to hear it! Apart from building relationship and friendship, such celebration will bring happiness and love amongst the … One benefit of reading holiday books to your children is that you will have the opportunity to explain your own beliefs and traditions and answer your child's questions. Encourage your child to participate in the various events and see her blossom into an individual with several talents. We must teach that learning is about fun, excitement, and joy! For the individual and our community, traditional celebrations mark a “before” and “after.” They are a statement that from this point on, one’s life isn’t going to be the same.