How to Turn Tough Times Into Fun Times, A Daycare Guide: Planning for Holidays &

Written by Clairece Feagin


Teachers and caregivers often spend vast amounts of time preparing for special occasions, particularly for holiday celebrations. In fact, preparation for some holidays consumes so much teacher time thatrepparttar children and their program are neglected, perhaps for as long as two or three weeks. This is not an acceptable practice.

Young children do not need -- or expect -- elaborate celebrations. Two- and even three-year-olds will have very little if any understanding ofrepparttar 111667 meaning of most holidays or other special occasions. They have little if any knowledge ofrepparttar 111668 customary or traditional activities associated with these occasions. Older preschoolers may remember some features of school or family observances from previous years, but their enjoyment of a celebration is not based on elaborate adult preparations.

The aspects of special occasions that children find meaningful are those activities that they themselves can participate in directly and fully. Children do need--and have every right to expect--fun, self-paced, child-centered activities every day, including special occasions and celebrations.

To Be an American

Written by Ellen M. DuBois


When I was a little girl, we stood in class with our hands held over our hearts and saidrepparttar Pledge of Allegiance. I never thought much about it as it was part of a daily 'routine'. I don't even think I comprehended what it meant.

Patriotism, until September 11, 2001, was just a word to me. I knew I loved my country and was thankful to live here, but being an American didn't evokerepparttar 111666 feelings within me that it does today.

Today, I think I know forrepparttar 111667 first time what it feels like to be an American. And I'm proud.

I am proud to be an American when I see such bravery inrepparttar 111668 face of incomprehensible disaster. I am proud to be an American when I witness strangers holding their hands out to one another and offering their hearts. I am proud to be an American when I seerepparttar 111669 American flag everywhere and I think to myself, "That's my country -- our country."

And, I am proud to be an American when I see masses of people reach out to God together in prayer. Prayer for those who have lost. Prayer for those who are assisting and breaking their backs to do whatever they can to help. Prayer for our military as they defend this great country of ours.

I can honestly say that it took this terrible disaster to make me realize, truly realize how very blessed we all are to be living in this country. It also made me feel much more connected as a nation and as a planet. I am not wishing that this tragedy ever happened, so please don't misunderstand. But, I was literally jolted from life as I knew it and suddenly realized what was at stake and what we lost. It made me valuerepparttar 111670 United States of America more than I ever have in my life.

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