Will your child be ready for kindergarten?
Will your child be ready for kindergarten?
When kids are quiet for as long as a whole minute, as parents and caregivers, we worry and rush to see what they are doing. But on Nov. 11th, the Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month, we are asked to observe 2 minutes of silence. Children are far too young to understand why but we are teaching them by our example.
Included are 2 brief videos of students, one of children’s voices of what Veterans Day means to them, and another of quotes of children about war, soldiers, and peace. There are many, many more available. How many years are they older than your preschoolers? This kind of respect and awareness does not develop over night. It comes from children’s experiences and from the model of the adults in children’s lives.
On this day, we also need to remember the why – so that we can live in peace and freedom. It is important for us to remember and to think of how we can live peacefully in the world. That’s what we think about when we have two very quiet minutes. We will remember and share with our children so that they too remember…
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1 and throughout the world there are ceremonies to remember. On Nov. 11th, we will pause to remember the service and sacrifice of veterans and military personnel. Children today are generations away from that time in history, but for some children, it’s much closer. Did you know that today in military families, about half the children are under the age of 5?… Continue Reading
And the larks, still bravely singing, fly… Today is November 11th, Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. As I watched this bird on our deck, the lines of John McCrae’s poem came to mind. Though it’s not a lark, it seemed to me that even the bird was wearing red. On this day, we honor both… Continue Reading
Even though November 11th is Monday, there may be ceremonies in some places this weekend to honor Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. Participating in community events is not just part of kindergarten readiness, it’s part of what joins all of us together. Including children where and when appropriate helps support their social awareness and development.… Continue Reading
Remembrance Day We wear a poppy to help us remember the brave soldiers who fought and are still fighting so that we can all live in freedom and peace. A poppy is to remember…
November 11 is a day to remember, a day to honor the soldiers and peacekeepers, both past and present. In Canada, people wear bright red poppies as a visual symbol and reminder. Children with their just-as-bright curiosity often ask why we wear them. Having a few pictures to go along with our explanations helps kids… Continue Reading
Social awareness and development is not just part of kindergarten readiness, it’s part of everyday. This day has special significance. Parents and teachers often look for resources to help explain Remembrance or Veterans Day to children so that it is meaningful for them. A simple place to start is with the poppy. Children already know… Continue Reading