The website that I have been researching and
following is the National Association for the Education of Young Children
website www.naeyc.org. I have learned a lot
from the NAEYC website over the last several weeks.
While searching the website I found a very
interesting article titled “Anti-Bias Education: Holidays and Fairness” this
article discusses how to make decisions about incorporating the holidays,
Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween into your curriculum and classroom
routine during those times of year. There are links detailing how to deal with
each holiday and what to consider when choosing activities to include in your
classroom and program.
I found this link very helpful. During the holidays
I enjoy celebrating with my students, but also understand that there are religious
and cultural differences that I need to respect. I want everyone to have a good
time and feel valued and included. This article gave me some great ideas. I
enjoy utilizing the NAEYC website because the resources are extremely credible
and there is an endless amount of them.
References
Hello April! Your article sounds very interesting! One year I had a Jehovah's Witness family that didn't celebrate holidays. It was much easier for me because the parents chose to keep the child at home when certain holidays fell. But my concern was that what would I have done if the parents decided to bring the child but wouldn't want them to participate in activities! How would I compensate for this family? What about families who do celebrate, you wouldn't want to end celebrations for all......so how do you make things comfortable and fair for that family would be my question!! It seems as though this article can provide many answers!! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteHello April! That is a great article. I like the NAEYC website because it has so many great resources for parents, families and teachers. I enjoyed celebrating holidays in the classroom. I had a child in my classroom once and her family did not celebrate Christmas. It was very hard for the children being in public schools. She was the only one in the classroom so she was always telling her mom what she wanted for various holidays such as Christmas. Her mom still allowed her to come to school and "kind of" participate. But she also explained to the children the differences, especially the oldest children. Great information.
ReplyDeleteMarquita Moore-Raynor
Hello April,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a very interesting link! I currently work in a private Christian center so other than our director not wanting us to celebrate Halloween, celebrating other holidays has never been something on my radar. The director allows costume parties that are not to be had on Halloween, but even with those, she does not allow any witches or demons. I will be moving in mid-August and looking for a new job in NYC. I am almost positive it will not be in a private, Christian center and so I think I will be looking more at the NAEYC website for their links to ideas! Thanks for the links and the info!
Krista
Dear April,
ReplyDeleteI am happy you are enjoying the NAEYC website. You should consider becoming a member. I am and along with having access to all the articles from the various conferences conducted; I receive a text every quarter that helps me and build my personal library as it relates to early childhood care and development. The most recent text I received was Children's Play The roots of reading' I love it!
Debbie