November 20, 2015 by toddletowne2015

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A focus on families and homes will give us lots of opportunities to learn this month! We will count the members of each child’s family and graph the largest and smallest families. We will explore different family relationships and responsibilities, compare different homes, and become acquainted with the buildings and people that make up our neighborhoods.

Seasons and holidays provide the spice in our curriculum and the month of December is full of holidays. The Christian religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ is celebrated on the 25th. Hanukkah, the Jewish religious holiday commemorating the miracle of the lasting oil is observed this year from December 10– December 18, Kwanzaa is an African American cultural celebration observed December 26 –January 1. Of course, the secular Christmas with Santa Claus, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, candy canes, Christmas trees, and gift-giving is a combination of fact and fantasy and holiday customs from throughout the world and is celebrated throughout all of December (and November and a good part of October).

Although there is much that is different about these various customs, beliefs, and different holiday celebrations — there is also much that is similar. All include generous gift-giving, an emphasis on helping others, symbolic candle lighting, and family feasting. It is these similarities in the holidays on which TTLC will focus during the coming month. We hope that you will join us in taking the opportunity to channel some of your child’s enthusiasm into constructive and educational activities. Whether you call it a Christmas tree or a Kwanzaa bush, we will work on identifying colors and shapes as we decorate it. Candles will be counted, and wrapping gifts will provide problem-solving experiences as well as challenging fine motor control. This month looks like lots of fun and learning at Toddle Towne!