May the Force Be With You!: Celebrate Armed Forces Day May 17th 2014!

Armed Forces Day 2014 Poster from the  Department of Defense 

Be valiant and soldier on! Today is Armed Forces Day. A day when we celebrate the commitment and upstanding contributions that our men and women in uniform endorse by protecting our freedoms in the face of bodily harm, unknown peril and even death.

Thank you for all our soldiers' efforts, living and dead, who have helped make America a stronger and more resilient nation throughout our history. Without you, we would live in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated the third Sunday of every May and combines all branches of the military including the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force and our National Guard.


The following are ways that you can thank a soldier today and everyday:

• Schedule a visit to a local VA hospital. Unfortunately, many who sacrifice their lives for their country are often forgotten and lost to the traumatic effects of PTSD. A kind smile and generosity goes a long way to those in such dire need and pain.
• Volunteer for a local military family operation such as the USO.
• Hang red white and blue bunting or the American flag outside your door.
• If you see a soldier, thank him or her for his or her service.
• Read books to your children about the military. Ask your librarian to locate books which are developmentally-appropriate for your child's age. 
• Teachers can help young children whose parents are in the process of military deployment by printing out this treasure trove of exceptional  and supportive books compiled by NAEYC pertaining to military deployment: http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Military_Deploy_Resources.pdf and  Books for Military Children by the Association of the United States Army at http://www.ausa.org/resources/familyprograms/resources/readinglist/Pages/BooksforMilitaryChildren.aspx  Also, read the following poem from Apples4theteacher.com: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/armed-forces-day/poems-rhymes/my-little-smart-trooper.html
• Read the following poems from Apples4theteacher.com : 

We Stood For Freedom

by Roger Robicheau

We stood for freedom just like you And loved the flag you cherish too Our uniforms felt great to wear You know the feel, and how you care In step we marched, the cadence way The same is true with you today Oh how we tried to do our best As you do now, from test to test How young we were and proud to be Defenders of true liberty So many thoughts bind soldiers well The facts may change, not how we jell Each soldier past, and you now here Do share what will not disappear One thought now comes, straight from my heart For soldiers home, whoe done their part I honored to have served with you May Godly peace, help get you through And now I end with a request Do ponder this, while home at rest America, respect our day Each veteran, helped freedom stay ©2002 Roger J. Robicheau Armed Forces Day by Del "Abe" Jones At the urging of Harry Truman The third Saturday in May The new Department of Defense Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day". A day to Thank all the Services Who defend our air, land, and sea Who serve our Country Proudly Defending, this Land of the Free. All those young Men and Women And too, all of those "oldsters" Who march, fly, and set sail As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers. Some of them serve as "Regulars" And some just do, the weekend But all step forward, Strong and Proud When we need someone to send. The times have been a'changing And missions they are asked to Grow much more complicated Than what, they used to do. They must be Warrior and Diplomat With clenched fist or gentle touch Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry Build roads, hospitals, and such. "A Tradition of Heroes" Is what some people say And, we all owe them a, "Thank you!" On this, "Armed Forces Day"

• Visit a war museum such as the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Illinois. This museums incredibly detailed exhibits and walk-through recreations of the battle of Normandy and the sultry and terrifying jungles of Vietnam are absolutely mind-numbing and haunting. Visit their website at http://www.cantigny.org/.

Blazin' Boards: May Mother's Day Mom's Queen For a Day Bulletin Board

A royally delightful bulletin board was designed for our queenly maidens to partake in their upcoming illustrious and motherly holiday, Mother's Day! Glimmering crowns created by our royal jewelers (ahem students) to honor their upstanding and beautiful moms.

To add an extra heart-y and personalized look, my co-teacher and I added a small photo of the children and their mothers under the crowns. The crown template and cutouts were created using Cricut cartridges. Small foam heart stickers can be added to create a three-dimensional look.

Unfortunately, I cannot show a picture of this board due to privacy issues since photos of the children were used.

See my sample below:

The Heart of a Queen!: Place a photo of the child and his or her mom on heart for a more personalized look. 

Treats for Teach: Gift Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week 2014

Next Week begins Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers everywhere clamor to find deals at local retailers, restaurants, and museums during this national event.

Why celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week only once a year when teachers dispense knowledge, instill motivation, self-esteem and build confidence in students the whole year through? While we love Starbucks gift cards, which lend a pick me up at the beginning of a hectic morning, we often end up drowning in latte overload.

 Look below to see gifts that keep on giving the whole year through and maybe even years to come!

• Buy a simple picture frame with matting at a local craft or big box store. 
• Find a poem that celebrates the contribution of teachers and frame. 
• If possible, place a picture of your child inside and have them sign their name underneath. If they are unable to write, simply have them use their fingerprint and print their name underneath. 

• Ask the school principal what supplies they feel your homeroom teacher would need on a daily basis. 
• Buy a basket and fill it with the school supplies the principal suggested. 
• Wrap in cellophane and tie with a bow or curling ribbon.
• Variation: Buy a gift card from an office supply store such as Staples or a local teacher store.

• Create a cute little pencil holder by hot gluing colorful, unsharpened pencils to a ceramic pencil holder. 

Happy Teachers Appreciation Week Everyone!

Shout Out to All the Kiddos!: Week of the Young Child 2014 (April 6th - 12th)

Source of photo: http://www.naeyc.org

Yesterday, April 6, 2014, marked the beginning of The Week of the Young Child, which was founded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in 1971. This celebration brings greater awareness to the needs of young children (birth to age 8), their families, and those who work within the field to care, inspire and educate them on a daily basis. 

Many centers and associations across the country celebrate this week by holding special events and developing public displays geared toward this most precious age group. 

Our center has decided to create a display of our budding artists' artwork at at local public library. The artwork, which was entirely made by the children, will show library patrons the purity and ingenuity of young children's developing skills and artistic levels. 

Everyone who sees the art will be blown away by the cute, whimsical and energetic spirit that only the young can produce. A little paint, buttons, pizazz, and ta-da!: a masterpiece! 

Please visit the Naeyc.org website to learn more about the Week of the Young Child. 

* I am a proud member of NAEYC!*