The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for providers and parents use the power of reading to teach children the real meanings behind all the holidays that take place this time of year.
This month, we paired up with providers for our #HolidayReads campaign to record and take photos as they shared stories with children about the importance of the holidays.
Glad Tidings
Our first stop was at Glad Tidings where they shared “The Perfect Christmas” by Eileen Spinelli. The children followed along as they learned that no matter how you celebrate Christmas, it's the spirit of the holiday that counts the most.
Destiny Christian Center
Emma Dragoo, Director of Destiny Christian Center, read “Light the Candle! Bang the Drum!” This fun book introduces children to the some of the many holidays celebrated by various cultures around the world.
United Day Care
At United Day Care, Mr. Austin read the children “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner and kept them engaged by encouraging them to make the same faces and sounds as the snowmen in the story.
New Beginnings Daycare
New Beginnings Daycare read their favorite holiday book “Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas” by James and Kimberly Dean. Kids rhymed along as they counted down the days.
Mitchell Early Leaning Center
Mitchell Early Leaning Center participated in our #HolidayReads with a winter favorite, “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. The kids engaged with the main character, Peter, and asked questions along the way.
Hazelwood Christian Preschool
Angie Lopez, preschool director at Hazelwood Christian Preschool, shared “Nativity Flap Book” by Kasia Dusziuk with the students. The children learned the story of the nativity and then said a prayer together afterwards.
Our family and traditions play an important role in the ways we celebrate. The holidays are a powerful learning opportunity to teach children to appreciate different traditions other families may have. Sharing stories that celebrate diversity and inclusiveness encourage empathy and open-mindedness in children.
Among the stories providers shared this month, check out our other holiday book recommendations:
“Together for Kwanzaa” by Juwanda Ford
“Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama” by Selina Alko
“A world of cookies for Santa” by ME Furman
“Too many Tamales” by Gary Soto
“Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
“10 Trim-the-Tree’ers” by Janet Schulman
“Chanukah Lights Everywhere” by Michael J. Rosen
“It’s Diwali” by Kabir Sehgal
“D is for Dreidel” by Greg Paprocki
“Letters from Santa: A Christmas Alphabet” by Katrina Streza
We appreciate all the providers that participate in our #HolidayReads and for all that they do in shaping the youth of our community.