Lunar New Year 2019: Year of the Pig

February 5, 2019 marks the first day of the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year.  The holiday begins on the night of the first new moon of the year and continues for the next several days, as the moon gets fuller.  For this reason, the holiday can occur in January or February, depending on the year and phase of the moon.  During this time, people celebrate with family by decorating their homes, eating special foods, and attending festivals.  They also do lots of cleaning, as this time of year marks the arrival of spring, and springtime is known for renewal.

Understanding Difference

Child development researchers have found that children become aware of difference from an age much earlier than we anticipate. Some studies have found that children as young as three months old prefer the company of individuals from their own ethnic group, and according to Penn State University’s Better Kid Care, children start to notice gender and racial differences at the age of two.

Vibrant and Sweet: Celebrating Diwali

Not Halloween: An Introduction to Dia de los Muertos

Introduction and Background:

Promoting Play Through Independent Activity Centers

Children benefit from choosing and freely exploring materials in interactive learning centers throughout your setting. Providing a space that encourages children to explore, interact with others, and use critical thinking skills without constant adult direction allows them to gain independence. Children can use independent activity centers during free play or as transition activities while waiting for others to finish a task.