Thanks for all you do each day to support and teach children in your care. I am grateful for the child care professionals that truly make a difference in a child’s life each day. Also there is a great appreciation for the ones that are providing care while our nurses, medical professionals police, fire fighters, military, retail employees and many others are working during this holiday time. Thanks for all you do!
One of the best ways to honor our military is to have the children in your care write a letter, draw a picture, or send something to a solider they have made. It all depends on the age group as to the best activity. In my area there are two military bases and what a great way to put a smile on a soldier’s face. There are many resources available for ideas to celebrate Memorial Day. One site I have enjoyed is The Preschool Toolbox Blog. It provides educational learning and play for children 2-7. Let me know if you use any of the ideas.The Preschool Toolbox
Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to remembering those who died while serving in the U S armed forces. It’s observed on the last Monday of May every year. It started after the Civil war in commemoration of the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. It is formerly called Decoration Day. This is the day that the nation decorates the graves of those that died during wars with flowers, wreaths and flags. It is a tradition for the President or Vice President to lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Major General John A. Logan pronounced that the first Memorial Day should be celebrated on the 30th of May.
It is believed that May was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The 20th century was when Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30 years until in 1971, when Congress declared the last Monday in May as Memorial Day and a federal holiday. It is not only a day to remember those that died serving this great nation; it is also the unofficial start of the summer season, and grilling season.
The United States celebrate those that laid their lives down for the peace of the land. We also appreciate the families of the U S armed forces, you find home in a strange land even when you were far away from home. When their food is totally different from yours, you found a balanced diet in it, for the sake of the United States.
Memorial Day may be difficult for your children that have family members that are deployed or have lost a parent. Find ways to honor the military and plan some activities so all your children will learn more about the military and this special holiday.
Thank you to all the MEN who stepped up to be DADS 🙂
Men that have chosen the child care profession can be great role model for children, especially for those that may not have a dad at home. For the military children they may have their dad deployed and you may be the only man they have in their life. Thanks to all the men that have chosen to be child care professionals. We applaud you.
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
Maya Angelou
Introducing new topics is important for children and sometimes a daunting task for providers. Memorial Day can be a little difficult to talk about. I have reviewed some books to encourage conversations on this day for honoring those people who lost their lives serving our country. I commend each of you for serving all children, but especially those that are working daily with our military families. The families serving our country are so important and sharing through stories can help children learn more about this important holiday. It can also provide a greater understanding for children of non-military families to learn more about others in their classroom. I encourage you to plan some activities this week with Memorial Day as the theme.
Babies and Toddlers
Dear Baby, I’m Watching Over You by Carol Casey and Mark Braught. This book was written specially for children of military families, this book reassures little ones that even if a family member isn’t near, they are still loved.
My Mommy Wears Combat Boots by Sharon McBride. Daddies aren’t the only ones who serve in the military. Many moms are also part of America’s armed forces and this book is about those moms.
Red, White and Blue Good-Bye by Sarah Wones Tomp and Ann Barrow. It’s hard to say good-bye when it’s time for a parent to deploy, but one parent and child have found a special way to bid farewell. The red, white and blue good-bye is a way for this dad and his daughter to remind one another of their love.
Daddy is a Soldier by Kirsten Hallowell. Simple and rhyming text helps little ones understand the important job Daddy is doing when he’s far away.
Preschoolers
Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Golding . A mom tells her young son, who sweetly mistakenly yet very fittingly calls the holiday “Memory Day” that she has a surprise for him. After a number of would be surprises he finally receives his true surprise, seeing his grandfather, a veteran, in the parade.
The Wall by Eve Bunting. A boy along with his father goes to visit the Vietnam Veterans wall to locate his grandfather’s name.
April was first assigned as “The Month of the Military Child” in 1986 by Secretary Weinberger to honor and recognize the children of military parents. Help us to celebrate and support military families as we reflect on the sacrifices they make to protect our country.
Our Children are an inspiration and source of pride. It is fitting that we reflect and recognize the contributions and personal sacrifices our children make to our Armed Forces. Frequent moves and extended family separation make Military life especially challenging. As we celebrate “The Month of the Military Child,” we offer our personal thanks to each Armed Forces family. (U.S. Department of Defense)
This timeless picture of parents with their children was captured by Sandra Scott, a Chatham County 4-H program assistant, during her 4-H event at a military base.
This event was held to award the children for their 4-H mini-booth projects where they create educational representations on their favorite subjects and display their projects at a county fair.
“Even though there wasn’t any food, the parents and their children just enjoyed each other’s company. They were just happy to be with each other,” reported Sandra Scott.
https://kb.defense.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/490/~/the-month-of-the-military-child
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