Welcome back from Winter Break Magnolia Families!
During these last few weeks we’ve been settling back into our regular groove and enjoying lots of new opportunities to play and encounter new materials in the classroom. Please enjoy our blog and learn more about our learning here in Magnolia.
Happy Birthday, Dr. King!
This week we talked about how on Monday we observed (took a day off to think about) Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work to make sure that all people have the right to be safe, healthy, loved and so much more. We talked about the ways that Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used his “superpowers” to be a helper. Some of his superpowers were that he cared for others, used his words to unite people, and how he could speak and make sure people listened.
The children have been introduced to some messages of Dr. King: messages of fairness, equity- that all people have the right to be safe and loved, no matter what their skin color was. We will learn that there were people that did not agree with the good ideas Dr. King had about making the world a better place. We looked closely at some photographs of Dr. King making speeches in front of crowds, having fun with his children and family, and photos of large groups with signs. We talked about what we notice in the photos. Some older children noticed the photo of Dr. King being arrested. Emily explained that Dr. King was arrested many times for using his voice and his strength to gather people to protest the laws that were unfair. Each time this happened, he did not give up. Dr. King’s life’s work continues today. This will be an ongoing conversation here in Magnolia. Next week, we will be discussing how today, activists continue to help their communities by demanding that all people have their needs met. We will further explore Dr. King’s work and ask ourselves- “what superpowers can I share with the world?” Let Emily know if you have any questions about talking to children about activism!
A few weeks ago, we had a conversation about wants and needs.
Some people wear glasses to see. All people need food and water. Some people use a wheelchair to get around. All people need fresh air to breathe. Some people need to sit in a chair during circle time. All people deserve love, respect, and to be safe.
We have been noticing that what we may need for our own selves to be healthy and happy, others might need something different than us. We all have our own needs and teachers and grownups can help children to make sure they are set up to thrive and grow. When we understand our own needs, we can begin to make sense of what others need. We also can think about how some things in life are wants, which are different from needs!
That lesson has been an excellent precursor to conversations about fairness, equity and the dreams that Dr. King had and fought hard to ensure for all people. Here are a few ideas that resonated with us.
Tết and Lunar New Year Traditions
Jordan’s mama Ann came into Magnolia to share about their family’s tradition of celebrating Tết! Tết celebrates the arrival of Spring and has similar and different customs as Lunar New Year celebrations in other Asian cultures. In Vietnamese culture, families gather to eat, create alters and have parades with loud drumming, fireworks and a lion dance. Next week we will learn more about Chinese Lunar New year and have a parade with friends!
Around Magnolia
Music with teacher Aaron, art with Julianne, family visits, making popsicles, Jordan’s birthday, Selah’s birthday, Ollins birthday Valetina’s birthday, a new dress up corner, learning new letters “o” and “e”, and oh so many other fun things!
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