This month in Rabbit Run..

Hello Rabbit Run,


We have had a busy month back after winter break with lots of learning and celebrations! When we returned, we learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We read the books, We March, and Sometimes People March. The children made birthday cards for him, we told stories of his life, read books about all kinds of people coming together, and I decorated the classroom with photos of him both in action and just hanging out, smiling and enjoying his family. The conversation and materials focused on fairness and Black Joy rather than violence or oppression, as is developmentally appropriate for this age group. We talked about how he was a leader, but he did not do it alone- lots of good people stood beside him.

This week we began learning about the Lunar New Year! We are reading books about children and families who are preparing to celebrate by cleaning their homes, cooking traditional foods, traveling home to be with family, decorating altars, wearing red for good luck, giving red envelopes and gifts, and going to festivals and parades to see fireworks and the dragon or lion dances. Many thanks to Dominik's family who sent in some beautiful books today, and we read about how the new year is celebrated in Vietnam. They also sent some traditional almond cookies, which we ate together and were a big hit!

As we learn about Lunar New Year celebrations, we are also learning about the Chinese zodiac calendar. This year is the year of the Rabbit everywhere except Vietnam, where Cat takes the place of Rabbit. Today, the afternoon class had fun learning which year they and their friends were born in. We have a lot of roosters, dogs, and a couple monkeys! 

We are also learning about, eating, and sewing little pomegranates! Each day there are a few slices on the shelf, and whoever chooses can take it to a table and remove the seeds to eat. Some children love the crunchy, sweet, juicy seeds, while others don't care for them. When we don't like the taste of something, we practice saying, "I don't care for this," "this isn't for me," or "it's not to my taste." We never force but always encourage trying new things, and I always say it is okay not to like it. This way they remain open to trying new things when we have new food prep on the shelves, or when visitors bring us a treat, and we can dislike something and still be respectful about it.

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!
Warmly,
​
Elizabeth