I taught 2-4 year olds for years and I still can't resist sharing the love for our great nation, especially on special days like Presidents Day!
As I sit here on this very cold February morning, sipping my tea and watching the sunlight stream through my window and the icy wind blow with my family home today I can't help but feel a rush of pride and nostalgia. Today, February 17th, we celebrate the legacy of some of our nation's most remarkable leaders – our Presidents.
My husband and I are watching a Washington documentary on The History Channel as I type this, our flag is flying as it is everyday and I think it is as important today as it ever was to teach our kids pride for our country. It was how I grew up and have instilled this in my children as well as the kids I taught in my classroom.
When I was teaching, I always made this day a special one in the classroom. We'd start with a circle time, where I'd tell stories about George Washington, the father of our country, and Abraham Lincoln, the man who believed in unity and justice for all. I'd share how Washington, with his cherry tree tale, taught us about honesty, and how Lincoln, with his tall hat and kind eyes, showed us the strength of compassion and perseverance.
We made little paper top hats and beards from cotton balls, just to imagine what it might feel like to be a president, making decisions to better our country.
But beyond the crafts and the songs, there was a deeper lesson. I taught my students that every person has the potential to lead, to make a difference, no matter how small they might be.
Today, as I reflect on this holiday, I think about how these lessons resonate through time. Presidents Day isn't just a day off from school or work; it's a moment to honor the values of leadership, integrity, and service that our presidents have embodied or strived to achieve.
I encourage all of you, whether you're young or young at heart, to take a moment today. Perhaps visit a museum depending on where you are because I am not leaving my home today, read a biography, watch a documentary of our great country, the presidents or just share a story with someone younger about why we celebrate this day. Let's all be teachers in our own way, fostering a love for our country, understanding its history, and inspiring the next generation to dream big and act with kindness.
As we celebrate, let's remember that while we honor our past leaders, we are also the ones shaping the future. So, with love for our nation and for each other, let's make every day a day worth celebrating.
Happy Presidents Day, my dear friends. May we all carry a bit of that presidential spirit in our hearts, every single day.
Here are great craft ideas from some great websites
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