August: The Day You Begin
Hello Parents and Child Care Providers!
As a new school year begins, children everywhere are stepping into new classrooms, meeting new friends, and embarking on exciting new adventures. While these transitions can bring joy and anticipation, they can also bring feelings of uncertainty as children learn to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and compare themselves to others.
This month’s story, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, reminds us that every child has a unique story worth sharing. Through this heartfelt read-aloud and activity, we encourage children to embrace who they are, celebrate where they come from, and find the confidence to share their voice with others. As children begin a new grade, join a new class, or start at a new school, we hope this First Fridays edition helps them recognize that their experiences, perspectives, and individuality are what make them special, and that there is strength in being authentically themselves.
Join us in reading, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson.
The Day You Begin: Read Along!
As we move into the season where many of us choose to gather with family, friends, and loved ones to share moments of gratitude and memories, here is a heartfelt activity that is sure to bring connection with one another.
We each have a unique voice that can only be shared when we learn to open ourselves up to others through the power of storytelling.
This activity will help little ones with their presentation skills while they learn how to share their authentic selves with peers in the supportive environment you’ve created.
You will need:
- A container. Could be a tin the child keeps their treasures in, or a cup they like, or a cardboard box they’ve decorated.
- Ask the child to collect three safe and appropriate items that represent a memory or story for them. These storytelling treasures could be a pinecone from the park, a button from their favorite sweater, a marker they love to color with etc.
Sharing their voice:
1. Have children think about the unique story they wish to share.
2. Gather their storytelling treasures in their container.
3. Sit with friends and show their items as they share their stories!
A Song!
This song encourages the cultivation of friendship, cultural diversity, and understanding through the telling of our stories.