Early Childhood Digest: Feb. 3
From art by Alma Thomas to jazz by Count Basie. Black History Month for 3-6 year olds.
Happy Saturday, everyone. I hope this email finds you still lying in bed on a Saturday morning. For me, the sun is shining through my bedroom window for what feels like the first time in weeks. I can’t believe January is over. I also can’t believe it lasted so long. The second semester of the school year always flies by. I find the stretch between January and spring break challenging, but I love coming back after spring break. The weather is getting warmer, so being outside is more pleasant. The children have built so many skills that they are refining, and summer break is in sight. February is always a challenge for me. It’s cold, and there aren’t as many sunny days. I know children (and adults!) thrive on routine, but the monotony in January and February is challenging for me. How about you? I have teacher friends who love this time of year in the classroom. The monotony brings consistency, and children do thrive with consistency. More academic lessons are coming out, which brings me much joy. I don’t know about you, but I only get around to the subtraction strip board in the spring. I'd love to pick your brain if you get around to it in the fall semester.
One thing that has brought me winter joy is planning for Black history month. It always inspires me to update my art shelf! Here are some of the resources I’m using to prepare for Black History Month!
I emphasize Black artists in February. This year, we are studying the colorful art of Alma Thomas and the collage work of Deborah Roberts.