Today is #GivingTuesday! Donate today and continue bringing joy and care to Wake's littlest learners!

For the classroom:

Classroom Celebrations

The winter holiday season is a time that brings many people closer together, but in our diverse communities, it can also highlight ways people feel left out. This can be especially tricky in classrooms. Some teachers choose not to celebrate at all, some try to highlight many different holidays, and others create their own school holidays to celebrate instead.

What are other teachers saying about holidays and fairness?

  • "We have celebrations around the holidays that fit the general spirit. In December, we focus on giving. In the past, I've done a drive for a local thrift store. In addition, the children make gifts for their families and we read The Giving Tree. This year, we're doing a book exchange with other classes in the school and a dollar store exchange among the class members. At the same time, we don't discourage families or children from using the name of a holiday; we just don't use it ourselves." - Amy, NC
  • "Winter holidays are interesting and festive. Guiding our students to research how various countries celebrate the coming of winter has always been exciting. It is also vital for our students to expand their cultural experiences with people who may celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, and many other holidays. Researching in the domain of social studies is a gratifying experience for all children, regardless of what they celebrate in the winter season." - Milagros, NJ
  • "One approach is to look for universally celebrated seasonal themes and build around those. We think globally! For example, winter brings celebrations of peace and light. Just think of all the ways that candles are used across cultural and religious observations! Once you get past the mindset of 'But we've always done it this way,' it will feel comfortable to be culturally responsive." - Edyth, Kentucky

For the home - content provided by our partner:

Celebrate in Your Community

The winter holidays are a joyous time for families and children. It is a time when we truly get to be thankful, not only for what we have, but for what we are able to give.

Through the blessing of occasional donations, Centro para Familias Hispanas is honored to be able to bring some holiday joy to a few families who would otherwise be unable to celebrate and share gifts on their own accord. (See the happy picture above!)

Additionally, for families interested in a Christmas theme, Centro para Familias Hispanas is hosting a holiday celebration on December 14th. There will be a photo shoot with Santa, ornament decoration, and more! Follow them on their Facebook page or website for more information.

Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to Centro para Familias Hispanas and other Wake Connections programs.

Featured Book: The Barefoot Book of Children

Written by: Tessa Strickland

Illustrated by: Kate DePalma

Highlights: The Barefoot Book of Children empowers young readers to learn about children around the globe and ponder their own place in it.

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

Wake County Public Library Programming: Enjoy some of the family programs offered during December! Check out the online calendar to see what's going on in your local library.

Literacy Tip: How does your family celebrate special times throughout the year? Talk together about traditions you have.

December's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today!

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

Congratulations to:

Oven-Roasted Radishes with Peas

Want to try something new with your child? Radishes are a great cold-weather veggie many people skip over in the grocery store.

Make this easy oven-roasted radishes with peas dish with your child and do a taste test together!

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.

Good Nutrition Does Matter

December 9, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Telephone Seminar - Call-In Number

Click here to register.

Infant & Toddler Developing Social Emotional Skills

December 10, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

The Power of Positive Relationships in Preschool Classrooms

January 8-9, 6:30 - 9pm

CCSA Durham

Click here to register.

Move & Learn: Shapes

Is your toddler learning their shapes? This fun game will get them moving indoors or outside!

What you need:

  • small indoor-safe ball
  • painter's tape (or tape that won't damage your floor)
  • open space

Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County.

 
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Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550