What to do With Halloween

In Montessori we "follow the child" in pretty much all situations. What about in celebrating the fall holiday of Halloween? I'm guessing if a group of early childhood teachers took polls in their classrooms, there may be interesting results. Would they differ from the beliefs of adults surrounding the trappings of this holiday? Never one to run away from the spookiness of controversy, I took a recent twitter poll about whether or not to celebrate Halloween (results to come).

In the past, I have written here about "alternative" holiday celebration practices typical of an inclusive Montessori classroom. As teachers with individualized learning as a goal, we operate in consideration of our class make up, cultural climate, sensitivity to the child, resistance to commercialism. Do we ever just ask the children we spend October with what they want?

Hmmm. 

PB Critique Fest

 

The Picture Book Critique Fest is a great opportunity for kidlit creators. Check it out at  Pbspotlight  

Write reviews and help fellow authors promote their work--easy peasy.

Rosie the Nibbler

#springflingkidlit

 

Rosie the Nibbler

By Megan Ray Durkin         

                                                                                           

 Rosie the Nibbler’s the pet for me.

She gives away snuggles and kisses for free.

Rosie the Nibbler hops this a ‘way and that,

But always returns to my lap for a pat.

 

You won’t hear her moo; you won’t hear her crow.

A thump of her foot is how she will show.

A bunny just wants to hop this a ‘way and that.

And then she’ll return to your lap for a pat.

 

Rabbits are pets that do not need much.

A full water bottle and hay in a hutch.

Time in the grass to hop this a ‘way and that.

And plenty of space in your lap for a pat.

 

If you want a pet that’s soft as a cloud,

Come over tomorrow and see what I found.

Cuz’ all Rosie’s babies hop this a ‘way and that.

I’m certain there’s one that will fit in your lap.