November marks the season of giving thanks and world kindness day; here are 10 fun ways to practice kindness and gratitude in the classroom........... CONTINUE READING

Thanksgiving is here! Let’s take a look at the meaning behind this holiday in the US, and what its traditions have in common with celebrations in other parts of the world. And learn to say “thank you” in different languages! Harvest Celebrations The first Thanksgivings celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians were a celebration of a good harvest. Harvest celebrations are held in every part of the world, throughout the year. For example, Vietnam celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Israel celebrates the............. CONTINUE READING

What a perfect time of year to focus on gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness! Having family and friends to share our lives with, food on the table, clean water to drink and a roof over our heads is something that adults and children alike can take time to reflect on during this holiday season. In bilingual classrooms, the topic of thankfulness can involve language learning as well as cultural sharing. Not only do we say “thank you” with different words, the way we............. CONTINUE READING

Is this what you will teach your students this Thanksgiving? By guest author: Corey Heller Stories about the origins of the North American celebration of Thanksgiving abound. Some attribute it to the Pilgrim’s prayerful appreciation for having survived an arduous journey across the sea. Others claim that it commemorates the kindness of the Native Americans who helped them survive a cold winter without food. Still others say it stems from the originally pagan tradition of giving thanks for yet another bountiful summer crop. Whatever............. CONTINUE READING