Understanding, Embracing and Celebrating Diversity
Here at Tot Lot, our team is committed to continuously unlearning our own internalized racial biases and teaching with a diverse and open lens. We are making a commitment to update our resources for staff, parents, and children, to access and to continue our educational process together. We feel a large responsibility to constantly work towards developing and supporting an antiracist community. We, the Tot Lot Educators, stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, and are making a promise to be actively educating ourselves, each other, and our community.
Winter Solstice
Ruth came in and taught us about the Winter Solstice and how their family celebrates. We sang songs: Mr. Sun and This Little Light of Mine and read two books, The Shortest Day written by Susan Cooper and Illustrated by Carson Ellis and Moon by Britta Teckentrup.
Hanukkah, La Posadas, and Christmas
We learned about different holiday celebrations by making menorahs, creating a paper mache pinata, decorating wreaths, constructing a cardboard Christmas tree, and more.
Native American Culture
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption. Emily came in to read this bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Diwali
Helena and Narendra came in to share their Diwali celebration with us. Diwali is the festival of light, we made diyas (clay lamps) and read the book Diwali by Hannah Elliot, Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
