Last year I was priveleged to attend a Flag Folding Ceremony at my daughter's school. It was a very moving experience, and as Veteran's Day approaches, I thought you might enjoy reading the ceremony for yourself.


The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.
In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Halloween finger play


My daughter's preschool class learned this one last year, and I thought it was cute.


Five Little Pumpkins


Five little pumpkins (Hold up all 5 fingers)

Sitting on a gate

The first one said,

“Oh, my, it’s getting late!” (Point to wrist like checking the time)

The second one said,

“There are witches in the air!” (Point up and across, like pointing to the witches flying)

The third one said,

“But we don’t care!” (Shake head like saying “no”)

The fourth one said,

“Let’s run and run and run!” (Move arms like you’re running)

The fifth one said,

“I’m ready for some fun!” (A big smile)

OOOOOOOH, went the wind

And OUT went the light (Clap on “out”)

And the five little pumpkins (Hold up five fingers again)

Rolled out of sight. (Roll hands, one over the other)

Happy Eat a Pretzel Day!


The origin of the Pretzel can be traced back to around 610 A.D. A monk who lived in one of the monasteries of Southern France or Northern Italy wanted to use the dough left over after baking bread. He decided to make strips and formed them to represent children's arms folded in prayer. He called each one a "Pretiola" - the Latin word for little reward.

Live from Chicago


Well, I am on day two of Kindermusik Convention in Chicago, and I'm having a blast. I intended to upload some sights and sounds from convention for you, but unfortunately, I brought the wrong cord to connect my computer and camera for download. I'll have to do that when I get back. Yesterday, we kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Levitin, author of the book, "This Is Your Brain On Music". Afterward, we were treated to a soulful and uplifting concert by Sweet Honey in the Rock. I have already learned so much and can't wait to get back and implement some of the wonderful ideas I have gained.

Born to play!


Well, I'm finally back online. Seeing how far behind I am in work makes me wonder how did we ever survive before computers? Ha!

If you've been following along, we were talking about different domains of development for children. I believe we were up to social development. Social interaction is going to play a big role in all areas of development for your child. Play time should involve a wide range of relationships. While babies enjoy watching other babies, they also love to observe and imitate adult behavior. Try making faces with your baby or play imitation games.

Babies and young toddlers often play next to each other without really playing together. This is called parallel play. This will later lead to greater peer interaction and cooperative play, sometime after the second birthday. I find it ironic that this stage is also the most difficult when it comes to sharing or taking turns. But all of that playing and interacting pays off in learning. The typical three year old has typically mastered turn taking, following directions, and obeying simple rules.

hello?

Hi everyone! I didn't mean to fall of the face of the earth with my postings. I am having computer problems. I had to borrow a computer to post this message. :-( But, I have a new computer on the way along with a new internet source. I'll hopefully be back on track sometime next week.

Ellen & Matt live at Donnell !!!

West Coast kiddierockers Ellen & Matt graced the stage at Donnell on Saturday, August 11. Highlights included LOTS of dancing, a cover of the Beach Boys' "Darlin'", and a new song called "Capybara", an anthem about the largest rodent still in existence that will make you hoist your lighters when you hear it in concert.

Lots of fun was had by all, plus Ellen Kennedy pretty much had a family reunion at the show, as bunches of relatives and friends from Brooklyn and the surrounding area showed up for the gig.


A great show and a great vibe. Can't wait for their next concert!!