Our beliefs behind our behaviors, 2/7

On our staff development day we spent time reflecting on our practices, and our philosophy. Below are some of the questions that were given to the maestros to answer. The maestros brainstormed possible responses and were given opportunities to refine and reflect upon their answers.  There were twenty questions in total.  Here is the second set of questions.  


Why don’t we celebrate Christmas? ¿Por qué no celebramos Navidad?

• In order to invite all religions and backgrounds, we do not focus on a holiday that concentrates on one religion. Celebrating many, brings awareness of holidays that are celebrated by others,
  
• Because we celebrate all types of holidays and encourage all families to share their special holidays.
  
• Porque no somos una entidad religiosa y eso sería excluir a las familias que no celebran Navidad.
  
• Porque respetamos diferentes religiones de diferentes personas.
  

Why do we celebrate all the holidays?  ¿Por qué celebramos todos los días festivos?

• Porque implementas a los niños una variedad de celebraciones y no solo imponemos una. Les abrimos la mente a diferentes culturas y tradiciones. 
• Porque queremos exponer a los niños a diferentes culturas y crear tolerancia.
• Inclusion- So friends can learn about different cultures and religions. 
• To give the same importance to all holidays; inclusion to all cultures.

Why we do we serve family style? Why do we encourage the children to serve themselves?  ¿Por qué ponemos la mesa de estilo de familia?  ¿Por qué le pedimos a los niños que se sirvan su comida?

• To interact with children. Help with fine motor skills and enrich Spanish vocabulary words.
  
• To encourage friends to sit and eat lunch/ dinner with their family.
  
• So children can gain independence and control over how much food they want to eat.
  
• To model table manners and behaviors. To encourage independence.
  
• We serve family style in order to help children develop sharing habits and good manners.