One thing I love about Breanna’s daycare is the fact that her teachers prepare daily written updates, to keep us informed about what she is eating, reading, singing and learning and what kind of art she is making. Here are a few of the reports we received this week:
- Today I enjoyed making a popsicle stick flag! I painted the sticks red and white, and I glued on a blue square and a white star. I also enjoyed learning a new Independence Day song.
- Today I enjoyed learning about America. I learned that Saturday is America’s birthday. We celebrate America’s birthday by having cook-outs and going to see fireworks.
- Today I enjoyed making an American flag hand print.
Parents also receive a weekly summary sheet each Friday. This week’s paper said:
Happy Birthday America! This has been an exciting week filled with lots of fun and new things about our country. We learned three new songs about our flag. We also enjoyed making red and blue sparkly fireworks [using glitter paint and construction paper], a red, white and blue popsicle stick flag and a handprint flag. Hope each of you have a very safe and happy 4th of July.
How cool is that?!?!??
But I think America’s daycare system can teach us even more about the value of our country and the importance of Independence Day, which we’re celebrating today, Saturday July 4, 2009…
For example, our daycare system allows American parents with small children the FREEDOM to earn a dual income while having the peace of mind of knowing that their kids are in a safe and secure environment and that their little darlings are learning about important things that affect our lives. Breanna’s daycare has a curriculum — similar to those found in regular schools — which are tailored to each age group.
Many daycares today are also equipped with modern technology, including webcams. My wife Eva can take a peek at Bre’s classroom at any point during the day to see what she — and her teachers — are up to. She can also rewind the video, pause it, etc. In Amercia, we are protected by the police, the United States military, various branches of the U.S. Federal government, and many other entities. We are fortunate to have a widespread network of technology to assist those who protect us from those who would do us harm. It’s amazing to me that parts of this technology has filtered all the way down to our daycare system today.
I know I’m rambling, but I just thought I would share these random thoughts with you, since I’ve got some time to spare before our cookout with friends this evening. I hope each of you takes a few minutes to reflect on the reason behind today’s cookouts and fireworks displays … about those who are protecting us here on our own soil, as well as abroad in foreign lands … about how valuable this great land we live in truly is … and about how lucky we are to live in America.
Happy 4th of July. Have fun and be safe.
BRIAN
