May 05 2010
Mother’s Day
In anticipation of Mother’s Day, it is important for the teacher to be cognizant of those children who are not living with their mom, those whose mother has died, those who have two moms, as well as the child who has both a step and a biological mother and of course, the child who lives within a typical nuclear family. Please accept all scenarios as normal as you include these special women and honor them for being such an important part of each child’s life. It may be fun for the children to help plan a “Special Women in their life Tea” as a way of showcasing their songs, stories, gifts, and of course showing appreciation for all that their moms and mom figures do for and with them.
Fun songs to include in the tea might include:
(tune of Short’n GBread)
All the little children love mommy, mommy,
All the little children love Mother’s Day.
Give out a yell, Yea!
Give out a cheer, Yea!
We are glad our mommies are here.
(tune of BINGO)
I love her and she loves me and MOMMY is her name oh,
MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY and MOMMY is her name oh.
(repeat the song 5 times and as you do, keep eliminating one of the letters in the word MOMMY)
(You may choose to make a sound or blow a kiss instead of saying the letter.
Two other fun songs are My Mother Told Me by Tonya Weiner and Mama Gooney Bird by Dr. Jean
Activities that may be fun for the tea include:
If you were successful in taking or gathering pictures of each child and his/her special woman before the day of the party, it may e fun for the children and parents to try to match the two together. On a table that is covered with thick towels, have several toy teapots filled with drinking water and small tea cups. Have the children take turns pouring and serving the “tea” to their special women.
It may be fun to have a jewelry making table where the children and moms can create noodle, bead, button, pretzel, cheerios, etc. treasures by making necklaces and bracelets from string or pipe cleaners.
Pink or red playdough, rollers, and plastic heart shaped cookie cutters is always fun for everyone to play with.
A wonderful addition to the tea would be to have either a cookie designing and/or a fruit kabob and/or a sandwich building station for the kids and moms to work together on and then to eat.
A day with visitors is never complete without showcasing the children’s drawings of their special women that were completed before the day of the party. In addition, it would be fun to read the “little stories or answers to predesigned questions that you have completed before the day of the party.
There are so many terrific Mother’s Day stories to choose from, but, here are a few of my favorites. Reading a story to everyone is a terrific way to bring everyone together as the Mom’s Day Tea is getting ready to end.
- All Families Are Different, Parr
- A Chair For Mother, Williams
- Are You my Mother? Eastman
- Mama Do you Love me? Joose
- I love you as Much As, Melmed
- Big Mama, Crews
As with all parties and classroom celebrations, it is important to make certain that everyone has had a wonderful time, thank the visitors for coming, and be certain that the festivity ends on a calm note. Remind visitors to say goodbye to their children as they leave in an orderly manner so that the children remain happy and continue to stay focused and well adjusted. Happy Mother’s Day to All!!
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
