Celebrate! A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends
What’s inside...
Celebrate! is a sweet and joyous rhyming picture book that explores the milestones we celebrate in life, such as our first words and steps, and wonders about the achievements of other creatures, like a bird's first flight or a kitten's first climb. It prompts readers to reflect on what else we might accomplish as we grow.
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite celebration in the book and why?
How do the celebrations in the book compare to those we have at home?
What new festival or tradition would you like to start for our family?
Can you think of a gift you would like to make for someone during one of these celebrations?
Which celebration in the book seemed the most fun to you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the different celebrations and why they appeal to them.
Discuss similarities and differences between your family’s festivities and those in the book to build connection and understanding.
Use the book’s illustrations and descriptions to inspire creative thinking about decorations, food, and activities for various celebrations.
Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they reflect on each festival, reinforcing their ability to think critically and empathize with others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through exploring various festivities, children learn about diverse cultures and traditions that people celebrate around the world.
Real-World Application: Children can become more inclusive and understanding towards people from different cultural backgrounds, promoting respect and unity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: The book showcases how families and friends come together to celebrate special occasions, emphasizing the value of relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships with family and friends, understanding the importance of community support and togetherness.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Changes
Explanation: The book aligns festivities with changes in seasons, helping children understand the natural cycle of the year and the reasons why certain celebrations occur at specific times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to observe and appreciate the changing seasons and can relate them to significant cultural festivities, enhancing their environmental awareness.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Festivities in the book often involve crafting, cooking, and decorating, which encourages children to express themselves creatively.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in creative activities during real-world festivities, which supports their cognitive development and fosters innovation.
Example Lesson: History and Traditions
Explanation: The book provides historical contexts for various celebrations, helping children understand the origins and development of different cultural practices.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children in appreciating the depth and richness of cultural traditions and promotes curiosity and a love for learning about history.