Happy SECOND Anniversary and all things November!

IT'S NOVEMBER: WE'RE TWO YEARS OLD!!

What a thrilling milestone! Today marks the launch of our third year here as a collaboration! We have two full, complete years of contributions to the field of early childhood under our belt and we're moving forward into the future with excitement and renewed enthusiasm. 

A couple of behind-the-scenes tidbits. Today's article is our 599th as a collaborative. In that time we have had 1,914,993 pageviews. Yes. We're zeroing in on hitting the 2 million mark! All by providing you a cross section of voices from the field: Direct, front line teachers in both Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms as well as consultants on a cross-section of the Arts plus experts in parenting and reading -- that's my attempt to categorize our eclectic mix. 

We have numerous authors who have been here from the very launch, who have written every single month since the inception. To those incredible contributors I send a super, cyber hug! You've kept the lights on and the place gleaming. You know who you are! I couldn't have done this without you. 

We have many who have contributed for a time and a season, bringing their insight in the midst of busy professional lives and we are grateful. We've also had guest authors. We've had contributors who 'split' a day with a buddy. And as we get ready to launch into our third year, we have eager 'NEW' contributors delighted to join the mix! Oh happy day. 

It was this calendar year that marked the launch of our cyber-store collaborative as well. Still under the 'If You Build it.... They will Come' marketing plan -- as there is still room for growth and discovery. Our Early Education Emporium continues to grow! Unfolding in real time is our "Speakers Bureau" and we hope to have that ready for launch at NAEYC later this month. Plans. Plans. and MORE Plans! 

NOW. Let's get inspired to take a look at all things November. First up? Veteran's Day as seen and observed, honored and created by little fingers. As the spouse of a Navy man and the Mother-in-Law of two servicemen I have a warm place in my heart for all things patriotic. 

Here are some images from kindergarten where a 'Project Based Learning' approach was taken prior to my arrival for my author/illustrator school visit. These first several shots are from that article at my own blog. Click here to see the article in its entirety. There are literally a gazillion flags created in every possible medium from cotton balls to computer! 

Here's my picture book, "Red, White and Blue" that would be the perfect book and song combo for your Veteran's Day observance with young children. Flags. Patriotic. Purple mountains. A land of diverse people. All things America. Perfect for 'performance.' 

Here's my pinboard of all things Americana. {Click pic} 

Patriotism knows no age limit. 

The classic handprint flag above was created by loving preschool fingers. 

In my role now as author and illustrator I get to visit beyond my "PreK+K" threshold. Look what unfolded just a couple of weeks ago, as I visited in South Carolina. I got to visit in the first grade classroom as they created art in response to my work. 

Here's an amazing collaborative 'quilt' created by mature 2nd graders in Indianapolis. I was with them last spring on a mid-west tour to conclude the school year. If we in the ECE arena, develop skills and interest..... look what is possible with maturity! 

Read to the conclusion to see how you can *WIN* yourself a copy of my digital files for this song, which will include 2 Mp3 versions: one is sung as a song and the other is instrumental only, suitable for your performance. 

Now let's shift our attention from flags and Veterans to Pilgrims and Turkeys! 

Here's a Mayflower Thanksgiving Bulletin Board Display! 

Paper plate pilgrims! 

I saw these kinder-pilgrims in Texas last year. 

These kinder drawn native American Indians were drawn by Kindergarten children. I have a lengthy article on my blog around the portrayal of Indians as it relates to the historic perception of Thanksgiving. Click here to go to learn my concern of the inherent 'racism' that can unfold as we simplify history for our youngest learners. 

And now? 
TURKEYS 
TURKEYS and
YES, MORE TURKEYS! 

Heading to NAEYC this month? 
My workshop presentation is Thursday morning,
 bright and early at 8:00 a.m. 

Come see me in person at my booth #1213!! 

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