Creative Construction!

Today, at the Academy of Harpeth Village, the children had the opportunity to utilize their creativity and critical thinking skills while building houses out of pretzels and marshmallows! The children had a blast building and eating their houses!  

Celebrating Black History: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!

Today, at the Academy of Harpeth Village, we took time to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! The children had a chance to learn more about Dr. King from a presentation for our TASK class! The children also learned about ways they can carry on Dr. King's legacy! It was so wonderful to see the children learn about justice and equality! Below is some information about Dr. King and ways that we all can work together to continue his legacy! Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! 

1. According to the King Center, Dr. King was arrested over 30 times on charges, such as, civil disobedience during his fight for justice and equality with the civil rights movement.

2. Dr. King spoke more than 2,500 and travelled more than six million miles to spread his message and to fight injustice. 

3. Dr. King was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

4. Dr. King fought to topple police brutality, poverty and urban inequality, workplace discrimination, segregation, voting rights, and so much more!

5. We can carry on Dr. King's legacy by teaching the next generation about the hard fight for freedom and equality. 

6. You can watch Dr. King's "I Have A Dream Speech" with your family. 

7. You can volunteer with local organizations with your family in honor of Dr. King!

Yoga Time!

Yoga has enormous mental and physical health benefits for children and adults alike. When a child regularly practices yoga they increase their flexibility, strength, and coordination. Yoga can help a child with concentration, as well as, emotional management. Yoga practice also helps children build community. At the Academy of Harpeth Village, the children have a chance to practice yoga everyday, and they love it! Namaste!!!

Fitness Fanatics!

To help children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, an active and healthy lifestyle must start early in life. Physical activity has benefits at every age, and helps kids:

*Helps keep their heart and lungs healthy
*Become more flexible
*Develop strong bones
*Keep a healthy body weight
*Lower the risk of several diseases and health problems
*Improve their mood and self-esteem
*Do better in school

Santa!

This week we had a very special visit from Santa Claus! Everyone dressed in their best festive attire in anticipation of Santa's arrival! The children loved meeting him, and being able to tell him what they wanted for Christmas! It was a wonderful day full of Christmas cheer! 

Hug, Handshake, High Five, or Fist Bump!

What would our days be like if they all started with a friendly hug, hand shake, high five, or fist bump? Our preschool 4 class has the answer to that question! Every morning they greet one another with a hug, handshake, high five, or fist bump! This has helped the children connect in a positive and fun way! Starting the day off this way has also helped the children learn about the importance of consent when greeting and coming into contact with others! Positive greetings have helped the children learn, play, and grow in a positive and friendly environment! How would you like to start your day? 

Tacky Sweater Day!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at the Academy of Harpeth Village! To kick off the Christmas season we had a tacky sweater day! The children and teachers had a blast dressing up in their festive holiday attire!