It's #AmericanEducationWeek!

"American Education Week—November 17-21, presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education." (NEA Today)

2014 marks 93 years of American Education Week, an annual observance that honors students, teachers, support professionals, parents, and community members who help students succeed.

"AEW was born out of national concern over illiteracy and was first celebrated in 1921 with NEA and the American Legion as cosponsors. Events take place the week before Thanksgiving and are designed to honor the hard work of students, recognize the professionalism and commitment of educators, and appreciate parents and community members who work toward quality public schools for every student." (National Education Association)

Read President Obama's Proclamation.

So what do we do about it? Here are 

Five Ways to Celebrate American Education Week:

1. Send a thank you note to a teacher or school staff member.
2. Talk about the importance of education with your children. Share your education experience and have them share their education hopes.
3. Learn something new about the schools in your zone. Talk with the school staff about what they do and how they're working to educate our children.
4. Volunteer your time. Share your expertise with students in the area!
5. Support educational activities and events in your area by attending and participating.

It's in our social media feeds...our friends are thankful and sharing their gratitude with the world. We may even be participating in this on-line demonstration of gratefulness ourselves. Are we sharing our gratitude with our kids? As our social communities focus on Days of Thanks, here are 

Five Ways to Help Our Kids Express Gratitude

1. Write a Thank You note to a neighbor. Talk about the neighbors who have demonstrated acts of kindness or friendliness to your child and help him/her write a thank you note - by hand. 
2. Perform a random act of kindness. After talking about the things that people have done for your child, encourage him/her to share kindness to someone who may not expect it.
3. Leave a treat for the mail carrier/newspaper delivery person. Encourage your child to leave a note or help make a treat to leave in the mail/paper box for the delivery person to thank him/her for being a constant servant to the public.
4. Share a hot beverage. There are many people who work outside this time of year to keep our electricity on, ensure the Red Kettle Campaign is running, etc. Join with your child in thanking them for braving the elements to make our world more comfortable by gifting them a hot chocolate or warm coffee.
5. Thank a Teacher. Our teachers sacrifice time with their own families and work tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the best quality education possible. Talk with your child about what you can do to honor his/her teacher (November 17-21 is Teacher Appreciation Week...here are some ideas on how to participate: http://www.nea.org/grants/teacherday.html).

Tomorrow is Election Day, which means many things for parents. Will we vote? Will we take our kids with us when we vote? How do we explain the election process we use here in the USA? Education World suggests these 

Five Books to help Share the Meaning of Participatory Government 

with our kids:

See How They Run, by Susan E. Goodman
Ages 9-12
This book takes election facts covering topics such as the electoral college, political parties and campaigning and presents them in an easy-to-understand, lighter format for kids without diluting the information.

Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts, by Sylvan A. Sobel, illustrated by Jill Wood
Ages 7-12
This brand-new book is informative and fun to read. Fascinating facts abound; the book, includes the birthplaces of all the presidents, the story of the presidential election that a major newspaper got wrong, and lots more.

The Ballot Box Battle, by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages 5-8
From Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully comes the inspiring story of Cordelia, a young girl whose relationship with her neighbor, the great suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, inspires her to a remarkable act of courage.

Robin Hill School: Election Day, by Margaret McNamera
Ages 4-8
It’s Election Day in Mrs. Connor’s class for a new class president. All of the candidates make big promises (gum ball machines, longer school vacations and more). Then, Mrs. Connor asks if anyone else would like to say something, looking right at new student Becky. Becky speaks, saying that she can’t guarantee any of the big promises of her competitors, but she will do her best. It’s a good early reader for talking about election promises.

Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin
Ages 4-8
This award-winning follow up to Click, Clack, Moo follows Duck from pond to farmer to governor to presidency. It’s great for early readers since it introduces elections in a very basic and fun way. 

Many of our children are also out of school on Election Day. Need ideas for activities? Try one of these 

Five Ways to Spend Election Day:

1. Volunteer. There are several organizations in our area that could use your help! 

2. The downtown library on Jefferson Street in Roanoke is hosting two performances of "The Pirate of Bully Bay" at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. http://www.roanoke.com/life/columns_and_blogs/blogs/shoptimist/arrrrgggh-kids-out-on-election-day-pirate-of-bully-bay/article_fe6dc1be-6081-11e4-b928-001a4bcf6878.html

3. PBS Parents offers some fun ways to learn more about elections and the voting process. Spend some time exploring together: http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/election/

4. Visit Virginia Museum of Natural History. Rotating exhibits and activities mean that each visit is new and exciting. The museum is open from 9-5.

5. Relax together. Sometimes the best time spent together is unscripted. Enjoy a day together without rushing.