Black History Month is a wonderful time to share stories of iconic African-American leaders who made an impact on the world.

This month, Bambinou Academy Center shines a spotlight on Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator, philanthropist, presidential advisor and fierce advocate for civil rights. We hope her story will inspire your little ones and demonstrate the power of education, perseverance and community.

Mary McLeod Bethune was born in 1875 in Mayesville, South Carolina to Sam and Patsy Bethune, who were formerly enslaved. She was one of seventeen children and the first in her family to attend school.

As a child, Mary was a keen observer of the world around her. She noticed that the Black community had less access to wealth and opportunity. While visiting the home of the family where her mother worked, Mary learned a painful lesson about racism and inequality. She picked up a book, and one of the girls said, “Put down that book; you can’t read.” Mary later said that incident led to her deep desire for literacy and education.

Mary married Albertus Bethune in 1898, and they had a son named Albert McLeod Bethune. The family moved to Florida in 1899, and Mary ran a mission school and began an outreach to prisoners.

Mary believed education gave children confidence, independence, and opportunity. Her life’s mission was to become a teacher and shape the minds of young Black children. In 1904, with only $1.50 in her pocket, she opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial School for Negro Girls in Florida. Although Mary didn’t have a lot of money, she was enterprising and inventive. She made benches and desks from discarded crates. Her students made ink for pens from elderberry juice and pencils from burned wood. After two years of operation, 250 girls were enrolled at her school, which eventually grew into Bethune-Cookman University.

In 1924, Mary became president of the National Association of Colored Women. At that time, it was the highest national office a Black woman could hold.  She also founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 to support and empower women and families.

Her leadership and wisdom caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1936, he appointed her director of African American affairs in the National Youth Administration and a special adviser on minority affairs. Mary became one of the highest-ranking African-American women in government at the time and advised the president on issues affecting children and families.

Mary McLeod Bethune was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Rollins College in 1949. This prestigious recognition was the first honorary degree bestowed upon an African American by a Southern institution of higher education.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune rose from poverty to become an extraordinary educator who always reached back to help others rise. In 1974, she became the first Black leader and the first woman to have a monument, the Bethune Memorial Statue, erected on public park land in Washington, DC in honor of her remarkable contributions.

This Black History Month, we celebrate not only the significant accomplishments of Dr. Bethune, but her tenacious spirit and her desire to see all children succeed. We hope you share her story with your little ones and are inspired by her lifelong commitment to learning.

Thanksgiving is more than a foodie’s dream holiday. It’s a wonderful time to spend quality moments with loved ones and reflect on our blessings. It’s also the perfect opportunity to start fun family traditions to teach children the meaning of gratitude. The following are five heartwarming ideas to make Thanksgiving memorable for your family.

1. Create a “Thankful Tree”
   You’re never too young to count your blessings. Studies show that when kids are taught gratitude, it improves their mental and physical health, helps them build stronger relationships, and increases their resilience.

A Thankful Tree is the perfect visual reminder of the things that bring us joy. Use green, red, orange and yellow construction paper to cut out colorful paper leaves. Have each family member write something they’re thankful for on a leaf each day leading up to Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on Thursday, November 27 this year. Attach these paper leaves to a small branch or poster board. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, you’ll have a beautiful memento of your family’s blessings!

2. Cook Together
   Kids can start helping in the kitchen as early as age two. Put those little hands to work this Thanksgiving. They can perform simple tasks, such as washing vegetables, mashing potatoes, or adding pre-measured ingredients to a bowl. Involving your children in meal prep makes them feel proud and teaches them the importance of teamwork!
3. Make a Family Gratitude Jar
   Before you sit down for your Thanksgiving dinner, pass out small strips of paper or note cards and have your loved ones write down happy memories, funny moments, or things they’re grateful for. The littlest family members can use a crayon to draw the things that make them smile. Place the paper strips or note cards in a jar. After the meal, gather everyone around, open the jar, and have everyone read aloud from a paper strip or note card.
4. Give Back as a Family
   This Thanksgiving seems more challenging than previous holidays with SNAP benefits being cut and rising food prices. You can model gratitude for your children through giving. Donate canned goods, make cards for local nursing homes, or bake treats for neighbors. Kids learn powerful lessons when they see kindness in action.

The City of Philadelphia has compiled a list of resources that provide free food for families in need and accept donations.

5. Enjoy a Post-Dinner Tradition
   After a heavy meal, most people are tempted to conk out on the couch! For your new Thanksgiving tradition, take a walk together as a family, play a board game, create a new song with each member contributing a lyric, or gather around the TV for a fun, kid-friendly movie night. The goal of this tradition is to slow down, reflect on the good things in life and enjoy spending time together.

Thanksgiving traditions don’t need to be time-consuming—just meaningful. By creating fun family customs to express gratitude and encourage connection, your loved ones will make memories that last long after the leftovers are gone.

Fatherhood isn’t always an easy journey, especially when you’re juggling work or school, household duties and other commitments. An involved father can greatly impact a young child’s life. Studies have shown that dads who are actively engaged can have a positive effect on their children’s emotional well-being, sense of security, cognitive and behavioral development and academic growth.

This Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child and create lasting memories. The following four tips can help Dads spend fun, quality time with their kiddos.

Quality over quantity. It’s not always practical to spend hours and hours of uninterrupted time with your little ones. Try to set aside a specific time each day for Daddy and Me time, even if it’s just thirty minutes. During this special time, turn off your cell phone and silence any other distractions. It’s just you and your little one engaging in an activity – whether it’s painting, playing with toys, doing puzzles, or simply talking to him or her. This quality time helps build a deeper emotional connection and creates positive memories.

Get involved in their daily routines. One way to make a real difference in your child’s life is by taking an interest in their daily routines. This can be as simple as laying out their clothes the night before school, making breakfast, taking them to daycare, or putting them to bed at night. Although these activities may seem mundane, your child will think the world of you when they see you taking an active role and being consistent.

Turn everyday moments into learning experiences. Kids learn through play. As a father, you can guide their cognitive, behavioral and social growth by engaging in educational activities that are fun! Look for teaching opportunities in everyday moments – whether it’s driving to the store or walking to the park. When grocery shopping, ask your child questions such as “Which fruit is the heaviest?” or “Can you find something yellow?” When taking a stroll in the neighborhood, you could ask, “What color is the stop sign?” “How many leaves are on the ground?” This creates opportunities for engagement and helps your child develop a love for learning.

Read aloud to your child. Reading aloud to your child helps strengthen their literacy and vocabulary, improves their listening skills and bolsters the father-child bond. Read often to your child and discuss what each illustration means. Three books to consider this Father’s Day are When a Dad Says “I Love You” by Douglas Wood, Sydney’s Big Speech by Malcolm Newsome and Elmo’s Daddy Day by Andrea Posner-Sanchez.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. Although the holiday originated in America in the late 1850s as Mother’s Work Day, the importance of honoring moms and the enduring bonds of love they share with their children has become a global tradition.

As you and your family make plans to celebrate Mother’s Day, this is a perfect time to share with your kids how other countries honor Mom through special customs and traditions.

United Kingdom
Known as “Mothering Sunday,” this holiday has roots in Christian traditions where people returned to their “mother church” for a special service. Usually celebrated the fourth Sunday of Lent in March or April, Mothering Sunday is a joyous day, with children giving cards, flowers, and gifts to their mothers.

Mexico
Día de las Madres is a big celebration in Mexico. Children often serenade their moms with the song “Las Mañanitas,” and families gather for special meals. Día de las Madres is observed on May 10. Schools host events, and many people bring flowers and gifts.

Haiti
Known as Fête des Mères, Mother’s Day in Haiti is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. This is a day to honor and appreciate mothers with traditions like wearing red flowers to show love and respect. Families often attend church services and prepare traditional Haitian dishes, while children may give handmade gifts and cards to their mothers. Cultural performances featuring music and dance are common.

Japan
Japanese Mother’s Day (Haha no Hi) is observed on the second Sunday in May. This Japanese tradition includes giving carnations, symbolizing sweetness and endurance. Children may draw pictures of their mothers, and families often cook Mom’s favorite meal.

Ethiopia
Mother’s Day is observed as part of the Antrosht festival, a three-day celebration that marks the end of the rainy season (usually between October and November). In Ethiopia, families gather for a feast, including a traditional Ethiopian hash. Daughters and sons contribute different ingredients to the meal, strengthening bonds of love and gratitude toward mothers. Families often celebrate through singing, dancing, and other cultural activities.

India
In some areas of India, the Western version of Mother’s Day is gaining popularity. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, this special day is a time to give gifts and cards and host celebrations honoring Mom. Traditionally, motherhood is honored during festivals like Durga Puja, which reveres the Indian mother goddess Durga.

Thailand
Mother’s Day is tied to the birthday of Queen Sirikit on August 12. The queen is considered the mother of the nation. Celebrations include parades, candle-lighting ceremonies, and giving jasmine flowers, a symbol of maternal love.

Serbia
Known as Materice, Mother’s Day is part of a three-day celebration series: Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. It is observed the second Sunday before Christmas. Children tie up their mothers and won’t let them go until they give treats or small gifts. This playful custom fosters family closeness.

Many people know George Washington Carver as an inventor and for his innovations with peanut butter, which resulted in the creation of more than 300 products. But George Washington Carver is a testament to overcoming adversity when all the odds are against you.

George was born into slavery in the 1860s in Newton County, Missouri. His father was killed during the Civil War. He lived on a plantation with his mother, sister, older brother and their enslavers, Moses and Susan Carver.

After slavery was abolished, Moses and Susan raised George and his older brother, James, as their own children. Susan taught George the basics of reading and writing. As a child, he was curious about everything around him. He wanted to learn how things grow, especially plants like flowers, vegetables, and trees.

George applied to several colleges and was accepted at Highland University in Kansas. However, when he arrived, the school refused to let him attend because of his race.

In 1890, George began studying art and piano at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. His art teacher, Etta Budd, recognized his immense talent for painting flowers and plants, so she encouraged him to study botany at Iowa State Agricultural College. When George enrolled in 1891, he became the first Black student at Iowa State.

After receiving his master’s degree in 1896, he became the first African American faculty member at Iowa State.

Booker T. Washington, the first principal and president of Tuskegee Institute, invited George to head the Agriculture Department in 1896. Carver taught there for 47 years. He developed the department into a strong research center, teaching about the benefits of crop rotation. He introduced several alternative cash crops for farmers that improved the soil. Generations of Black students learned his farming techniques for self-sufficiency.

With an innate gift for invention, George designed a mobile classroom to bring education to farmers. He called it a “Jesup wagon” after the New York financier Morris Ketchum Jesup, who funded his program.

From 1915 to 1923, George experimented with new uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, soybeans, pecans, and other crops. This work brought him into the public eye and he became one of the most well-known African Americans of his time. Three presidents—Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt—met with George, and the Crown Prince of Sweden studied with him for three weeks.

George worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions of farmers and to benefit society through inventions in herbal medicines and natural pesticides. In addition to his work in agriculture and science, George remained an advocate for racial harmony. From 1923 to 1933, he toured white Southern colleges for the Commission on Interracial Cooperation.

George Washington Carver continued his groundbreaking work right up to his death. In 1943, at the age of 78, he had a bad fall down a flight of stairs. His death came while he was painting a Christmas card in bed, which said, “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men.”

George Washington Carver’s legacy of resilience, kindness and curiosity about the world lives on. His gravesite bears this inscription: “He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.

We celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday (or MLK Day) on the third Monday of January. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his death in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986.

Martin Luther King Jr. shouldn’t just be honored in January but every day of the year as a reminder to be kind to others, to be peaceful and to look for solutions currently facing the world – such as homelessness, climate change, and other injustices.

There are many age-appropriate ways to teach children about MLK’s legacy. The following activities can help young learners understand Dr. King’s life and the importance of unity and kindness.

1. Create a Dream Collage

Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech is a great starting point for this activity. Have students draw pictures of their dreams for the future, whether it’s a dream of peace, friendship, or a happy world. Having each child share their dream with the class reinforces the idea of hope and unity.

2. Peaceful Hands Art

Have students use a crayon to trace their hands on construction paper. In each hand, they can write or draw ways to help others, such as “sharing with friends” or “picking up trash” or “using good manners.”

3. Kindness Tree

Use construction paper to draw a “Kindness Tree” to hang on a bulletin board or wall. Each time a student does something kind, they can add a leaf with their name on the tree. This activity demonstrates the importance of being thoughtful to others, something Dr. King championed.

4. Freedom March Parade

Organize a small “freedom march” around the classroom or inside the daycare center. Students can make signs with positive messages, such as “Love,” “Peace,” or “We are all Equal.”

Discuss how Dr. King led marches for civil rights and how these marches helped bring about positive change in the country.

5. Classroom Discussion: What is a Hero?

Have a short discussion about what makes someone a hero, and ask the students how Dr. King showed bravery, kindness, and leadership. Help them understand that being a hero is about doing good for others and showing courage in the face of adversity.

Before Christmas became an extravagant holiday filled with expensive gifts and large gatherings, early celebrations were modest and focused on family and religious observance.

The holiday season is about creating meaningful memories with your children, rather than breaking the bank on pricy presents. You can return to the true spirit of Christmas this year and make fun memories, not stressful ones, with the following five tips.

• Focus on giving back. The yuletide season is the time to remember the less fortunate and reflect on various ways to serve. You can involve the whole family in simple acts of kindness this Christmas, like making construction paper cards for nursing homes or organizing a toy drive for kids in need. This can teach your children the value of generosity and empathy.
• Create a DIY Advent calendar. Advent is the four-week season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas. Your family can create a specialized Advent calendar filled with small healthy treats (like raisins or carrots with peanut butter) or activities, making the countdown to Christmas extra special for your little ones.
• Christmas morning pajama pictures. How fun is it for the entire family to wear matching pajamas on Christmas day? This can become an exciting tradition to take a family photo around the Christmas tree or next to holiday decorations, adding to a growing collection of beloved memories over the years.
• “Elf on the Shelf” with a twist. Create your own “Elf on the Shelf” tradition by placing small notes or challenges to engage children in imaginative play and holiday learning. Some notes could include “Learn something new today” “Help Mom make cookies” and “Name one thing you’re grateful for this Christmas.”
• Read a Christmas book every night. Studies have shown that reading aloud to children significantly benefits their development by expanding their vocabulary, stimulating their imagination, and strengthening their bond with their parents. Select heartwarming Christmas books to read aloud to your child each night before bed to build excitement and help establish the Christmas spirit. Some titles include The Gingerbread Man by Gail Yerrill, The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright.

1) Decorate the sideboard. A sideboard is a small table or cabinet to place side dishes that might not fit on your main dinner table. Decorating the sideboard can be fun family tradition where you showcase seasonal décor, family pictures or even place handwritten cards to display what you’re thankful for.

2) Set up a craft table for the kids. Kids can sometimes grow bored while the adults are preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Keep them occupied by stocking a table with construction paper, crayons, glue sticks, googly eyes and more kid-friendly materials for turkey-themed crafts.

3) Create DIY place cards. This is a fun tradition to share with the kids. Have your child write down the name of each guest on a piece of brown construction paper. They can decorate the place cards with paint or glitter. These name cards can be reused each year!

4) Go for a post-Thanksgiving meal walk. After stuffing yourself with turkey, greens, yams and mac and cheese, the old tradition includes curling up on the couch and taking a nap or watching the parade on TV. A fun, new tradition is going for a post-Thanksgiving meal walk. There’s nothing like a little family exercise to lift everyone’s spirits. Go for a brisk walk around the block after dinner. This is a great way to get some fresh air, take in your neighborhood’s seasonal decorations and bond as a family.

5) Make gratitude bracelets. Help your kids craft personal gratitude bracelets that they can wear or give to a loved one. This is a unique new tradition where the whole family join in.

Materials:
– Plastic beads of different colors. You can even buy letter beads to spell out words like “love,” “hope” or “family.”
– Elastic string that fits through the bead holes
– Glue to secure the knot
– Kid scissors to cut the string

Set up the bracelet-making table by putting the different beads in bowls, cut pieces of string for each bracelet, and set out a piece of cloth for individuals to design their bracelet on. Thread the first bead through the string and tie a big knot to secure it. Then slip the remainder of the beads onto the string, tie the two ends together and fasten with glue for an extra hold. Set the bracelets aside until the glue dries and enjoy your creation!

Just as Sonora sought a meaningful way to honor her father, you and your child can do the same. The following three unique ideas can help Dad feel extra special on Father’s Day!

1) Make Dad some homemade barbecue sauce. They say dads and grills go hand-in-hand. Why not enliven his barbecue experience with some tasty sauce that you make with ingredients from your pantry? Your child can even decorate a label to tape to the jar or squeeze bottle.

Below is a simple, kid-friendly barbecue sauce that doesn’t require cooking:

Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup molasses (or brown sugar or honey)
¼ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Place all ingredients in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Store in a jar or squeeze bottle.

2) Coupons for Dad. Who doesn’t love coupons, especially ones that come from the heart? Your child can present Dad with this extra-special gift of personalized coupons. The coupons can be made using construction paper and crayons or markers. Your child can select ideas from the following list to write on the construction paper. Then cut the coupons out and share with Dad so he can redeem them!

Coupon Ideas

• A big hug for Dad!
• Sing Dad’s favorite song
• Let Dad sleep in today
• Do my chores
• Shine Dad’s shoes/Or clean Dad’s sneakers
• Spend the day together!

3) Discover something new with Dad. Sometimes your schedule can get so busy, it’s hard to find time to try new things. This Father’s Day is the perfect time for you and your family to discover new places. Give Dad the gift of exploration! Discover a new hike, museum, park or frozen treat and more. Visit Philadelphia is a great resource for free events and activities the whole family can enjoy.

A high-quality childcare program already gives children an advantage as they prepare to enter kindergarten. It helps develop their reasoning skills, improves socialization and helps them perform better on math and language tests.

While kindergarten may seem daunting to you and your child, the following tips can help smooth the transition and allow your young learner to have a vibrant and successful experience!

• Familiarize yourself with the school. The idea of dropping your kid off at a new school may seem stressful, so take steps to minimize your worries by becoming familiar with the school. Take a tour. Attend open houses and other on-site events. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and even their bus driver. When you feel good about your child’s new learning environment, they will also feel more confident and calmer.
• Develop a routine. Change can seem scary to kids, so preparing a stable morning routine a few weeks before kindergarten gives them something to look forward to and provides them with a sense of security. Your morning routine might include having your child draw pictures of the day’s tasks (getting up at a certain time, getting dressed, having breakfast, preparing a backpack, etc.) As they help you plan the routine, this gives them a feeling of independence.
• Try role–playing. Encouraging your child’s imagination through role-playing goes a long way in helping them prepare for their new school and anticipate certain scenarios. Pretend with your child that her stuffed animals are starting kindergarten and show how the animals successfully deal with the jitters. Act out ways to meet new friends or what to do if she can’t find her classroom.
• Acknowledge your child’s fears. If your child is nervous about starting a new school, he may not vocalize his concerns. Create a safe space for him to express his anxieties and fears (because there will be some worries!) Listen attentively, validate your child’s feelings, and reassure him that it’s normal to feel nervous or excited about new experiences.