Chinese New Year of the Monkey books for kids, children's literature from China

 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival celebrates the culture of the Orient. It begins Feb. 9 in 2016 and culminates with a Lantern Festival. What better way to explore Chinese culture in your classroom than with literature? Here is a list of children's books for pre-K to second graders from China. Some books are specifically Chinese stories and others are Japanese Buddhist stories. Chinese New Year encompasses traditional animals of the zodiac so many kids' books in this list are animal-themed. It's CNY Year of the Monkey in 2016. Chinese New Year of the Goat books for kids, children's literature from China | Examiner.com

Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson

Kwanzaa is a uniquely African-American winter holiday which begins on December 26 and is celebrated for seven days, ending on Jan. 1. Kwanzaa is observed by lighting candles, making offerings and saying prayers. Here are free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, coloring pages, winter holiday crafts, games, lesson plans and worksheets.  Free printable Kwanzaa activities for kids, winter holiday crafts, Africa lesson | Examiner.com

Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books

Christmas around the world is celebrated different ways. Each culture observes Christmas with unique traditions. What better way to explore Christmas around the world than with a children's literature countdown? Read down to Christmas and around the world with this holiday stories and kids' books. that with books? Advent--the four week season of preparation before Christmas--is a good time for an around the world children's literature journey. Here are thirty kids books on Christmas around the world.  Christmas around the world children's literature countdown: holiday kids books | Examiner.com

Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

 The legend of "Stone Soup" is timeless. It's been retold many times, notably by Marcia Brown, Ann McGovern and Jon J. Muth. Stone Soup is sacred text in preschool and elementary classrooms. Here are free printable Stone Soup lesson plans, perfect for Read Across America and National Reading Month in March.Free printable Stone Soup worksheets, games, puzzles, crafts, activities | Examiner.com

Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

 Dia de los Muertos is the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration. The Latino holiday is near Halloween, but is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Dia de los Muertos is similar to Halloween in that participants dress in skeleton and death-themed costumes. But the resemblance ends there. Day of the Dead is a Catholic ethno-religious festival that celebrates life after death in heaven. Here are free printable Dia de los Muertos coloring pages and skull themed patterns and crafts.Free printable Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos coloring pages | Examiner.com

Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

On October 4 the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Among other things under his patronage, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. On his feast day, some Catholic churches and schools observe a charming little rite known as the blessing of pets. Folks bring their beloved pets to mass to be prayed over. It's an event that young and old enjoy. In the spirit of the good saint, here are free printable animals coloring pages and free printable St. Francis activities for children to celebrate! If you know of a Catholic church that blesses pets, why not bring your kids and animals--you'll all enjoy it!   Free printable animal coloring pages for St. Francis of Assisi blessing of pets | Examiner.com

Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

With so many people turning to social media to start drama, it's refreshing to see someone leveraging cyberspace to start happy! A mom's Facebook post to the boy who played with her disabled son went viral. Katie Leigh Myers posted a picture of the two playing and the cute photo sparked the smile felt round the web, reported Good Morning America on August 17.Mom's Facebook post to boy who played with her disabled son misinterpreted - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com