Learn why the best preschool in New Jersey, Springdale Academy, is teaching preschoolers about Memorial Day.

On May 29, 2023, Memorial Day, the entire nation will come together to recognize and express our deepest gratitude for the ultimate selflessness of our patriotic heroes. Although Springdale Academy, the best preschool in New Jersey, will be closed for Memorial Day, we believe that teaching our preschoolers about Memorial Day is of the utmost importance.

At Springdale Academy, an accredited Montessori school and daycare located at 133 Stryker Lane, Hillsborough, New Jersey, we consider gratitude and service toward veterans a vital part of every child’s early childhood education. We have created an environment that is safe and nurturing and encourages children to select their work according to their interests. By providing appropriate materials and activities that stimulate their natural curiosity, we foster a love for learning in children. We help them develop essential life skills and teach them to be independent while emphasizing social responsibility and community involvement. A holistic education that focuses on the whole child.

We use the same principles to educate children about Memorial Day. However, we would like to point out that at Springdale Academy, we do not delve into how and why our fallen heroes have fallen. Instead, we focus on their patriotism and heroism. Springdale Academy preschoolers learn about Memorial Day through age-appropriate history materials and arts and crafts activities. For example, making an American flag by using crafting paper and stapling the completed flags onto straws for flying or writing thank-you cards, letters, etc. By doing so, students are actively engaged in learning. Through this approach, children are empowered to explore their interests and develop skills and knowledge at their own pace.

We try to teach the kids that Memorial Day isn’t just a day off from school. It is our way of thanking the people who aren’t with us anymore because they sacrificed their lives to protect our country and our freedom. These people we honor on Memorial Day were someone’s moms, dads, brothers, and sisters, just like their parents and siblings. They are thus encouraged to honor both veterans and current service members.

By teaching children about the courage, selflessness, and dedication of the veterans, they learn about values that are crucial for moral character development. By incorporating these values along with Springdale Academy’s Montessori principles and education, we help children become compassionate and responsible members of society at a young age.

We realize that many parents want to address Memorial Day’s history and importance in their homes. In that regard, we encourage parents to contact their child’s Montessori teacher. They can suggest a variety of activities to reinforce gratitude and service toward veterans. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Memorial Day often serves as the unofficial “kick-off” to summer fun. Schools and offices will be shut, and with Memorial Day coming after Sunday, it is the perfect time for an extended weekend get-together and barbecue. It’s a day that means “fun” to everyone, but Memorial Day’s significance should not be forgotten. As John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” Together, parents and New Jersey’s best preschool, Springdale Academy, let us show our appreciation to our veterans by teaching our children the importance of gratitude and service.