Amherst, N.H. (December 22, 2022) – December is merry and bright at Sunrise Children’s Center, an early childhood education program within the Regional Services and Education Center (RSEC), where holiday traditions support growth and development. Children and families recently enjoyed festive themed events and activities along with special visits from the father of Christmas, Santa Claus.
On December 3 with 200 family members in attendance, Sunrise hosted its first Christmas concert where children sang loud for all to hear spreading holiday cheer. Bringing in culture and tradition, the pre-school children entertained with renditions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Feliz Navidad while the younger toddlers were able to ring and sing Jingle Bells. After the concert, families enjoyed a hearty breakfast before visiting with Santa for photos and to share their Christmas lists.
Ten days later, on December 13, Sunrise hosted a Polar Express event filled with child-initiated activities and fun. Little hands were busy making reindeer food and ornaments along with partaking in an indoor snowball fight within the classroom. A 12-piece train was constructed and decorated by pre-schoolers who enjoyed a showing of the Polar Express from inside their own box car. Before children left for the day, Santa arrived to visit and deliver the first gift of Christmas for each child.
Celebrations continued through the month through an exploration of holidays around the world.
The events and activities in December at Sunrise supported traditions, which is important for development. They help children process and understand the holidays. Creating traditions, especially from a young age, enables them to foster an emotional connection between themself, their family and the holiday while creating a sense of belonging and purpose.
“Traditions ground children during a busy time of year,” said Lorraine Greer, director of Sunrise Children’s Center. “The holidays can sometimes be overwhelming to children but, traditions are something they count on and look forward to while enabling them to feel part of a community. Having traditions at home and at school are very important in a child’s growth and development.”
Sunrise Children’s Center is a place for children to learn and grow in a caring environment. Located in Amherst, N.H., Sunrise is a home away from home for children ages six weeks to 10 years old (or fourth grade) through infant and toddler programs, full-day childcare services, preschool education and school-age programing. The center’s approach is developmental in nature. The curriculum is based on the fact that all children grow at their own pace and learn best by doing. Sunrise has brought together the best practices from early childhood education and special education to provide the best curriculum possible for children in the program.
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