Something close to home and "in season" that sparked an exploration worth sharing... here's the latest article from the Early Childhood site at BellaOnline.com. Despite this issue, I hope everyone (in the US, I suppose) has a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday.

The Claremont Thanksgiving Debate - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art39029.asp
In my suburban community in Southern California there are two public elementary schools that have traditionally celebrated together the week of Thanksgiving each year with a "Friendship Feast." But a debate over dressing as Native Americans and the authenticity of the event polarized my small town.



No Playing Indian at Thanksgiving - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art30719.asp
In response to the ongoing debate in my daughter's school district about whether it is appropriate to make Native American costumes and re-enact what is generally known as the First Thanksgiving, I decided to do some research on what is at the root of those who object to these traditions.

**I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please join the debate at my forum at http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/566801/No_Playing_Indian_at_Thanksgiv

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Nicki Heskin, Early Childhood Editor
http://earlychildhood.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com