The start of November kicked off National Native American Heritage Month, also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is a time to recognize Indigenous people's history, culture, and contributions. Additionally, part of Native American Heritage Month involves reckoning with the past.

Here, we've curated a variety of resources for parents and teachers who would like to initiate conversations and learn more.

Gratitude is an emotion we should express throughout the year. The days leading up to Thanksgiving, though, are an excellent opportunity to reinforce the practice of giving thanks and schedule some fun activities with your children to promote gratitude. Here are some suggestions for holding a “Gratitude Week” prior to Thanksgiving to dedicate one activity per day to remind kids of the many blessings and people that surround and support them.

As the cooler months arrive and with the holidays on the mind, many families start discussions within their own homes about what they are thankful for and how to serve the most vulnerable in their communities. In fact, statistics say that 30 percent of annual giving occurs in December and 10 percent occurs on the last three days of the year. 

Although parents, caregivers and schools should be discussing ways to give back to others all year long, here are some helpful ways to serve others this Holiday season, while safely navigating COVID-19.

Gina and I are fortunate to have three children in Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child's coed pre-K to grade 6 Lower School. We were drawn to the school originally because of its focus on the whole child; we think it is very important, particularly in these times, that children are given the opportunity to be children – have fun, make friends, live a stress-free life, and become educated in mind and spirit in the Catholic tradition.

Developing empathy in children is imperative to ensure we are promoting good, responsible citizenry. Studies show that children start to show genuine empathy - understanding how other people feel - around 2 years of age. To help foster values of charitable giving, families must find ways to teach kids about giving back and make it FUN.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is all about family and being thankful for the wonderful things in our lives. An admirable priest once said, “Happy people are thankful people, and thankful people are happy people.” I truly believe in those words and try to live them every day.

The sun is setting earlier, the temperatures are cooling and the holidays are right around the corner. There’s no better time than now to think about giving back to those less fortunate who could benefit from a helping hand — be it for warmth, food, shelter or holiday cheer.