February offers month-long celebrations filled with delicious treats, smiles, books, history and more. Read on to find out more about this month of love, Presidents and the coming of Spring (sooner or later).
When George Washington told his father he could not tell a lie and he had chopped down the family’s cherry tree, it showed that our first President was honest and trustworthy. In his honor, we celebrate National Cherry Month in February, which is also a good reminder that this delicious fruit is available throughout the year, not just during the summer. February 1 is also National Decorating with Candy Day so try this fun cherry lollipop craft together. https://tipjunkie.com/cherry-party-favor-boxes/
Library Lover’s Month in February is a wonderful time to take advantage of all your library has to offer. Why not curl up with a good book from one of these local library branches or register for one of their fun virtual programs?
https://www.raritanlibrary.org/
https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/community/readington-library
Black History week was started in 1926 by a well known African American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It wasn’t until 1976 that the entire month of February was recognized as Black History Month!
Book selections from this website https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/black-history-month/top-15-childrens-books-black-history-month can offer more information to your preschoolers about this important time in our country’s history. You can also find out more about Dr. Woodson at https://woodsonmuseum.org/.
February 2, Groundhog’s Day is when the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil comes out of its hole in Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania at the end of hibernation. If the animal sees its shadow it is said there will be six more weeks of winter weather. This year, you don’t have to drive to Pennsylvania to witness Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow. The annual tradition is going virtual at https://www.groundhog.org/2021-schedule.
National Bubble Gum Day on February 5 is a wonderful way for children to raise money for school activities without having to sell anything. On this day, they can “buy” the opportunity to chew gum in class if they make a donation of fifty cents. The money goes towards charities the schools support. For more interesting facts about gum, check out these fun articles about a chewing gum museum in Arizona and the most commonly asked questions about bubble gum: https://www.parkerpioneer.net/news/article_cd8c35f4-efa9-11e5-855d-f7f67a10c90e.html and https://www.gleegum.com/national-bubblegum-day/
February 5 is National Give Kids A Smile Day. It was created by the American Dental Association (ADA) to allow children 
who normally can’t afford dental care to see a dentist. The entire month of February is National Dental Health month and a good time to remind children of good dental hygiene habits: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month. The ADA holds a month-long campaign full of resources and activities to help ensure your child’s dental health. Here are some other ideas for making dental hygiene fun:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/7-ways-to-make-dental-hygiene-for-kids-fun.
The Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7 is not only a time to cheer for your favorite team, but also to gather virtually with family and friends. Remember to include your children in the festivities! Kangaroo Kids had a Super Bowl day where children wore their favorite sport jersey and created football crafts mixed in with math and literacy lessons! Here are some fun Super Bowl ideas you can do in front of the television when watching the big game together: 60+ Preschool Superbowl ideas | football themes, football activity, football crafts (pinterest.com)
Saint Valentine’s Day (or just Valentine’s Day) is a holiday that people celebrate annually on February 14 to express love. On Valentine’s Day, send homemade cards, candy, flowers and other tokens of love to friends, family members, classmates and neighbors. To get started, here are some craft ideas and other activities your children can have fun with on this special day. Don’t forget to wear red! Mom’s and Dad’s and Grandparents too stop by at drop off for Breakfast to Go and Friday, February 13th!
On February 15, Americans honor two of our country’s most influential Presidents who both have birthdays this month – George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Teach your children about these honorable and honest role models with these fun facts about President’s Day: http://www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/index.php/presidents_day_facts_for_kids/#:~:text=%20Here%20are%20some%20Presidents%E2%80%99%20Day%20facts%20to,holiday%E2%80%99s%20official%20name%20is%20still%20%E2%80%9CWashington%E2%80%99s…%20More
Looking to change up your breakfast routine? Why not bake this super simple banana bread for National Banana Bread Day on February 23? Add some chocolate chips for an extra taste of sweetness!
Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Kids Website and Facebook page for information on school events like Breakfast to Go and other activities. Also, visit our school website at https://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/.
Here are some other websites that detail fun FREE things to do in New Jersey every month! Call ahead and make sure the activities are happening before you head out for your day!
