Wolfe Stew

(Updated 12/15/2022.) Christmas time is here!   Do you feel it?   Does it surround you?   And as it surrounds you, do you find yourself uplifted or overwhelmed?   At Christmastime, we all feel merry and bright.   When this season hits, a spring naturally overtakes every footstep.   Magic weaves itself into the air.   It’s effortless. An uncontrollably joyous feeling. The most anticipated moment in every year .   Except...when it’s not. Christmas is filled with expectations, expectations packed in heavy boxes.   Boxes which are stacked in our garages and reopened every year.   Do so many boxes exist for any other time of year?   No?   Why not?   Because no other time of the year is as heavy leaden with expectations as Christmas.   You pull the boxes in and unpack them.   You go through the rituals.   But instead of jingle bells, it is factory bells that toll.  'Tis a nother season of going through motions without the emotion.   You have a happy face on because you know i

(Updated 12.8.2022) Leaders of Littles, As I'm sure you are aware, there are less than three weeks until Christmas break!   For some of us, that seems like an eternity.   But what if you thought about it this way: there are less than three weeks to show your learners Christ-like love before they go on break.  To share with them the true meaning of Christmas. To get them in touch with that Holiday Spirit. You know, the unseen spirit.  The one hidden behind, between, and amongst the gift giving, baking, decorating, merry-making, and heavily expectant busyness. We've thought up some ways to invite that holiday spirit in and wish to share them with you. However and whomever you lead, these activities foster the holiday spirit in the heart of both leaders and learners alike. Bless a Learner a Day Consider writing a learner’s name per day on a calendar (like the one above  or use our current December calendar ) and find a way to intentionally bless them on their name

(Updated 11/13/2022) You know what, Leaders? Yesterday I could not believe that December was right around the corner, but today I find myself singing Christmas songs and not believing it is still November. Maybe it has something to do with the two feet of snow outside? Maybe? Now, I just can't help thinking of December! And good timing too, because you are looking for some December ideas. We have them for you, Leaders. Mix traditional with unusual and produce a December to remember with your littles this season. Ready to click and print, pin, post, paste or paperclip now? Say no more! Simply click below. To download calendar with active links, click here . Place it near where you plan and consider ways to enjoy every day this December. Remember, if you're looking for more ideas, visit our Pinterest board . Feel free to suggest some, too! Then, come back to Wolfe Stew near the end of December. January ideas are sure to headline our menu boards by then. Craving mo

Welcome Leaders, We know it's a stressful time of year to be a teacher.  It's that time of year.  You know it.  That Halloween to Christmas season.  The season where all around us people are bursting with joy and merriness, and we're trapped in a shaken snow globe. Snowflakes.   Smiles. Freedom. To be one of them.  To be on the outside celebrating.  But reality is, we're inside fighting amid a flurry.  We're fighting a daily battle.  For our learners.  Against insurmountable odds.  And often, we feel defeated.  It feels like there's no solution - like we're stuck.  Soon, we find ourselves counting down the days to Christmas as well.  Joyfully, because that means we'll get a break.  Merrily, because that means we'll have room to breathe.  We'll get rest for two weeks.  Two weeks to recharge before we go back to fighting our battles. "What battles?" you say.  If you're a teacher, you likely already know.  If you don&#