Official Kids Mag

By Karen Rice Official Kids Mag May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who was like the boss of the growth of plants. And plenty of plants will be growing during May's warm and sunny days. Here are some other things to celebrate in the merry month of May... May is asian pacific american heritage Month! It commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1842. The month of May was also chosen in honor of Chinese immigrants who helped build the transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1896 and linked the east and west coasts of our country. Asian Pacific Americans include more than just Chinese and Japanese Americans. This month we celebrate the culture, traditions and history of Asian American and Pacific Islander people. This includes people from many countries in the Far East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent including, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam. Also included are people from Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. Asian Pacific Americans have made great contributions and sacrifices for our country and continue to be important citizens. They are often the victims of discrimination and bias. May is a good month to learn more about Asian-Pacific culture and history, and to remember that we are all created equal. May 1 May Day Throughout history, the first day of May has been celebrated to welcome the return of spring to the Northern hemisphere. The celebrations include singing and dancing around a maypole, picking flowers for people you love, and wearing flower crowns. In Hawaii, May Day is known as "Lei Day," Leis are garlands or wreaths made with native Pacific Island flowers and leaves. They are given as a symbol of greeting, farewell, affection, celebration, or honor, in the Hawaiian spirit of aloha. In the 19th century, May Day also became known as International Workers' Day, which was created to bring awareness to the struggles and rights of workers. It is a national public holiday in many countries around the world. In the United States, we honor workers on Labor Day, the first Monday of September. May 5 Cinco de Mayo ("the Fifth of May") This day celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. It is, however an important day in Mexican history. In Mexico, the majority of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations occur in Puebla, where the battle and conquest over the French troops took place. Mole poblano is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States. There are parties with music, food, friends and family, and the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green) are used in decorations. Monday May 3 - Friday May 7 Teacher Appreciation Week That's right! It's time to thank your teacher! Your teacher works so hard all year helping you learn, develop and discover new interests. And teachers get very little credit for all their hard work. To thank them, nothing shows your teacher that you care (and that you've learned something) more than a well-written thank you note! Here are some tips for writing the best teacher thank you note ever! 1. When you're ready to start writing your thank you note, make sure to find a nice piece of stationery or a "thank you" card. 2. Start by addressing your teacher by their proper name—"Mr." "Mrs." "Miss" or "Ms." Use this title on both the envelope and inside the card. 3. Start off with a greeting, like "Dear," "To," or just your teacher's name followed by a comma. 4. Describe what they did that you are thankful for, and how it helped you. Maybe it was spending extra time to help you learn something. Or being patient with you. Whatever it was, tell your teacher why it mattered to you. 5. Don't forget to say the words "Thank you." These two simple words go a long way! 6. End with a closing followed by your name. You might try: • Sincerely, • All the best, • Warm Wishes, • Thank you again, May 6 • May 2021 • www.officialKidsMag.com

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