"This book is a preschool teacher’s number one resource for building community and promoting social and emotional learning. Individualizing rituals that are special to not only the child but the caregiver as well, and that reflect their personal relationship based on an understanding of the child’s needs, can truly transform the culture of a classroom." —Makai Kellogg, Preschool Teacher, School for Friends, Washington, DC Rituals and traditions in preschool programs have the power to:  Connect children, families, and staff - Foster a sense of belonging - Create a positive learning environment   The information in this book answers the questions of why rituals and traditions are important and how teachers can incorporate them into their daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly plans to create a supportive, caring community. "Create a caring culture that fosters the love of each other and the love of learning. Build lifelong rituals and traditions that support social, emotional, and academic success. A must-read!" — Becky Bailey, Author/Developer, Conscious Discipline Program "This wonderful book reminds teachers and parents that traditions and rituals connect us to our heritage, help us create and maintain our identity, and affirm our school and family values." — Joanne Stokowski, Lead Teacher and Mentor Teacher, D. Scott Hudgens, Jr. Early Education Center, Lawrenceville, GA "This book is a preschool teacher’s number one resource for building community and promoting social and emotional learning. Individualizing rituals that are special to not only the child but the caregiver as well, and that reflect their personal relationship based on an understanding of the child’s needs, can truly transform the culture of a classroom." — Makai Kellogg, Preschool Teacher, School for Friends, Washington, DC Jacky Howell, MA, has been an early childhood educator, consultant, and trainer for more than 40 years in the Washington metropolitan area. She currently writes a column for TYC called Intermission . Kimberly Reinhard, MSc , has been working in early childhood education for more than 20 years as both a teacher and a director. She also served as the chair of the Week of the Young Child committee for the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children.