To the majestic strains of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” 18 preschoolers entered the holiday celebration at Lakeside Church wearing glittering angel costumes. They delighted their parents, family members, and friends with holiday songs from around the world. Happily shaking musical bells, the children sang “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,” and then followed it with “The Dreidel Song,” a Hanukkah tradition.

The preschoolers sang and danced to a joyful rendition of “Feliz Navidad” accompanied by maracas. Four-year-old Marley Trivette wore a glowing red nose as her fellow preschoolers surrounded her singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Reciting an original poem expressing love and appreciation for family during the holidays, the children enthralled the audience.

Anne Bared-Hill, Head of School, thanked the large audience for attending the very first Little Scholars “Holidays Around the World Celebration.” She praised the preschoolers for learning all of the songs and practicing so hard to provide the program for their families and friends. Bared-Hill noted that the program would not have been possible without the continued support of all of the parents, grandparents, and extended families. She also expressed appreciation to Damaris Callaway, receptionist at Lakeside Church, for her technical assistance and support throughout the program.

“We could not have presented such a wonderful program without the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Tina Lewis, our talented preschool educator,” said Bared-Hill, adding that “she worked tirelessly to prepare our little ones for this program.”

Bared-Hill informed the audience that as we become more connected through the internet and other means, it is critical that children develop a global awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity. Bared-Hill stressed that knowledge and vocabulary are critical components of a strong literacy program and expressed her sincere gratitude to Mrs. Carol Candito, Head of Language and Literacy, for the academy.

Following the performance, the children, families, and friends, enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies in the foyer.

Bobbi Collis, grandmother of preschooler Payton Lewis, commented, “The children were wonderful! They were truly little angels up there. I like how they sang multicultural songs. It really shows the children are learning about different holidays.”

Little Scholars Academy (LSA) is a preschool founded in 2010. The school, conveniently located at Lakeside Church on Lake Oconee Parkway, serves the needs and interests of three-and four-year-old children throughout the community. The innovative curriculum (a combination of The Preschool Little Treasures and Core Knowledge) is research-based, developmentally appropriate, and designed to address the needs and interests of all young children. LSA also incorporates teaching methodologies from the Reggio Emilia Schools in Italy. Children learn best when they master educational skills through active learning experiences, therefore LSA is excited to offer a preschool program that combines center based activities that are both teacher directed and child initiated.  LSA also offers a comprehensive language based program as a foundation for developing strong early literacy skills. Little Scholars Academy, where learning is a journey, not a race, strives to foster a lifelong desire to explore and develop as an individual. For more information about Little Scholars Academy, please call (706) 817-8013.