National Anthem Pride

Anthems are usually associated with national anthems such as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Anthems usually represents a group, a country, or a movement. As the U.S. has a new president, it is good to think about national pride – of many groups. Explore anthems with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Why are there national anthems? Discover the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA0-cA2BRAA&ab_channel=Tapakapa
• Watch the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://youtu.be/Umg8v6DLZjs (“spangled” means cover in spangles or other sparkling objects or lights).
• “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is often called the Black National Anthem. Read why at https://www.pbs.org/articles/lift-every-voice-and-sing#:~:text=Many%20people%20are%20surprised%20to,as%20the%20Black%20National%20Anthem.
• National anthems are also sung at sports events. Watch several countries sing their national anthems at rugby (soccer) games at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRIjnHtGua1hV68cq5HuO9_z78jNj-fVU

 

CREATE:

• Create a replica of the original flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/
• Another popular, but unofficial, U.S. anthem is “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” which is based on the United Kingdom’s national anthem “God Save the King.” In turn, that tune resembles an old dance piece of the early 17^th century!  Listen to 15 versions of the same melody at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d0uR5Gew88&ab_channel=LEONAR Now try making up new lyrics to this tune.
• Learn how to sing Canada’s national anthem at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/

CARE:

• Plan a Star-Spangled Banner Birthday Celebration Week with these ideas: https://starspangledmusic.org/ssb-celebration-week-resource-pack/
• Learn about flag etiquette at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-rHN8Ow87w&ab_channel=KMTV3NewsNow
• Conduct a flag ceremony with your family following these steps at https://shapinguptobeamom.com/how-to-do-a-flag-ceremony-with-your-family/

 

CAREERS:

How do national anthems fit into your possible career? As a musician, a composer, an historian, an event planner, or even a manufacturer.

• Flag manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sijUOBx4q_E&ab_channel=ThinkOne
• Writing an anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjsljVCN_MU&ab_channel=FraserTwitchett
• Music historians: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-music-historian#:~:text=A%20music%20historian%20is%20a,the%20public%20on%20their%20findings.

Soup's On!

 January is soup month, but soup crosses the seasons: hot soup warms you up in winter, and cold soup in summer can be very refreshing. And soup is found throughout the ages and around the world. Try these tasty online activities while the soup’s on.

 

CONNECT:

• Soup has been around since 20,000 BC as soon as they invented pots. Read about its history at https://www.onmanorama.com/food/features/2020/06/24/soup-popular-dish-history-origin.html
• Watch how tomato soup took over the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdijvFLaps&ab_channel=HistoryofFood
• See the world of soups at https://www.thekitchn.com/collection/around-the-world-in-30-soups

 

CREATE:

• See how to make yummy vegetable soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoOpfn5yRxo&ab_channel=KidsBakingClub
• Watch how to make broccoli cheddar soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDIH0wHKkYo&ab_channel=FamilyFunPack
• Still have your pumpkin? You can make soup with it at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN48a-uwF20&ab_channel=MeetMaxi

 

CARE:

• You should eat more soup; here are 5 reasons why: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/01/you-should-eat-more-soup-5-reasons-why
• For more details about soups, both healthy and non-healthy ones, go to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-soup-healthy
• Chicken soup is often associated with getting over sickness. Discover the history of chicken soup and turtleneck soup at https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2019/04/28/the-history-of-chicken-soup/ and check out George Washington’s part in them.
• For parents: What about teaching kids charity through soup kitchens? Here is why not – and better alternatives: https://www.cnbc.com/2013/10/17/teaching-kids-charity-skip-the-soup-kitchen-trip.html

 

CAREERS:

Does soup sound like a tasty career? Think about becoming a chef, a nutritionist, a restauranteer, a dietician, or a manufacturer. Here are some leads, so eat up?

• A day in the life of a cook: https://youtu.be/ISWsysBslMk
• https://www.timeforkids.com/your-hot-job/articles/at-your-service-restaurant-manager
• Exploring dietitian and nutrition careers: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Dietitians%20and%20Nutritionists&location=US&onetcode=29-1031.00

 

New Years Past Present and Future

 

Each new year is a new beginning. How are those new years celebrated – ad how have they been celebrated in the past? Discover something new this year with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Why do people celebrate New Year’s Day? See why at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKHPtGSwPrQ&ab_channel=Hey%21GuessWhat
• Watch 25 unique ways to celebrate the new year at https://youtu.be/4fM9d6Ci5rg
• January is named for Janus—but who is he? And what does he have to do with New Years? Get the answer at https://kids.kiddle.co/Janus

 

CREATE:

• Start the year with a party? Get some fun ideas at https://www.engaginglittles.com/new-years-eve-kids-activities-2/
• Get the family together for new year’s eve games at https://www.playpartyplan.com/new-years-eve-minute-to-win-it-games/
• Bring in the year with these kid-friendly crafts: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/new-years-eve-ideas-kids/

 

CARE:

• Resolutions are a good time to set goals for the new year. Get inspired by these kid-friendly resolution (and their pet supporters) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isec6nrPRjM&ab_channel=MissDahlman%27sWorld
• One way to have a good new year is to stay healthy. Get some good ideas for healthy resolutions at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Healthy-New-Years-Resolutions-for-Kids.aspx
• Fireworks are commonly seen on New Year’s Eve (and 4^th of July and other holidays). Let Fido the Fire Dog help you keep safe at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm8s2vIcpqI&ab_channel=AvonFire%26RescueService

 

 

 

CAREERS:

New Year’s Day is a good time to think about your future. Here are some tips for exploring your future.

• https://codakid.com/blog/preparing-kids-for-the-future/5-things-that-all-kids-should-study-to-get-a-high-paying-job-in-the-future/
• https://www.kaixr.com/post/career-exploration-for-kids
• Ways that parents can help: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/career-goals-among-children/

 

Sweet Season of Sugar

 

The holidays evoke the taste of sugar (sugarplum fairies and more).  Discover its seasonal role – and its larger impact in these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out some fun facts about sugar at https://easyscienceforkids.com/sugar/
• Where did sugar come from? Watch the answer throughout history at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4g6sReVCYQ&ab_channel=BBCStudios
• Find out about different sources of sugar at https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/sugar/353821

 

CREATE:

• Make—and play--with sugar sand! Just follow the directions at https://createplaytravel.com/kids/diy-sugar-sand/
• Try painting snowflakes with sugar. See how at https://kidscraftroom.com/winter-sugar-painting-kids/
• Create colored sugar cubes and build with them by following the directions at https://handsonaswegrow.com/sugar-cube-activity-fun-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• Sugar is hiding in plain sight; find out where they hide at https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/sugar-hiding-in-plain-sight-video
• Rethink your drink and the amount of sugar is in it at https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/rethink-your-drink/
• What does sugar do for your body? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Sn81ulH8I&ab_channel=WonderGroveKids

 

CAREERS:

Does a sugar-related career sound sweet to you? You could raise it, process it, sell it, create with it, and study it. Here are some possibilities.

• Check out the sugar industry at https://www.sugar.org/about/us-industry/
• Read about the scientific voice of the sugar industry at https://www.sugar.org/
• Discover how sugarcane is farmed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyNDJHkLyrE&ab_channel=CANEGROWERSWatch how sugar is processed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfKDdE6YEiw&ab_channel=HowIt%27sMade

 

Celebrate Camels

 

What comes to mind when you think about camels? The desert? Christmas manger scenes? 2024 is the United Nation has proclaimed 2024 as the year of the Camelidae. Learn why and lots more about camels and their relatives with these fun websites.

 

CONNECT:

• There are different types of camels: read fun facts about them at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/camel-facts-for-kids/
• Camels have been the main way to travel across the desert sands. See how camels adapt to their environment at https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/camels/san-diego-zoo-kids/
• Campers are members of the biological family Camelidae, which also includes llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Find out what connects and distinguishes these family members at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF4UYaiSFms      For a more extensive history of Camelidae, including the 2024 celebration, watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAolb2DYDo8

 

CREATE:

• Many quotes mention camels. You might make posters or a t-shirt using some of these quotes: https://www.wisesayings.com/camel-quotes/
• There are many ways to create a camel. Which one do you want to try? Check out 17 possibilities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/arts-and-crafts/camel-crafts-and-activities/
• Play a Happy Camel game at https://springroll-tc.pbskids.org/happy-camel/c01ef930ff95427b3d797687fc8ffb7e611ef75c/release/index.html

 

CARE:

• Camels can get aggressive, so what are good practices in connecting with camels? Get some tips at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8F9y7BCnzQ&t=214s
• Can you “read” camel? Watch how to at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ2FNBjH_EM
• Did you know that the wild camel is the 8^th most endangered large mammal on the planet? Discover the details at https://www.wildcamels.com/

 

CAREERS:

Are you curious about camels and care for them? How about a camel career? You could be a scientist, a veterinarian, a camel farmer, a camel racer, a tour guide, are even a camel artist! See some of the possibilities here:

• https://www.camelchannel.com/
• https://thefootnotes.com.au/the-humps-of-a-career-in-camel-farming/
• https://www.vetpracticemag.com.au/meet-camel-veterinarian-margie-bale/
• https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/14/sport/camel-racing-robots-uae-thoroughbred-hussain-al-marzooqi/index.html#:~:text=Deep%20in%20the%20heart%20of,be%20upwards%20of%20%242%20million.

 

Gobble Up Turkeys

 

Turkeys are traditional food at Thanksgiving. And there’s more to them than that one meal. Gobble up the facts about turkeys with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out 70! facts about turkeys at https://www.lovetoknow.com/parenting/kids/turkey-facts-kids
• Why do Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving? See the video answer about it at https://www.britannica.com/video/turkey-dish-meal/-238846
• Get wild about wild turkeys at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnIU1iJgmVE

 

CREATE:

• Here are two dozen turkey activities for kids: https://thekindergartenconnection.com/24-turkey-activities-kids/
• Get a taste for healthy turkey food art at https://raisingveggielovers.com/turkey-food-art-healthy-kids-food/
• Work up an appetite with these thanksgiving games at https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g32449758/thanksgiving-games/

 

CARE:

• Watch how farmers care for turkeys at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpHvD4TBzOM
• Wild turkeys adapt to urban and suburban communities, which can cause problems. See the issues and the solutions at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Wild-Turkeys-WDM-Technical-Series.pdf
• Watch this annual “Turkeys for Teachers” drive to support 1000 local teachers with Thanksgiving good at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ORGcKXXhlM

 

CAREERS:

Is a TURKey LURKey in your future? Maybe as a farmer, a grocer, a cook, an event planner, an ornithologist (bird scientist)? You might thank a turkey for an interesting career. See some examples below.  

• Visit a turkey farm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOxzPHg_B64
• Scientists talk about turkey conservation at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DfjOQFVEeK4

 

Get Spirited!

 

Halloween is a time when some folks call on the spirits. Spirits can mean several things, but these spirited online activities focus on things like souls and ghosts. Don’t get spirited away!

 

CONNECT:

• Are ghosts real? Watch the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw0K0Yfa29A&ab_channel=ColossalCranium
• Ghosts are usually defined as the spirit or soul of a dead animal that appears to be living. Read facts about them at https://kidpillar.com/ghost-facts-for-kids/
• Discover ghostly celebrations from around the world at https://hashtaglegend.com/5-famous-ghostly-celebrations-by-nations
• Who is the Holy Spirit (sometimes called the Holy Ghost)? Watch a Christian video about this spirit at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYjT1_wnsXk

 

CREATE:

• B is for Boo! And preschool spooky fun. Get the details at https://thechirpingmoms.com/ghost-activities/
• Try some of these 14 easy ideas for kids to inspire the spirit of Halloween: https://columbiamom.com/14-easy-ideas-for-kids-to-inspire-the-spirit-of-halloween/
• Here are some activities to introduce children to spirituality: https://www.ulc.org/ulc-blog/fun-ideas-to-introduce-children-to-spirituality

 

CARE:

• What is fear? And how can kids deal with it? They can watch a video to help them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pxJoxqZyCs&ab_channel=SmileandLearn-English
• For parents: Read these tips for helping children deal with fear and worry: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety.html#:~:text=Comfort%20your%20infant%2C%20toddler%2C%20or,These%20can%20cause%20fears
• Keep up your spirit and safety at Halloween with these pediatrician tips: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx
• Spirit of Children brings fun and funding to patients and their families. Their online fall campaign is Spirit Halloween. Read what they do and how you can support Spirit Halloween at https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/become-a-corporate-partner/spirit-halloween

 

CAREERS:

Is there a ghost of a chance that spirits could lead to a career for you? Several religions include the concept of spirits so you might become a spiritual leader. Or maybe you like Halloween and similar celebrations. You could become an event planner, an interior decorator, an artist, a costumer, a chef, all to make such events successful. Check out some possibilities here.

• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/spiritual-careers
• https://www.careeraddict.com/halloween-jobs