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

 

 

Truth or Consequences

We are taught not to lie or mislead others. Yet lying, misleading, misinformation does happen, and it can have serious consequences. Get the truth about honesty and lying, misinformation and disinformation, as you do these online activities.

CONNECT:

• Watch these kid-friendly videos about honesty and lying: https://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/videos-for-kids-on-honesty-and-lying/ There are also worksheets that accompany the videos.
• What is fake news? Watch how to identify them at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Cd9-eJ-No&ab_channel=SmileandLearn-English
• For preteens and up: Now is election time, and voters need to know the truth about the candidates. See examples of misinformation that can falsely influence voters at https://misinfodashboard.newslit.org/?utm_source=election-2024&utm_campaign=election-resource-bundle-cvc-oct15-24b&utm_medium=email&emci=0e37ec2f-238b-ef11-8473-0022483029fa&emdi=1137ec2f-238b-ef11-8473-0022483029fa&ceid=8384968

 

CREATE:

• Build up your honesty superpower with these 10 honesty activities for kids: https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/honesty-activities-for-kids
• Can you believe everything you read? Sometimes it is hard to know the truth. Follow these tips to spot fake news, and test your ability, at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/fake-news
• Play these games to learn about fake news: https://teachingkidsnews.com/fakenews/

 

CARE:

• Watch how to be safe on social media at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=9osg-yh6uA0&ab_channel=TwinklTeachingResources-UnitedStates
• For parents: here are tips for teaching kids at different ages about honesty: https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/improper-behavior/fantastic-fibs/ and here are insights about fibbing as part of child development: https://houstonfamilymagazine.com/featured/lying-or-pretending-teaching-kids-to-tell-the-truth/
• For preteens and above: watch these 3 tips on how to deal with a lie: https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson/video/7341850295942548778?lang=en

 

CAREERS:

Are you a truth seeker? News reporting can be a good career for you, or you might consider becoming a teacher or a librarian. Get the truth about these careers at the following websites.

• https://kpcnotebook.scholastic.com/post/what-it-be-journalist
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO02Z_l38VA&ab_channel=ABCBigKids
• https://www.ucumberlands.edu/blog/high-impact-jobs-with-a-journalism-degree
• What are librarian careers? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyOpL1Q8N-Y&ab_channel=CareerOneStop
• A day in the life of a children’s librarian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy-vERPOqdU&ab_channel=CityofDenton
• What do teachers do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMZRaMWxkps&ab_channel=LittleBoat

Think Ink

 

How often you think about ink? It’s in pins, printers, even animals! Draw upon your new knowledge as you do these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how ink is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01aeHXuiXig
• See how ink was discovered at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0NgOLF8f2M
• What is squid ink? Discover the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiT79Lfxwps
• Read 16 surprising facts about printer ink (and toner) at https://www.tonerbuzz.com/blog/ink-and-toner-fun-facts/

 

CREATE:

• Make your own ink from household ingredients. See the directions at https://www.nps.gov/articles/ink-activity.htm#:~:text=Directions%3A%20Boil%20the%20raspberries%20with,it%20is%20ready%20to%20use!
• Create secret ink(shhh!) by following the directions at https://www.cmosc.org/invisible-ink-science-experiment-for-kids/
• Blow an ink monster ! See how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWZHOzOmGQw

 

CARE:

• For parents: to tattoo or not to tattoo: https://www.healthday.com/health-news/conditions/b-9-10-kids-temporary-tattoos-can-harm-skin-function-2654951206.html
• Watch how to remove ink safely at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atDn_Zi7dSU
• Know someone with a tattoo? See what happens during laser tattoo removal at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6z2VO6pxwM

 

CAREERS:

Want to “ink in” your career? You can become a printer, an artist, a calligrapher, a tattoo artist, an ink manufacturer or seller, or a scientist. That’s a lot of ink! See some possibilities here.

• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/t/Most-Popular-Types-Of-Ink-Jobs
• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/calligrapher/
• How to become a tattoo artist: https://youtu.be/MRdl0tn1H0E

Cheer for Cheese!

 

By itself and in combination with other food, cheese is great! Find out why with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out 11 fun facts about cheese at https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/blogs/blog/11-fun-facts-about-cheese
• Watch the different types of cheese at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gATmYIO5p48
• See how cheese is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8AIamucOVQ
• Cheese is over 7000 years old! Read about its global history at https://kids.kiddle.co/History_of_cheese

 

CREATE:

• You can play with your food if it’s cheese. Discover how at https://www.himama.com/learning/child-activities/activity/yummy-cheese-play
• Cheese can also facilitate practical life activities: see how at https://www.howwemontessori.com/how-we-montessori/2019/09/six-practical-life-activities-using-cheese.html
• Make your own cottage cheese by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPwpYDicT0
• Experiment with stretching cheese at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGkIY4q6ttI

 

CARE:

• As a family, read about the benefits of cheese for kids at https://thelaughingcow-sea.com/articles/the-benefits-of-cheese-for-children-why-cheese-is-a-healthy-choice-for-kids/
•  And you can get more details per kind of cheese at https://thelaughingcow-sea.com/articles/the-benefits-of-cheese-for-children-why-cheese-is-a-healthy-choice-for-kids/
• Yes, you can care for cheese. See how at https://www.idfa.org/cheese-facts
• Find out how safe moldy cheese is at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058492

 

CAREERS:

Thinking about a cheese-y job? You can make cheese, taste it, sell it, cook with it, and study it. Here are some yummy possibilities:

• https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7/Cheese-Industry-Worker.html
• Selling cheese as a cheese monger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51w7gSHVqAc
• Cheese and milk processing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9_yIMWsdTs