Hare, Hare – Hare Today

We often associate rabbit with spring and Easter. What about the rest of the year? Get a fuller picture of rabbits in doing these activities. Now hop on it!

CONNECT:

• Rabbits originated in southwest Europe and northwest Africa
• What’s the origin of the Easter bunny? Watch this video to see the answer: http://time.com/3767518/easter-bunny-origins-history/
• Rabbits are an important part of the ecosystem. Learn about their habits from the BBC’s videos: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Rabbit
• Experience the world of Beatrix Potter: the creator of Peter Rabbit at https://www.peterrabbit.com/
• The idea of a rabbit’s foot being lucky is worldwide – and has a long history. Not so lucky for the rabbit.  Get the inside story at http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/12/rabbits-foot-considered-lucky/

CREATE:

• Create a trivia fact game based on these fun facts about rabbits: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/rabbit.html
• Here's a family-friendly version of Welsh Rarebit (or Rabbit) to cook with or for the kids! The name supposedly comes from the fact that if poachers failed to catch a rabbit, all that there was for tea was bread and cheese! https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/welsh-rarebit
• Try making some of these cute bunny crafts: https://feltmagnet.com/crafts/bunny-crafts-and-how-to-make-them
• Hop like a bunny – and do other preschool rabbit-themed activities at https://www.educatall.com/page/459/Rabbits.html

CARE:

• Learn how to take care of a pet rabbit at: https://rabbit.org/faq-children-and-rabbits/
• Your bunny likes to play games too; try some at http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-behavior/playing-with-your-pet-bunny/
•  Bunnies can be cute, but they can also be harmful (not on purpose, of course). Here are some tips about child safety and health around pet rabbits: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/child/childsafety/rabbits.html
• You may have heard about rabbits having lots of babies. But 30% of rabbit species are endangered. Learn about two of those endangered species at https://www.konicaminolta.com/kids/endangered_animals/library/field/amami-rabbit.html and https://www.konicaminolta.com/kids/endangered_animals/library/field/volcano-rabbit.html

CAREERS:

The most obvious bunny-loving career is being a veterinarian.  But you could also be an artist (including making bunny faces), chef (bunny-shaped cakes), or even a party entertainer in a bunny costume. Hop to it!

• https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/rabbit-health-and-veterinary-care/
• Here’s a fun challenge: finding bunny-related jobs such as rabbit rescuing: http://www.onedayonejob.com/jobs/rabbit-rescue/