Look into Lunar New Year

You may have heard of Chinese New Year, but the underlying concept crosses several cultures. Hop into 2023 – the year of the rabbit – with these enlightening activities about Lunar New Year

CONNECT:

• Watch how people celebrate Lunar New Year at https://youtu.be/Mm9LJC_5g2o
• Discover the legend of the Lunar New Year and the Chinese zodiac at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVPHdFX9iHY&ab_channel=PandaExpressTV
• Find out some things things are unlucky do to during Lunar New Year at https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-taboos.htm

CREATE:

• Try eating lucky food for Lunar New Year; get the details at https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/lucky-foods-for-your-chinese-new-year-feast/
• Find out your Chinese zodiac sign at https://www.buildingbeautifulsouls.com/zodiac-signs/chinese-zodiac-for-kids/
• Celebrate Chinese lantern festival with the activities found at https://www.misspandachinese.com/happy-lantern-festival-closing-out-chinese-new-year-celebrations-with-a-lantern/

CARE:

• Lunar New Year is a time to wish people good fortune. Read about how Chinese people give money in red envelopes for good luck at https://artsandculture.google.com/story/8-things-you-should-know-about-the-lucky-red-envelope/PwKiICEFJXMOJg
• Fireworks are often part of Lunar New Year – and New Year's eve celebrations. Keep safe by following these tips: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html
• New year is a good time to make a fresh start for yourself and how you connect with other people Here are some idea for kid-friendly new year resolutions: https://aroundthekampfire.com/2021/12/50-new-years-resolution-ideas-for-elementary-kids.html

CAREERS:

Looking to the future for a career? How about planning events? Starting planning your eventful job with these ideas.

• https://online.jwu.edu/blog/8-careers-people-who-love-plan-events
• https://www.socialtables.com/blog/event-planning/event-planning-careers/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm

Cheers for Chocolate!

 

Many a Christmas stocking will contain chocolate. Indeed, chocolate is associated with several holidays and events in life. The following activities will give you a bigger taste of this delicious confection.

 

CONNECT:

• Answer your questions about chocolate at https://planbee.com/blogs/news/chocolate-facts-for-ks2-children-and-teachers
• See a history of chocolate at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibjUpk9Iagk
• Take a virtual chocolate factory field trip at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC-EnTZrddk

 

CREATE:

• Did you know about National Chocolate Day? You can celebrate it – and chocolate itself – with these fun activities and crafts: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/chocolate-crafts-and-activities-for_44/
• Fill your senses with these chocolate sensory play ideas at https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/10-chocolate-sensory-play-ideas/
• Experiment with chocolate at https://blog.pitsco.com/blog/chocolate-covered-learning

 

CARE:

• Chocolate stains are inevitable. Find out how to remove them at https://kidspot.co.nz/family-time/how-to-remove-chocolate-stains/
• Sadly, some people are chocolate-sensitive or are allergic to chocolate. Discover the symptoms and triggers to chocolate – and how to avoid reactions to chocolate at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317775#Reactions-to-other-ingredients
• Chocolate can lose its taste and appearance, so learn how to preserve chocolate at https://www.fauchon.com/en/mag/advice/how-to-preserve-chocolate/

 

CAREERS:

Does a chocolate-related career sound yummy? There are several possibilities for you then: just like a variety box of chocolates. So take your pick below for a tasty job.

• https://fortune.com/2013/02/14/8-chocolate-covered-careers/
• https://www.institutculinaire.fr/en/news/chocolatier-job-description
• See how chemistry can lead to a chocolate career at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oBgnZBb-w

Dear Reindeer

 

Dear Reindeer

‘Tis the season to think about reindeer. What is so special about them? Find out the answers and more with the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• When is a reindeer NOT a reindeer? When it is wild and live in North American – they are then called caribou. Watch more facts about reindeer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXsqn8cskZ8
• Read 12 incredible reindeer facts for Christmas at https://a-z-animals.com/blog/12-incredible-reindeer-facts-for-christmas/?from=exit_intent
• What’s the story behind reindeer and Santa? Get the answer at https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/22/opinion/galloway-reindeer
• Compare deer and reindeer at https://pediaa.com/difference-between-deer-and-reindeer/#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20deer,second%20biggest%20species%20of%20deer

 

CREATE:

• ‘Tis the season for fun reindeer crafts for kids: at https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/20-ridiculously-fun-reindeer-crafts-for-kids/
• Play some reindeer-inspired games at https://www.joyintheworks.com/10-reindeer-games-christmas-parties-family-fun/
• Learn how to make reindeer rockets and other holiday science at https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/reindeer-rockets
• Make magical reindeer food at https://www.inspiringsavings.com/reindeer-food/
• Track Santa and his reindeer journey at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

 

CARE:

• Do you have a reindeer – or wish you had one? Here is how Santa takes care of reindeer: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/dec/facts-about-reindeer-and-life-with-santa-31173
• Discover threats to reindeer/caribou at https://www.arcticwwf.org/wildlife/reindeer-and-caribou/
• You can adopt a reindeer at https://alaskawildlife.org/project/reindeer/

 

CAREERS:

Do reindeer-related jobs sound cool to you? You could raise them, heal them, create art about them, or even cook them (tearfully??). You don’t have to be Santa, and you are not limited to Christmas. Just check out these jobs.

• https://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/dec/18/working-life-reindeer-herder
• https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2019/05/reindeer-career
• https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/yourvet/even-santas-reindeer-need-veterinarian

AND here are some weird and wonderful Christmas jobs (including reindeer walker): https://coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/friday-funnies/10-weird-christmas-jobs/