Are Dragons Fantastic?

 

The short answer is: no.  But it all depends on context. Lots of dragons exist in our imagination and our stories. And dragons DO have inspired by real things. So may you find that dragons ARE fantastic in the best meaning of the word (as in “great!”) when you explore these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore facts about dragons at https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/dragon
• Read about Smithsonian’s look at potential inspiration for dragon myths at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/
• Dragons are often culturally created and defined. Find out the differences between Eastern and Western dragons at https://www.draconika.com/culture
•  Watch 5 facts about dragons in real life at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crVtO3kJkc8&ab_channel=ColossalCranium

 

 

CREATE:

• Connect the dots between dragons and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) connect by trying fun dragon STEM activities at https://theresjustonemommy.com/dragon-stem-activities/
• Get crafty with dragon-inspired activities at https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/dragon-crafts-and-activities/
• Pick some great books about dragons to read from this list: https://imaginationsoup.net/dragon-books-kids/
• 2024 will be the Chinese Year of the Dragon so start early to learn about that Zodiac sign – and related activities – at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/

 

CARE:

• Did you know that bearded dragons really exist? Here is how to take care of them: https://kidspetclub.com/bearded-dragon-care/
• Dragon breath may be good for you; see why and how to do it at https://www.first5california.com/en-us/articles/inhale-exhale-why-practicing-dragon-breathing-can-help-your-child-manage/
• Have you heard of the game Dungeons and Dragons? Research says it can help youth build social skills. check out the research at https://www.geekwire.com/2023/can-dungeons-dragons-and-other-tabletop-games-help-youth-build-social-skills/

 

CAREERS:

Do flights of (dragon) fantasy tempt in in terms of a career? Writing and illustration loom big. The entertainment media industry – films, TV, games – may call you. You might also manufacture dragon-related items: toys, art, jewelry, cloth and clothing, even dragon-shaped desserts. You might even teach about dragons (besides at Hogwarts).

• https://www.shmoop.com/college-majors/mythology-and-folklore/jobs.html
• https://self-publishingschool.com/fantasy-creatures/
• https://www.syracuse.com/news/2011/02/artist_lives_out_fantasy_with.html
• https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-childhood-fantasy-dream-career-pay-well-2019-9

 

 

 

Put Your Stamp on Life

 People still write cards and letters, which they even mail – along with packages. And stamps have other uses too. Stamp out ignorance by doing these fun activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch why stamps were invented – and why collect them – at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UaYDxL3w8
• Get fun facts about US postage stamps from the source: at https://facts.usps.com/stamps/
• Explore stamp stories at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/stamp-stories

 

CREATE:

• Be crafty with these 25 stamp activities: https://www.playideas.com/25-super-crafty-diy-stamps-for-kids/
• It’s fun and games for all ages at the National Postal Museum; try some at https://postalmuseum.si.edu/fun-games
• Design your own postage stamps at https://www.pbssocal.org/education/family-math-activity-design-your-own-postage-stamps

 

CARE:

• Show you care by making and mailing cards for hospitalized kids or the elderly; get the details at https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/bhf/create-greeting-cards
• Sadly, some people sell fake stamps; get the lowdown at https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/counterfeit-stamps
• Watch how people feed their families on a food stamp budget at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXKkakwf6Vk

 

CAREERS:

• Want to be a mail career? Watch what they do at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXfL1CdkGT4
• Working for the post office isn’t limited to walking around the neighborhood with letters. See the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvVveMJ2mw
• Watch how stamps get designed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKh3lq6SV84
• OR you can do rubber stamping for fun and profit: https://www.musicalexpert.org/what-is-rubber-stamping.htm#:~:text=Rubber%20stamping%20has%20become%20more,only%20limited%20by%20your%20imagination