Are Fairies Flighty?

 Fairies are fantasy creatures, and come in several varieties.  Over the centuries and across cultures, people have believed in them. Explore the following activities,  and you may find a fairy garden or two.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch the world of fairies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQh1MLGyMW4
• Discover the who’s who of fairies at https://www.factmonster.com/culture-entertainment/mythology-folklore/fairies
• Read about the origin of some famous fairies at https://teetot.com/blogs/teetotblog/5-facts-about-the-history-and-origins-of-fairies

 

CREATE:

• Fairy bread is a popular Australian snack – and easy to make! Here’s how: https://www.playpartyplan.com/fairy-bread/
• Get creative with fairs with these whimsical crafts to do: https://www.parentmap.com/article/creative-diy-fairy-crafts-kids
• Create a fairy-themed trivia game based on 36 facts about fairies at https://www.griproom.com/fun/36-facts-about-faeries

 

CARE:

• wing the directions at https://laughingkidslearn.com/fairy-mud-for-outdoor-and-sensory-play/
• Sometimes you can’t believe your eyes, even about fairies. Individuals have tried to trick others into believing in fairies by producing faked photographs. Here’s the most popular true story about this deception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fki-ELK3G5g  The moral of this story is to take care when looking at photos to examine them closely to see if they are real.
• Generative AI makes discernment even more challenging and important, so use these tips to be careful at images: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEhogS_yayY

 

CAREERS:

Do you have flights of fancy and fairies? There’s a job for you: as a storyteller, writer, anthropologist, costumer, party planner, actor, artist, jeweler and more. Sprinkle some dairy dust on your career.

• Interview a fantasy children’s author at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyFaunEL2SU
• https://cfs.osu.edu/about/resources/careers
• See how a fantasy artist works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9gJyyLqrAE
• Even photographer! https://enchanted-fairies.com/?location=mission_viejo-ca

And here jobs that fairies do: https://theirishfairydoorcompany.com/faqs/what-jobs-do-fairies-do/

 

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

 

 

 

Fantastic! Beasts!

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you have probably of its fantastic beasts. However, fantastic beasts have existed for thousands of years. Experience these imaginative creatures in the activities below.

CONNECT:

• Watch the myth and truth about mythical creatures from around the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgLzwPQB0_4
• Learn how science explains about mythical creatures at https://theportalist.com/7-mythological-creatures-explained-by-science
• OK, let’s recognize the obvious: Rowling’s fantastic beasts. And where do you find them besides in a book? Here at https://www.pottermore.com/features/care-of-magical-creatures-illustrations-introducing-new-fantastic-beasts
• Can animals fantasize? Find out the answer at http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20130207-can-animals-imagine

CREATE:

• Little ones will enjoy these playful games about mythical creatures: https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/category/topics/mythical-creatures
• Watch this video to see how to draw your own fantasy animals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYTR9f6Xl9E
• Enjoy these kid-friendly mythical creature crafts: http://learncreatelove.com/crafts/character-mythical-crafts/
• Want to play unicorn? Try these DIY costumes: https://www.seventeen.com/fashion/g2907/diy-unicorn-costumes/

CARE:

• Want to cheer up a friend or relative? Try reading them fantasy poems: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poems/other/fantasy
• Write a fantasy animal tale for a friend using these story starters: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/fantasy-writing-prompts/
• To help you further with storytelling, use this fantasy animal name generator: http://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/fantasy-animal-names.php
• Share your happiness with a unicorn party: http://www.eatingwell.com/article/290721/magical-unicorn-birthday-party-ideas-for-kids/

CAREERS:

Do you fantasize about your career? It may merge with fantastic creatures: as a writer, illustrator, film-maker, or designer. Imagine the possibilities here:

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/writing-fantasy-how-to-write-fresh-when-following-a-recipe

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/05/fantasy-illustrations-alexandra-khitrova/

https://www.filmconnection.com/movie-genres/scifi/

https://www.disd.edu/careers-interior-design.php

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Worlds of Fantasy

Fantasy worlds can be a great escape – and can give insights into the human condition.   Exploring fantasy continues to be a great adventure.

CONNECT:

• Want to read a good fantasy book? Consult “Bookworm for kids” at http://www.bookworm4kids.com/Fantasy.html
• J. R. R. Tolkein was a scholar of arcane languages and a spiritual writer who melded fantasy and humanity in his powerful storytelling. Find out about Tolkein and his Inklings literacy circle at the Mythopoeic Society: http://www.mythsoc.org/
• How much about dinosaurs is fantasy? Get the truth at DinoBuzz: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/dinobuzz.html.
•  Have you heard about the Loch Ness Monster? Find out about Nessie and other fantasy animals at http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/category/topics/fantasy-animals

CREATE:

• Christopher Paolini was just a teenager when his first book Eragon was published. Visit http://www.alagaesia.com/ to learn the language in Eragon and embark on quests tied to his books.
• Get badges and meet friends – and more – at J. K. Rowling’s Pottermore website https://www.pottermore.com/en-us/
• Create fantasy crafts at http://www.dltk-kids.com/fantasy/.
• Create your own fantasy stories with these grade-specific writing starters: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/fantasy-writing-prompts/
• Did you know that math plays a role in fantasy sports? Batter up at http://www.fantasysportsmath.com/index.php

CARE:

• Love fantasy and science fiction? Join the Wands and Worlds community at http://www.wandsandworlds.com/
• Cheer up a friend by drawing fantasy creatures for him or her. Follow the directions at http://www.dragoart.com/fantasy-for-kids-c415-1.htm
• Do you think that heroes are just a fantasy? Find out about these real super heroes for children: http://www.worldofchildren.org/honorees/past-honorees/

CAREERS:

Where can your flights of fancy take you in terms of a career? One obvious direction is writing and illustration. Another path lies in the entertainment industry: making fantasy films and TV shows, developing fantasy games, creating and participating in fantasy theme parks, as well as traditional storytelling. Dream big!

http://www.bookjobs.com/

http://www.ian-irvine.com/publishing.html

http://www.filmconnection.com/movie-genres/scifi/

http://www.gamecareerguide.com/

http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/theme-park

https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-career-paths-for-people-who-love-telling-stories

And just for fun, there are ten high-risk sci-fi/fantasy careers: http://www.toplessrobot.com/2012/05/10_high-risk_sci-fifantasy_careers.php