Let the New Year Begin!

This is one year that people are looking forward to, hoping for positive changes. It’s a good time for you to think about your own future – and find out about the past and its traditions. Be happy with these activities for the new year.

 

CONNECT:

• Why do we celebrate New Year’s Day? Watch the answers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKHPtGSwPrQ
• See how other countries usher in the new year at https://bestlifeonline.com/global-new-years-eve-traditions/
• Find out the history of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl at https://kids.kiddle.co/Rose_Bowl_Game

 

CREATE:

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids with these 12 fun ideas: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2021/12/22/kid-friendly-new-years-eve-ideas/8897889002/
• Count down to the new year with this fun music compilation with your friends from Daniel Tiger's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nzopp23sTI
• Play some awesome New Year’s Eve games: https://mylifeandkids.com/30-awesome-new-years-eve-games-kids/
• Here are 35 New Year traditions to bring you (Good) luck from around the world: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g25360543/new-year-traditions/

 

CARE:

• Plan a New Year’s Eve party for kids at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/49138/plan-kids-new-years-eve-party/
• New Year’s Eve often includes fireworks so stay safe with these fireworks safety tips: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html
• It’s time for New Year’s resolutions; try some of these healthy suggestions: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Healthy-New-Years-Resolutions-for-Kids.aspx

 

CAREERS:

Start the new year about thinking about your future career with these websites and video.

• https://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Career_Sites_for_Kids
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pVyrW_vwaw
• https://www.thebalancecareers.com/helping-your-children-make-career-choices-525407
• https://hirepaths.com/blog/2021/10/04/career-exploration-how-to-encourage-kids-of-all-ages

 

 

Ho Ho Ho for Christmas

 Christmas is celebrated around the world, both as a religious event and as a cultural or commercial time. The following activities offer lots of ways to celebrate the season in many ways.

 

CONNECT:

• Chris IS the reason for the season, and here is why Christmas is celebrated on December 25: https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/25th.shtml
• Read up on the history of Christmas at https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas
• See how Christmas is celebrated around the world at https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g4933/christmas-traditions-around-the-world/
• Watch about poinsettias (including their history and pronunciation) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymgdsWr326A

 

CREATE:

• Follow Santa around the world with NASA at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/ (available in 8 languages)
• Get crafty about Christmas at https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids/
• Get a taste of Australia by making these kid-friendly Christmas treats at https://www.bestrecipes.com.au/entertaining/galleries/christmas-recipes-fun-christmas-recipes-kids-cook/67u8212d
• OR go British with these yummy Christmas baking recipes for kids: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/christmas-projects-kids
• Ready to play Christmas games? There are 35 fun ones for the family to enjoy at https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2725/christmas-games/

 

CARE:

• Keep your holiday peaceful with these holiday safety reminders: https://saferide4kids.com/blog/holiday-safety-reminders/
• Candlelight is lovely but candle burns and uncontrolled fires are not, so here are candle safety tips for kids: https://smartkids101.com/blog/candle-safety/
• Cookie dough ice cream is fun to eat, but you shouldn’t eat raw cookie dough: here’s why: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/no-raw-dough.html

 

CAREERS:

Christmas is just one calendar day, but year-round careers are built around Christmas: not only the Christian religious life, but also tree farming, event planning, costuming and performance, designing and manufacturing Christmas items – and then selling and using them. Some jobs can make Christmas seem like every day. See samples here.

https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-christmas-jobs/https://www.careeraddict.com/christmas-jobs

https://www.coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/friday-funnies/10-weird-christmas-jobs/

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20141222-where-christmas-is-a-way-of-life

 

Aglow with Candles

 

This time of the year features candles in several cultures. Brighten up your day by doing the following activities about candles.

 

CONNECT:

• Find out who first invented candles at https://candles.lovetoknow.com/The_History_of_Candle_Making
• Explore the science of candles at https://candles.org/candle-science/
• Learn about candle traditions around the world: https://tinybeans.com/candle-traditions-from-around-the-world/

 

CREATE:

• Watch this video for details about making homemade candles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRj61Z88iHo
• Make your own dipped candles as a fun family activity by following the directions at https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/6994/candle-dipping/ 
• Experiment with candles at https://toddlerinaction.com/water-candle-experiment-to-try-out-with-kids/

 

CARE:

• Lit candles are beautiful – until they start bigger fires. Watch this video about candle safety presented by a fireman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqPDZb_Fjxc
• Learn more candle safety tips at https://smartkids101.com/blog/candle-safety/
• Use this handy checklist to guide family candle use: http://fire.co.clark.nv.us/(S(x1gny3u2gcln4u1pngbideth))/Files/pdfs/FPWCandle.pdf

 

CAREERS:

You can make a living making and selling candles, and you can incorporate candles in other jobs: interior decoration, party planning, emergency services, science, historical reenactments, and art.

https://www.betterteam.com/candle-maker-job-description

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DU8jMqiln8

Here’s a historic video about candle production: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/how-are-candles-made-british-pathe

 

Paralympics Proud

 

There is a lot of news about the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, but do you know that the world Paralympic Games is also happening now in Tokyo? Get to know about these great athletes too.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch what is Paralympics sport? This video has an Australian focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRrRf2yvAaA  And this video is in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZKfthh59kc&list=PLaSegn4AdJAz5NJH6CLfUkQe8BlA5zbYd
• Get the details about the Tokyo Paralympic Games at https://education.tokyo2020.org/en/games/about/paralympic-games/
• Did you know that physicist Stephen Hawking spoke at the opening ceremony of the 1992 Paralympic Games? Discover the history of the Paralympic Games at https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/medal-quest/past-games/

 

CREATE:

• Do this kids’ WebQuest about mobility and athletics at https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/mobility.html
• Meet some Paralympians and their inspiring stories at https://www.paralympic.org.au/athletes/
• Recreate a Paralympic-inspired sports event at home, using these ideas: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=cbadfda3-0e5a-40b4-8bed-fbed22aee751

 

CARE:

• Share this fairy tale about William the One Winged Dragon and the Castle Football World Championships at https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120305113307821_Card_8_A_Fairy_Tale.pdf
• Find out how to volunteer in special needs sports programs at https://bethebestsport.org/how-to-volunteer-in-special-needs-sports-programs/
• Support Special Olympics Young Athletes at https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/inclusive-health/young-athletes

 

CAREERS:

Paralympics combines two careers: sports and working with people with disabilities. Help others be all that they can be! You might be helping at one of the biggest sports events in the world!

• https://www.paralympic.org/careers and https://www.paralympic.org/athlete-careers
• https://www.specialolympics.org/about/careers
• https://www.allaboutcareers.com/career-path/paralympics-disability-sport/

Lucky Charms

 

Lucky Charms is more than a cereal. Most cultures have some kind of lucky charm: for the four-leaf clover to evil-eye symbols. Find some good luck as you explore the following activities. You’ll be charmed!

 

CONNECT:

• Many cultures have charms against the Evil Eye. Indeed, about 40% of the world believe in that symbol.  Read about its history and use around the world at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye
• Another lucky charm found throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East looks like a hand: hamsa. Watch this video of many artistic ways to create hamsas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKob1IFyzYE  Try making one yourself.
• You may have seen waving cat statues in East Asian restaurants. Discover their history – and luck – at https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/maneki-neko-fortune-cat-5-interesting-facts

 

CREATE:

• Create a welcoming sign, inspired by the tradition of hex signs in Pennsylvania Dutch communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t83ELNEN2DY
• Make your own lucky Egyptian amulet by following the directions at https://www.kiwico.com/diy/art-creativity/quick-easy-crafts/egyptian-amulet
• Make a fun spinning four-leaf clover by following this step-by-step video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXpOp95KiH0

 

CARE:

• Can talismans help your health? Here’s what doctors discovered: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10804902/
• You might bring good luck to your home by hanging up a horse shoe; here’s why: https://www.dailysabah.com/life/2019/04/15/superstitions-busted-hanging-a-horseshoe-for-good-luck
• Thai taxi drivers may have amulets for safety’s sake; read their story at https://www.thephuketnews.com/culture-thai-taxi-talismans-good-karma-protective-amulets-and-road-safety-in-thailand-59032.php

 

CAREERS:

Want a charmed life? These days we usually think of charms and jewelry. Here are some types for that kind of career. You could get lucky.

• https://www.jewelers.org/ja/careers-education/jewelry-careers-guide
• https://www.ganoksin.com/article/on-jewellery-career-options/

 OR you could study people’s beliefs in, and use of, lucky charms as an anthropologist or historian:

• https://www.americananthro.org/AdvanceYourCareer/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1783
• https://www.geteducated.com/careers/anthropology-jobs/

Give a Fork

 

While some food can be eaten by hand, eating utensils come in handy much of the time. Explore these activities to dig into the facts about them.

 

CONNECT:

• Follow a time of eating utensils, starting from 500,000 BC to the present at http://www.eatingutensils.net/history-of-cutlery/timeline-of-eating-utensils/
• Compare the variety of forks, from sardines to ice cream, at http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2012/06/the_history_of_the_fork_when_we_started_using_forks_and_how_their_design_changed_over_time_.html
• How do people around the world eat their food? See the variety of utensils at https://www.thetravelalmanac.com/food/utensils.htm
• Get the facts about chopsticks at https://kids.kiddle.co/Chopsticks
• What do trongs, splayds, chorks, and the fred have in common? They are all utensils; see them at https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/tools-test-kitchen/article/13-weird-eating-utensils-from-sporks-to-trongs.

 

 

CREATE:

• Watch how to use chopsticks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucHuj48bzgE
• Make an origami holder for chopsticks by following this video’s instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzU5oZ-Klpc
• Try some of these recyclable chopstick crafts for kids: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/chopstickscraftsideasforkids.html
• ‘Tis the season for nutcracker-themed crafts; explore them at https://www.steamsational.com/nutcracker-crafts-for-kids/

 

CARE:

• For parents: here are tips for teaching young children how to use knives and forks safely: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/resources/ot-activityinformation-sheets/using-a-knife-and-fork-information-sheet/
• Here’s the low-down on kids and utensil use: https://kidsdigfood.com.au/low-down-kids-utensil-use/
• It’s fun to play “kitchen,” but play utensils can be hazardous; follow the safety tips at https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2010/05/toy-food-and-utensil-sets-safety-tips-for-children/index.htm
• Help save the planet by using recyclable drinking straws. Read by plastic straws are a recycling problem at https://mydisposal.com/plastic-straws#:~:text=Although%20the%20plastic%20they%20are,through%20the%20mechanical%20recycling%20sorter.&text=Because%20straws%20are%20non%2Drecyclable%2C%20they%20end%20up%20landfills.

 

CAREERS:

How might eating utensils turn into a career? As a restaurant worker, a utensil designer or manufacturer, as a cook, as an occupational therapist, or as a manners expert (you often need to know dining etiquette to get a job!).

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette/FAQs-dining-etiquette.html

https://collegegrad.com/careers/food-preparation-and-serving

https://study.com/academy/lesson/adaptive-eating-utensils-in-occupational-therapy.html

http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/silverware-artisan-worker-career/

Apple of Your Eye

 pples have a long history, all the way back to Adam and Eve. Apples are now common in many parts of the world. Pick out fun activities below about apples. Yum!

 

CONNECT:

• How do apples grow? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWLmEh1HIBw
• You might be amazed at the variety of apples around the world; see some of the possibilities at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/unusual-apples
• Read about the top ten apples in mythology: https://girlwithherheadinabook.co.uk/2017/06/top-ten-apples-in-mythology.html

 

CREATE:

• Create an apple trivia facts game using these facts: https://www.factsjustforkids.com/food-facts/apple-facts-for-kids.html.  And you can look for more facts, of course.
• Cook with apples using these kid-friendly recipes: https://happykidskitchen.com/healthy-apple-recipes-to-cook-with-kids/
• Fall for these fun apple crafts to make: https://buggyandbuddy.com/apple-crafts/

 

CARE:

• “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Fact or fiction? Find out at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/an-apple-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away#benefits
• Watch how to keep apples from turning brown in the lunchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XUZDqm46bk
• Find out about Green Apple Day of Service: https://www.mygreenapple.org/about

 

CAREERS:

Apple-related careers can be found both in the country and the city: from growing them to selling them, from drawing them to cooking them. The following websites might be the seed for a fruitful success.

https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/

https://www.careersinfood.com/career-planning/

https://www.theculinarypro.com/abouttheindustry

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/cool-jobs-food-industry-2064051

 

Laud Labor Day

Labor Day is a U.S. national holiday in honor of all the hard-working citizens – and the efforts to help laborers. Find out how people labor through these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this video about labor day facts, aimed at kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY_L8--kNB0
• Be thankful that child labor is not legal in the US now; see the history at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewu-v36szlE
• Child labor is a universal issue; see how it is being addressed at https://youtu.be/09sjAViDuqQ

 

CREATE:

• Try these fun ideas for celebrating Labor Day: https://www.bugbitething.com/blogs/bug-bite-news/4-fun-ideas-for-celebrating-labor-day
• Celebrate Labor Day with these crafty activities: https://www.care.com/c/stories/3941/6-labor-day-activities-for-kids/
• Labor Day is a perfect day for a picnic: make it a family activity at https://www.marthastewart.com/275233/plan-a-picnic-lunch-with-the-kids?

 

CARE:

• Honor Labor Day workers with these crafty activities: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/968043/labor-day-crafts-for-kids/
• Especially now we should thank health care workers; here’s a way to send a special note to them: https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/hennepin-healthcare-foundation/gratitude-message-for-staff/
• Labor Day is also considered the last day of summer so enjoy one last summer bash with your friends with these outdoor games: https://nextdaydumpsters.com/10-super-fun-diy-outdoor-games-for-labor-day-weekend/

 

 

CAREER:

• What do you want to be when you grow up? Explore careers at https://sites.google.com/a/greenvilleschools.us/kbhoward/career-education-1

 

It's the Berries!

Early summer is the time for berry picking and eating. Do these yummy online activities to binge on berries.

CONNECT:

• You think you know berries? How about tomatoes as a berry? Get the berry real facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Berry
• Look at 10 berries you probably never know about: at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oMigYhlBYI
• Not all fruits are safe; watch the most dangerous fruits in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN8_-N7zxe0

CREATE:

• Try these super sweet berry crafts for kids: http://www.playideas.com/25-super-sweet-berry-crafts-for-kids/
• Like to eat berries morning, noon and night? Try these kid-friendly berry recipes: https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/berry-facts.html
• Want to grow your own berries? Here are some good tips: https://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-home/how-to-grow-berries/

CARE:

• Berries are not only good to eat, but they are also good FOR you. Read about their benefits at https://www.momjunction.com/articles/blueberries-for-kids_00397727/
• This family-oriented website gives tips on strawberry picking trips with kids: https://www.frugallivingnw.com/strawberry-picking-with-kids/
• Berry stains can last a long time; here are some good way to remove them: https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/home/home-solutions/how-to-remove-berry-stains/news-story/1f6072f4060332786a22d70953cc8054

CAREERS:

Berries can lead to a fruitful career: farming and other agricultural jobs, the food industry, science, and even fashion! Pick some of these berry informative sources about berries and job. You’ll be berry happy you picked these fields.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/students/undergraduate/careers_in_horticulture

https://www.careersinfood.com/career-planning/

https://www.agdaily.com/insights/farm-babe-stay-ahead-of-the-field-with-these-careers-in-plant-science/

The Mail Must Go Through!

As we approach the holidays, we can expect more mail. How do we get that mail? It takes lots of people from creating to sending it. These activities will send you the message that mail is indeed important!

CONNECT:

• Read about the history and other facts about postage stamps at https://kids.kiddle.co/Postage_stamp
• Watch how the US Postal Service works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX16-52bHvg
• See how mail is delivered around the world at https://www.citipostmail.co.uk/blog/postal-delivery-across-the-world-overseas-mail-distribution/
• Learn about the surprising short history of the Pony Express at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vrzi-BEjWs

CREATE:

• Make your own postcard and do other related activities at http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/postcard-creator-30061.html
• Create personalized postage stamps with these vendors approved by the US Post Office: https://www.usps.com/ship/custom-mail-stamps.htm
• Collecting postage stamps can be fun and rewarding. Get started at https://www.ducksters.com/hobbies/stampcollecting.php
• Play post office following the visual directions at https://teachingmama.org/post-office-dramatic-play/

CARE:

• For this upcoming holiday season, make thank your cards with these inspirations: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-diy-thank-you-cards-4114929
• Watch how to wrap packages for the Post Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZU2U_bUzpg
• Try these cool stationary-related ideas as a family activity to keep supplies handy  -- or to give them as gifts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hv9nFNd4hM
• Here are some tips for safe, kid-friendly email: https://www.pcworld.com/article/153381/safe_kids_email.html

CAREERS:

Mail is an international communication channel – and career. From creating careers to mailing and delivering mail. See the possibilities here.

https://about.usps.com/careers/

https://study.com/articles/Mail_Handler_Career_Info_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_a_Mail_Handler.html

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-become-greeting-card-writer-hallmark

Yahoo for Cowboys!

 Cowboys are often associated with the Wild West of the U.S. But they have a longer and more universal history. Gallop to these activities that will rope in your interest.

CONNECT:

• Watch a kid’s history of the American cowboy at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq1J8DHgrJo
• Cowboy’s aren’t just history; here are 15 places in the U.S. where cowboy culture is alive and well: https://www.wideopencountry.com/11-places-us-cowboy-culture-alive-well/
• Cowboys in Australia? In Hawaii? In Hungary? They may have other names but they still tend cattle or horses. Explore them at http://horsehints.org/IndexCowboys.htm
• What’s the life of a modern cowgirl? See the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6uFHzDnkAY

CREATE:

• Learn how to do roping by watching this pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2REsVGanRw
• Giddyup for the kid-friendly wild west activities, including party ideas: https://www.kidactivities.net/wild-west-activities-for-kids-page-1/
• Play cowboy games at https://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cowboy_Games_for_Children
• Read these horse book reviews – and then read the book: https://www.equisearch.com/discoverhorses/for-kids

CARE:

• How do you care for horses? Learn the basics at https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/basic-horse-care
• Get reviews about family-friendly Westerns at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews/category/movie/genre/western-4568
• Read how to care for cowboy boots at https://harleydavidsonboots.weebly.com/index.html (the directions are for parents, but they can teach their children how to care for them themselves).
• Discover how the Seagoing Cowboys participated in the Heifer Project, which donated cows to post World War II Italian families: https://seagoingcowboysblog.wordpress.com/category/heifer-project/

CAREERS:

Yep, you can still be a cowboy – as well as support cowboys by raising horses, making and selling cowboy gear and tools, being a cowboy historian, planning rodeos and even clowning around.  Yeehah!

https://www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com/rodeo-jobs.html

https://www.jobmonkey.com/uniquejobs4/rodeo-clown/

https://www.standard.net/news/local/rodeo-cowboy-a-thrilling-but-dangerous-expensive-career/article_f0daab72-6092-5dc6-8efb-9cfb45cbe09c.html

https://www.horsejournals.com/life-horses/horses-jobs-rodeo-pick-horses

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/careers-with-horses-125742