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

 

 

 

Bravo for Blacks!

Africa is the second largest continent, only after Asia, and humankind started in Africa. Africans were some of the earliest arrivers to America, and they have helped shape and advance the United States from the beginning. Explore the following activities to appreciate what Africans and African Americans have contributed over the centuries.

CONNECT:

• Significant African kingdoms have existed since thousands of years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akca0mUW2K0
• Connect with these African-American heroes at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/african-american-heroes/
• Children’s books celebrate African Americans; watch interviews with some of those books’ authors at www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory
• Over 600 locations share the legacy of the Underground Railroad to freedom. Explore the National Park Service’s program at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1205/index.htm
• Noted Black scientist Dr. George Washington Carver developed more than 300 new uses for peanuts, which helped save the economy of the South. Look at the amazing list at https://www.tuskegee.edu/support-tu/george-washington-carver/carver-peanut-products

CREATE:

• Try 10 fun ways to cultivate greater appreciation of African-American history: https://www2.ed.gov/free/features/african-american-history.html
• Take it slow or take it fast: hip hop kids’ songs to dance to at last: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oRh2yPDzpg or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20O8_XXiWFY
• African cuisine reflects a wide variety of regions, each with its own blend of foods and their preparation. Experiment African cooking for kids at  https://www.leaf.tv/articles/african-cooking-for-kids/
• Staying at home? You can have fun playing these traditional African children’s games: https://pemburytours.com/traditional-african-childrens-games/

CARE:

• Watch some quick tips for African American and multiracial children’s hair care at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS0xuBClSPY
• Get involved with these nonprofits dedicated to empowering young brown girls: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/7-nonprofits-dedicated-empowering-young-brown-girls-n742776
• AND the National Youth Alliance for Boys & Men of Color creates leadership opportunities: https://fcyo.org/programs/national-youth-alliance-for-boys-and-men-of-color
• UNICEF offers age-appropriate ways to talk with your kids about racism: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/talking-to-your-kids-about-racism

CAREERS:

Society benefits when careers are inclusive and encourage diversity. Blacks have been discriminated for centuries in the job market and work place, even though they have so much experience and insights that society needs. Here is just a sample of Black STEM innovators: https://www.idtech.com/blog/black-stem-innovators-who-defined-modern-world

Career networking is important for everyone, so these are a few groups that support careers for African Americans.

Black Professionals Network: https://mybpn.org/

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: https://www.obap.org/

Black Caucus (inc.) American Library Association: https://www.bcala.org/

National Alliance of Black School Educators: https://www.nabse.org/

National Association of Black Journalists: https://www.nabj.org/

Hey for Horses!

Horses predate humans and they have played important roles in human history. Gallop to these fun activities about horse – but no horsin’ around!

CONNECT:

• Learn about global horse culture through pictures and stories at http://www.theequinest.com/horses-from-around-the-world/
• Horses have played a role in myths around the world, as you can see in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klXMVUR-Y7Q
• You think tying your shoes is hard? What how horses get shoed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUpDpFoSegw 

CREATE:

• Create a fun trivia game by using these fun horse facts: https://www.coolkidfacts.com/horse-facts/
• Have you read Misty of Chincoteague? Ponies swim across islands every year. Watch them race at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM8NwSRQ_wE. Then read the book (again) - or another horse book from this list: https://childrensbooksdaily.com/book_reviews/horse-books-children/
• You don’t have to be around horses to create horse crafts. Try some of these cute ideas: https://wonderfuldiy.com/horse-themed-kids-crafts/

CARE:

• Want to ride a pony or horse. Here are some tips for choosing kid-friendly breeds: https://www.thesprucepets.com/great-horse-and-pony-breeds-for-kids-1886142
• Horses can be very therapeutic for children with special needs. This charity touches lives one hoofbeat at a time: https://www.hopehorseskids.org/.  Another service program, Reading to Horses (https://hopeequinerescue.com/reading-with-rescues-beginning/), rescues and rehabilitates horses, and kids read to those horses, which helps with reading skills as well as nurturing horses. You might want to donate or participate in these kinds of programs that support kids and horses.
• Even tame horses can be dangerous. Here are some safety ground rules when you’re around horses: https://www.equisearch.com/articles/keeping-kids-safe-around-horses

CAREERS:

How about getting paid to do what you love – like working with horses? You might find just the right high-riding career, as these websites show. Even if you don’t ride a horse, you can get on the right track with them.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/best-jobs-with-horses-125766

http://www.theequinest.com/horse-jobs-and-careers/

https://www.fei.org/stories/20-non-riding-careers-horse-lovers

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