Dog Days

 

Sometimes August is known as “dog days.” But dogs can be great companions all year round; a third of the world’s households have a dog. Be dogged in exploring the following online activities about dogs.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten amazing facts about dogs at https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/dog-facts/
• Find out about dog breeds from different countries at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO47V5i2NXQ&ab_channel=Novakid
• Discover the history of dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzz-2I6ne3A&ab_channel=AKidExplainsHistory 

CREATE:

• Get crafty with dogs at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/
• Do you have a dog? Here are some fun activities to do with your dog: https://www.akc.org/public-education/fun-home-activities-dogs-kids/
• Plan a puppy-themed party with fun games; see ideas at https://diycandy.com/dog-crafts/

CARE:

• Watch this video about the best kinds of dogs for children at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSpB5SxLhw&ab_channel=RobertCabral
• Sesame Street explains service dogs at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXTX88WKHaE&ab_channel=SesameStreet
• Try these fun activities to keep your dog and you healthy: https://www.daltonanimalcare.com/blog/escape-summertime-boredom-with-these-5-activities-for-kids-and-dogs/
• Dogs may bite sometimes, so here are ways to treat those bites: https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-bites
• Find out about guide dogs for the blind at https://www.guidedogs.com/

CAREERS:

Are you dogged in your pursuit of a career with dogs? You could be a breeder, a dog walker, a dog groomer,  a dog trainer, a pet store owner, a veterinarian, a scientist, a historian, a photographer, a police officer, an artist, and, of course, a dog owner. Explore some of the possibilities here.

• Kids’ view of becoming a dog trainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF6w03Lqzeg&ab_channel=LittleBoat
• 15 exciting jobs that let you work with dogs: https://wearwagrepeat.com/best-jobs-dog-lovers/#:~:text=Find%20The%20Career%20You%20Want,Pet%20Business%20in%2030%20Days!
• AND 15 unique jobs for working dogs: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/working-dogs-jobs-for-dogs/#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20about%20some,15%20unique%20jobs%20for%20dogs.

 

 

Clowning Around

 

Clowns can be hilarious, silly, obnoxious, but they almost touch our feelings. And clowns have been around for centuries. There’s more to clowns than their make-up or dress, so reveal the inner clown with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Explore clown facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Clown
• Watch a short history of clowns at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIb7tnP755Q . For older youth, check out clown history (and the reason why clowns can seem scary) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWFgt0n6WGM
• International Clown Week is celebrated the first week in August, and National Clown Day is held the Saturday of that week. Get the basics at https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august/clown-day-week.htm  For  more details, go to https://impactful.ninja/international-clown-week/

 

CREATE:

• Primary kids will enjoy the clown activities at https://childcarelounge.com/pages/clowns-and-circus-theme-and-activities?srsltid=AfmBOorxzMc6vjC1yOLVVd3iX5amqS9cVbquvhp-zSqtdKwrrVINIOiD
• Create a clown routine by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vGrxXeq5po
• Have fun creating and carrying out your own clown party; see ideas at https://www.realizinghome.com/clown-themed-childrens-party/

 

CARE:

• Can clowning be a service? That’s what Clowns without borders do. Learn about them at https://clownswithoutborders.org/
• Another clown group that gives service is Caring Clowns international. You can get involved too at https://www.caringclownsinternational.org/get-involved/
• Patch Adams was a real doctor who clowned with children in hospitals to bring them joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsiaWTRTAos Read his biography at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Adams

 

CAREERS:

Are you a class clown? Do YOU want to be a clown - and get paid? Or have a career that involves clowns? It might be with a circus, on TV, or even in a hospital. You could make the world a happier place, as these insights into clown-related careers.  

• https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/clown/
• https://www.clownsinternational.com/
• A day in the life of a rodeo clown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P4O17wWUgQ

Lunge for Lungs

 

We need air to breathe – and live – but we can’t do that without lungs. Discover the wonders of lungs with these online activities. You’ll find that lungs are a breath of fresh air – and more.

 CONNECT:

• Learn 10 fun facts about lungs at https://humanbodylearning.com/facts-about-lungs-kids/
• Watch how lungs work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0giiDDBJVQU&ab_channel=NemoursKidsHealth
• Fish don’t have lungs so how they breathe? See how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj5v3n6Nlm8&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CREATE:

• Use your lung power at https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/activity/education/using-lung-power
• Build your own lung model by following the images at https://discoverycentre.thekids.org.au/activities/science-at-home-build-a-lung-model/
• Explore lungs by trying these idea starters to at https://kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/lungs-games-and-activities/

 

CARE:

• Follow these tips to keep your lung healthy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwsljkMSVok&ab_channel=NHLBI
• Participate in a lung force walk to help cure lung cancer; see the details at https://www.lung.org/get-involved/events/lung-force-run-walks
• Read about common childhood respiratory diseases at https://choc.org/news/7-common-respiratory-diseases/ 

 

CAREERS:

Do you gasp for a career with lungs? You could be a physician, a therapist, a scientist, a veterinarian, a researcher. Here is a sample of job that might take your breath away.

• See what a lung research does at https://vimeo.com/739858943
• Watch the work of pulmonary doctors at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEoxADZuMsE&ab_channel=MountSinaiHealthSystem
• https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/respiratory-care

AND here are jobs that can lead to lung disease: https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/copd/occupations-linked-to-lung-diseases

National Anthem Pride

Anthems are usually associated with national anthems such as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Anthems usually represents a group, a country, or a movement. As the U.S. has a new president, it is good to think about national pride – of many groups. Explore anthems with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Why are there national anthems? Discover the answer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA0-cA2BRAA&ab_channel=Tapakapa
• Watch the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://youtu.be/Umg8v6DLZjs (“spangled” means cover in spangles or other sparkling objects or lights).
• “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is often called the Black National Anthem. Read why at https://www.pbs.org/articles/lift-every-voice-and-sing#:~:text=Many%20people%20are%20surprised%20to,as%20the%20Black%20National%20Anthem.
• National anthems are also sung at sports events. Watch several countries sing their national anthems at rugby (soccer) games at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRIjnHtGua1hV68cq5HuO9_z78jNj-fVU

 

CREATE:

• Create a replica of the original flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/
• Another popular, but unofficial, U.S. anthem is “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” which is based on the United Kingdom’s national anthem “God Save the King.” In turn, that tune resembles an old dance piece of the early 17^th century!  Listen to 15 versions of the same melody at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d0uR5Gew88&ab_channel=LEONAR Now try making up new lyrics to this tune.
• Learn how to sing Canada’s national anthem at https://funfamilycrafts.com/cardboard-star-spangled-banner/

CARE:

• Plan a Star-Spangled Banner Birthday Celebration Week with these ideas: https://starspangledmusic.org/ssb-celebration-week-resource-pack/
• Learn about flag etiquette at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-rHN8Ow87w&ab_channel=KMTV3NewsNow
• Conduct a flag ceremony with your family following these steps at https://shapinguptobeamom.com/how-to-do-a-flag-ceremony-with-your-family/

 

CAREERS:

How do national anthems fit into your possible career? As a musician, a composer, an historian, an event planner, or even a manufacturer.

• Flag manufacturing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sijUOBx4q_E&ab_channel=ThinkOne
• Writing an anthem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjsljVCN_MU&ab_channel=FraserTwitchett
• Music historians: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-music-historian#:~:text=A%20music%20historian%20is%20a,the%20public%20on%20their%20findings.

Soup's On!

 January is soup month, but soup crosses the seasons: hot soup warms you up in winter, and cold soup in summer can be very refreshing. And soup is found throughout the ages and around the world. Try these tasty online activities while the soup’s on.

 

CONNECT:

• Soup has been around since 20,000 BC as soon as they invented pots. Read about its history at https://www.onmanorama.com/food/features/2020/06/24/soup-popular-dish-history-origin.html
• Watch how tomato soup took over the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqdijvFLaps&ab_channel=HistoryofFood
• See the world of soups at https://www.thekitchn.com/collection/around-the-world-in-30-soups

 

CREATE:

• See how to make yummy vegetable soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoOpfn5yRxo&ab_channel=KidsBakingClub
• Watch how to make broccoli cheddar soup at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDIH0wHKkYo&ab_channel=FamilyFunPack
• Still have your pumpkin? You can make soup with it at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN48a-uwF20&ab_channel=MeetMaxi

 

CARE:

• You should eat more soup; here are 5 reasons why: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/01/you-should-eat-more-soup-5-reasons-why
• For more details about soups, both healthy and non-healthy ones, go to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-soup-healthy
• Chicken soup is often associated with getting over sickness. Discover the history of chicken soup and turtleneck soup at https://www.oxfordstudent.com/2019/04/28/the-history-of-chicken-soup/ and check out George Washington’s part in them.
• For parents: What about teaching kids charity through soup kitchens? Here is why not – and better alternatives: https://www.cnbc.com/2013/10/17/teaching-kids-charity-skip-the-soup-kitchen-trip.html

 

CAREERS:

Does soup sound like a tasty career? Think about becoming a chef, a nutritionist, a restauranteer, a dietician, or a manufacturer. Here are some leads, so eat up?

• A day in the life of a cook: https://youtu.be/ISWsysBslMk
• https://www.timeforkids.com/your-hot-job/articles/at-your-service-restaurant-manager
• Exploring dietitian and nutrition careers: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Dietitians%20and%20Nutritionists&location=US&onetcode=29-1031.00

 

Lauding Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Monday of September. Many workers, even teachers, get the day off. Find out why by working on these activities. It’s a labor of love.

 

CONNECT:

• See the history of Labor Day at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY_L8--kNB0
• Read these facts about Labor Day: https://countryhomelearningcenter.com/labor-day-facts-for-kids/
• When and how is Labor Day celebrated around the world? Find out the answers at https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/labor-day#:~:text=When%20and%20Where%20Is%20Labor,May%201%20as%20a%20holiday.
• The US has its own Department of Labor. Be impressed with their history at https://blog.dol.gov/2021/07/27/labor-department-history

 

CREATE:

• Try these family-friendly Labor Day activities: https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/labour-day-activities-for-kids/
• Dress up for Labor Day! Get inspired by these ideas: https://superminis.in/blogs/news/labour-day-fancy-dress-competition-ideas?srsltid=AfmBOooeJIgDouT2nO6QRO9A50pvGgQG1nZ3lqOyJkEMZZnl62aQMAeJ
• Get crafty on Labor Day at https://nationaltoday.com/blog/labor-day-crafts/

 

CARE:

• Learn about child labor reform at https://www.britannica.com/video/226768/did-you-know-child-labor-in-the-United-States
• See how people are combatting current child labor at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckz4qccSVpY
• Labor Day can be a day of service as several of these activities demonstrate (such as thanking workers, volunteering): https://www.care.com/c/6-labor-day-activities-for-kids/

 

CAREERS:

“Labor” means work, especially work that is hard physical work. What are some jobs that demand hard physical work and can be very satisfying? Don’t want to take a job lying down? Get moving with these physically demanding jobs:

• https://stacker.com/careers/50-most-physical-jobs-america
• 15 riskiest jobs in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbx_-uvOZCg

Medal Mettle

 

Medals serve as a way to recognize achievement: from school relay races to the Olympics. Get inspired to accomplish great things by doing the following activities. You can even make your own medal in the process.

  

CONNECT:

• Get the basic facts about medals at https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Medal
• Learn about the history of Olympic medals at https://kids.kiddle.co/Olympic_medal
• Discover the kinds of medals that U.S. military personnel can be honored with at https://homeofheroes.com/
• Then learn about the most prominent US civilian (non-military) medal: The Presidential Medal of Freedom: at https://easyscienceforkids.com/presidential-medal-of-freedom/

 

CREATE:

• Get some great ideas for making your own medals at https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/olympic-gold-medal-kids-crafts-4071407
• You can make your medal and eat it at https://toddlerapproved.com/edible-medals-activity-for-kids/
• Host your own Olympic-style event in your own backyard by following the tips at https://www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-for-kids/outdoor-ideas/medal-winning-games.html

 

CARE:

• See more than 35 services project for kids to volunteer within their community at https://kidworldcitizen.org/35-service-projects-for-kids/ They could each include medals (see the “Create” section), which youth can make and bestow as a service project in itself.
• The Youth Community Service organization has several awards for youth service; see the details at https://youthcommunityservice.org/service-awards/
• The Lions Club has a Lions Young Leaders in Service Award to encourage you to serve the community; see the details at https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/youth-leaders-in-service-award

 

CAREERS:

Do you like bright shiny things such as medals. Of course, you can serve on organizations that give medals for achievement. You could also design and manufacture medals for a living.

• Watch how medals are produced at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D7d2Ynt7lU
• You could also work at a museum that collects medals: https://mohmuseum.org/
• You can even make medals for the US Mint: https://www.usmint.gov/about/careers

 

 

Plastic Lives!

 

Plastic is all around us. It is hard to imagine not using plastic in our daily lives: eating with, using items made of plastic, even wearing it. But what really is plastic? And how does it affect us? Explore the answers with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about plastic at https://kids.kiddle.co/Plastic
• Watch how plastic is made at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PgjA3HISmw
• What is plastic used for? Can you think of 100 uses? Jot down your ideas and compare them with https://allusesof.com/chemical/100-uses-of-plastic/

 

CREATE:

• What can you do with empty plastic bottles? Here are 25 kid-friendly craft ideas using them: https://www.playideas.com/plastic-bottle-crafts-for-kids/
• Try some of these tips for avoiding single-plastic: https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/single-use-plastic/
• Too much plastic is not good. Use National Geographic’s toolkit for tips on hosting a plastic-free party and give plastic-free gifts: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/kids-vs-plastic

 

CARE:

• See how plastic harms the environment at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC5zUU1TSYg
• But what about saving trees? What is better to use: paper or plastic? Get the pros and cons at https://climatekids.nasa.gov/paper-or-plastic/ to decide.
• Britain has a Kids Against Plastic organization. See what they do – and consider how you could take action: at https://www.kidsagainstplastic.co.uk/

 

CONNECT:

You saw how plastic is used in so many ways. That means there are lots of jobs waiting for people who want to work with plastic. Discover some of those options here.

• https://www.plasticsindustry.org/careers
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Plastic/What-Is-How-to-Become
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN8w22B-GZU

Pawsing for Pets

Pets are a special part of a family. They need care and love, like humans. And they help us be more humane. Get to know your animal friends here.

CONNECT:

• When you think of a pet, what animals come to mind? Around the world different animals are favorite pets. See a sample of them at https://www.journiest.com/bizarre-pets-around-the-world-2547432805.html
• When did people start keeping pets? Find out the answer at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ask-smithsonian-when-did-people-start-keeping-pets-180960616/
• Read about benefits of children having pets at https://www.whattoexpect.com/family/kids-and-pets/benefits-of-pets/

CREATE:

• Play fun games to play with your dog: https://www.puppyleaks.com/games/
• Match twin pets in this concentration game at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/quick-play/pets-memory/
• Throw a party for your pet; get ideas at https://www.parents.com/fun/parties/ideas/throw-a-party-for-pets/

CARE:

• Some pets are more child-friendly than others. Here is help on choosing an appropriate one: https://www.care.com/c/stories/6050/best-pets-for-kids/
• What are ways that three-year olds can care for pets? Or by nine-year olds? Find out at https://www.familyeducation.com/pet-care-kids-age-appropriate-ways-kids-help
• The Animal Humane Society offers several kid ways to help animals, including pets: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/education/service-projects

CAREERS:

Wouldn’t it be great to get paid for working with pets? Here are lots of opportunities.

https://www.petfinder.com/helping-pets/careers-with-pets/careers-animals-job/

https://www.careermatch.com/job-prep/career-insights/articles/top-jobs-for-animal-lovers/

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

The Little People

Who takes care of us? Not just our families but “little people” and fairy folk. They are found in Harry Potter books and many other tales.

CONNECT:

• Read the Muggle’s guide to house elves from Harry Potter at https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Muggles%27_Guide_to_Harry_Potter/Magic/House_Elf
• In Norway and Sweden mischievous little sprites protect homes. Their legends are found at https://www.ingebretsens.com/culture/traditions/legend-of-nisse-and-tomte
• A Scottish Brownie is not something to eat but rather a house elf. Read about them and other house elves in https://exemplore.com/magic/House-Fairies-and-Elves-The-Brownie-Monicello-and-More

CREATE:

• Cook up some elf food by following the directions at https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/elf-food/b7bc54d1-9169-4d50-bae6-189ea68bd9ca
• Fairy bread is an Aussie children’s party favorite; make your own from this recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80934/fairy-bread/
• ‘Tis the time to make kid-friendly crafts: http://www.playideas.com/25-awesome-elf-crafts-for-kids/

CARE:

• A Brownie is also a young Girl Scout; scout out what they do and how they help others at https://www.girlscouts.org/en/our-program/grade-levels/what-brownies-do.html
• In Iceland elves save the countryside; find out their impact at https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/mar/25/iceland-construction-respect-elves-or-else
• Enjoy this German tale of the shoemaker and the helpful elves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqOGt5TvAUA;  You can be a helpful elf too.

CAREERS:

Do your thoughts turn to fantasy? You could become a writer, a storyteller, an artists, an entertainer or even an anthropologist. Let your imagination fly!

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

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jmaureenhenderson/2015/09/14/if-you-can-tell-a-story-you-can-get-a-job/

https://blog.storyhunter.com/how-they-began-their-career-three-storytellers-with-inspiring-stories-42206690dbe9