Rah for Rodents

 

January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day, and 2020 was the Chinese Year of the Rat. What do squirrels and rats – and porcupines -- have in common? They are both rodents, along with about forty percent of all mammal species -- and found on every continent except Antarctica. Gnaw on these and other facts and fun with the following activities.

CONNECT:

• Here are 10 fun facts about rats: https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/animals/general-animals/facts-about-rats/
• Rats have been around a LONG time, and are great travelers. Read about their history at https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-where-did-rats-first-come-from-121307
• Check out the history of the lab rat at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/history-lab-rat-scientific-triumphs-ethical-quandaries-180971533/
• Indeed, rats may  be the unexpected heroes of the working animal world: https://www.treehugger.com/rats-unexpected-heroes-of-the-working-animal-world-4861866

 

CREATE:

• What’s true or false about rats? Play this game of true and false about rats at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7dipg3u47VU
• Watch how to make a maze game by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97gSldzVNcA
• Celebrate the end of the Year of the Rat before the next Chinese New Year with these crafts: https://artsymomma.com/cute-mouse-rat-crafts.html

 

CARE:

• Rodents can be risky for children. If your home has rodents, follow these medically-approved safety tips: https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-topic/safety/rodents-children-medical-risks-mice-rats/
• What should you do if you’re bitten by a mouse? Follow these directions: https://www.healthline.com/health/bit-by-a-mouse
• Rodents may be pests, but they can also be pets (more than just missing an “s”). Here’s how to select a pet rodent – and how to care for it: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-rodent

 

CAREERS:

From caring for rodents to ending them, there’s a career for you. You can also research them, photograph or draw them, sell them, or treat others because of them. Dig into these rodent careers.

https://www.pestworld.org/mission-history/careers/

https://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/313/Pest-Control-Worker.html

https://whyy.org/segments/when-your-job-includes-experimenting-on-animals/

I Protest (Peacefully)

 

It’s inevitable that at some point, you don’t like to do what someone else is doing – or is making you do, be it giving away your favorite toy – or someone bullying you. What can you do? These activities can show you what action you might take – and the consequences of bad actions.

 

CONNECT:

• Hear and watch the children’s book Let the Children March at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnptqGnM4xQ
• Learn about and listen to music that was written to protest and the unequal treatment of black people at https://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2020/06/08/classical-kids-music-lessons-protest-music
• Protests reflect a broad spectrum of actions and a huge mix of social issues. This video explains non-violent protests. It is geared for teens and adults, but is very accessible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP-mv5IjFzY

 

CREATE:

• Help kids find their voice why supporting ways to help families stand up against injustice: https://www.aeinstein.org/nonviolentaction/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action/
• As citizens, we should be engaged in our community: here’s how to go on a protest as a family: https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/tips-for-protesting-with-kids/
• Try some of these activities that can help kids handle bullying situations: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/elementary/

 

CARE:

• Use this guide to talk with youngsters about protests: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5694f5c6bfe87314267a8a1b/t/5a9fe809e4966b2fb99f7627/1520429067378/Talking+With+Kids+6+and+Under.pdf
• Especially now, news on television shows much violence and disinformation. Here are some good practices about screen time use: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
• Active listening is vital for effective communication within the family and among friends, especially where there is disagreement. Try some of these tips: https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/communication/activelistening.html#:~:text=Active%20listening%20is%20a%20good,what%20she%20has%20to%20say.&text=give%20your%20full%20attention%20to,other%20things%20you%20are%20doing

 

CAREERS:

Want to address injustice? Want to make your community better? It might lead to a lifelong career: as a politician, community organizer, social worker, journalist, teacher, lawyer, and more. Explore the possibilities through these websites.

https://www.brazen.com/blog/archive/job-search/10-careers-that-let-you-fight-for-equality

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/careers-in-social-justice-and-human-rights/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-careers-that-let-you-f_b_1586777

Walking Well

 

Have you heard the adage: “walk at one, talk at two”? Walking is (hopefully) a lifelong exercise that is good for you. Explore the following activities about this universal activity.

 

CONNECT:

• See how different animals walk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVvZKcKBTtg
• One special way to walk is through a labyrinth; watch the 4000 year history of labyrinth walking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7u80ZLEh3M. You could make your own labyrinth.
• Watch the history of walking sticks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBvqVd5jyVU

 

CREATE:

• Move with this walking song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6cJB7k6eEk and you can make up your own walking song
• Try some of these ideas for fun family walks: https://www.verywellfit.com/fun-walking-with-kids-3436010
• You can enjoy walking even during the pandemic by following the tips at https://kidsofthewild.co.uk/2018/01/24/fun-easy-walks-with-kids/
• Try this animal walk exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOKm8l-Vx78

 

CARE:

• Find out the benefits of walking for children at https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/the-benefits-of-walking- for-children/
• Put your best forward by starting a school walking club; get the details at https://www.positivepromotions.com/positive-resource-center-start-a-school-walking-club/a/950-r/
• Get great tips in this kid’s guide safe walking: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/811026.pdf

 

CAREERS:

Like to walk? You might walk into a great job that requires a lot of walking: from dog walking to tour guide. Let your fingers do the walking as you check out the opportunities below.

• https://money.howstuffworks.com/10-careers-people-who-cant-sit-still.htm
• https://methodshop.com/jobs-that-require-a-lot-of-walking/

 

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/

Tune Into Radio

 

Radios have been around for almost 150 years, and they remain a major communications means for people around the world. Tune into these activities to learn about radios.

 

CONNECT:

• Discover radio facts for kids at https://kids.kiddle.co/Radio
• What are different kinds of radio? Find out at https://www.techwalla.com/articles/about-different-types-of-radios
• Look at some early crystal radios at https://kids.kiddle.co/Crystal_radio
• Watch how radios work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drLxfjqZHVo

 

CREATE:

• Try these kids-friendly children’s radio music at https://tunein.com/radio/Childrens-Music-c530749/
• Listen to 9 great online radio shows for kids; get the list at http://www.educational-freeware.com/news/radio-for-kids.aspx
• Download this app to listen to Kidjam: https://www.kidjamradio.com/
• Become the family radio DJ by following these directions: https://www.realplaycoalition.com/activities-for-kids/radio-dj/

 

CARE:

• How safe are baby radio monitors? Find out at https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety
• Follow  these Internet radio safety tips for kids: https://www.searchrpm.com/internet-safety-for-kids/kid-and-teen-resources/internet-radio-safety-tips-for-kids
• Learn how walkies talkies can help kids stay safe and build their independence: https://midlandusa.com/kids-walkie-talkies/
• Get the answers to frequently asked questions about the safety of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave emissions from transmitters and facilities regulated by the FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety

 

CAREER:

Tune onto a great radio career by checking out these websites:

• https://beonair.com/careers/radio
• https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Radio%20and%20Television%20Announcers&onetcode=27301100&location=UNITED%20STATES&onet=27301100
• https://www.jobmonkey.com/broadcastjobs/radio-production/
• https://careertrend.com/list-different-jobs-needed-operate-radio-station-26987.html

.

 

 

Get Buzzy with Insects

 

What do honeybees, mosquitos, butterflies, and cockroaches have in common? 6 legs and an exoskeleton. In short, they are all insects. AND they make up 90% of all living things on earth. Don’t let them “bug” you; instead, go buggy for insects with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Get the facts about insects at https://www.coolkidfacts.com/insect-facts/
• Learn 25 cool thing about bugs at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/insects/15-facts-about-bugs/
• Watch 15 exotic insects you won’t believe exist at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Ym4EO0Zjk

 

CREATE:

• Play these interact insect and pest games, or try to ace quizzes on bug trivia at https://www.pestworldforkids.org/for-kids/games/
• Even primary children can be insect investigators at https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/early-elementary-insects-science-lesson/
• Make your backyard a biology bug lab; see how at https://nourishingmyscholar.com/backyard-biology-insects-kids/
• Have fun with these insect craft ideas: https://iheartcraftythings.com/insects-arts-crafts-ideas.html

 

CARE:

• Bugs can care for gardens; find out how at https://www.seewhatgrows.org/kids-guide-beneficial-bugs-garden/
• What are safe insects that kids can explore? Find out at https://www.moms.com/safe-insects-kids-explore-bugs/
• How do you treat insect bites? Follow the advice at https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-bad-bugs

 

CAREERS:

Do you go bug-eyed over insects? You might make a living because of them: as a beekeeper, pesticide expert, teacher, illustrator, scientist (entomologist and more), photographer, public health professional, or even habitat designer. Jobs are a-buzzing!

• https://1zootree.weebly.com/careers-insects.html
• https://www.careercast.com/career-news/6-creepy-crawly-careers
• https://www.ent.iastate.edu/careers
• https://entomology.unl.edu/scilit/careers-entomology

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Pleasures of Pineapples

 

What comes to mind when you think of pineapples? Hawaii? A prickly plant? A funny name for a fruit is that neither a pine nor an apple? Get the inside juice on pineapples with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

Check out these fun pineapple facts for kids: https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pineapples.html

Watch how pineapples are processed from baby plants to your table at What comes to mind when you think of pineapples? Hawaii? A prickly plant? A funny name for a fruit is that neither a pine nor an apple? Get the inside juice on pineapples with these activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Check out these fun pineapple facts for kids: https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/food/pineapples.html
• Watch how pineapples are processed from baby plants to your table at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uSmiw2HNo
• Cloth from pineapples? Read how it’s done at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/cloth-made-from-pineapples

 

CREATE:

• Try making these pineapple snacks and crafts by following the directions at https://www.chfusa.com/blog/back-to-school-pineapple-snacks-crafts/
• From kids to teens there are pineapple crafts to do at https://casawatkinsliving.com/17-diy-pineapple-crafts-kids-teens/
• Sing a song about pineapples at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19AcV4htTe8

 

CARE:

• Watch how to grow a pineapple at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uSmiw2HNo
• Is pineapple healthy for little children? Here is good advice for parents to read: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/can-babies-eat-pineapple
• Pineapples used to be a status hostess gift, and continue to be a symbol of hospitality. Find out why at http://www.learn2grow.com/inspirations/gettingstarted/findingideas/WelcomingPineapple.aspx

 

CAREERS:

Aloha! Does a pineapple career call to you? Not only could you grow them, but you can sell them, cook with them, and even make designs with them. Find out about the pineapple industry from the ground up.

https://www.rd.com/article/summer-job-pineapple-picking/