Rain, Rain, Don’t Go Away

 

Without rain, Earth would be a dead planet. Drop into these activities to learn the special aspects of rain.

 

CONNECT:

• Discover why it rains at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPEoe1DW_5U
• Watch how rain is formed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfg_I70Q0Sw
• What is a thunderstorm? See the answer and more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsUjBiZiUFg
• What is the difference between rain and a monsoon. Get the Indian perspective at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tl1qPIUkSw

 

CREATE:

• Try fun rainy activities for preschoolers: https://empoweredparents.co/rain-activities-for-preschoolers/
• What can you do on a rainy day? LOTS of activities; check them out at https://mommypoppins.com/ny-kids/50-indoor-activities-for-a-rainy-day
• Make a rain cloud in a jar by following the directions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB6GITF95es

 

CARE:

• Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Become aware of floods athttps://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-flood.htm
• Learn how to dress during the rainy season at https://ozkizglobal.com/blogs/ozkiz-blog/how-to-dress-your-child-during-the-rainy-season
• Discover how to stay safe in a thunderstorm at https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/thunderstorms.html

 

CAREERS:

It’s raining job about rain: as a meteorologist (weather expert), flood controller, storm chaser and more. Drop into these websites to find out about rain-related careers.

• https://www.weather.gov/careers/
• https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/people/jobs/careers.php
• https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/education-careers/careers/career-guides-tools/meteorology-fields/
• https://work.chron.com/list-weather-climate-careers-18217.html

 

 

Get Wild about Weeds

 

Weeds are sometimes defined as “unwanted plants.” What IS the role of weeds in the world? Dig into the following activities to weed out the truth about weeds.

 

CONNECT:

• Watch how to identify a weed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7i_gMxB2HU
• Why are weeds not wanted? Get the facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Weed
• Discover why we need weeds at https://www.almanac.com/why-we-need-weeds

 

 

CREATE:

• Dig into these activities about weeds: https://www.bitesizedgardening.co.uk/gardening-for-kids-weed-identification-chart-activities/how-to-dig-for-victory/
• Watch this video series about weeds and try its activities: https://kidsgardening.org/in-the-weeds-with-christine/
• Use funny weeds for funny games at https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3291
• Here’s a clever idea: weed by eating; get the details at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/defeat_weeding_by_eating_kids_and_science_in_the_garden_part_1_identifying           For parents: Learn about cooking with weeds at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/edible-weeds/

 

CARE:

• Read (and practice) valuable reasons for kids to pull weeds: https://takelearningout.com/the-importance-of-pulling-weeds/outdoor-learning/
• Here’s a clever idea: weed by eating; get the details at https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/defeat_weeding_by_eating_kids_and_science_in_the_garden_part_1_identifying
• Chemicals are sometimes used to get rid of weeds, but those chemicals may be more harmful than the weeds themselves. Get tips for choosing safe weed killers at https://gardengoodsdirect.com/blogs/news/tips-for-choosing-weed-killers-that-wont-harm-kids-or-pets
• Have you ever connected weeds with bad habits? Watch this story and see if it applies to daily life:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtWIihyy28c

 

CAREERS:

Weeds might lead you to a career: in gardening, science, health, even food. Dig into the possibilities here.

• Discover the role of a weed scientists at https://agexplorer.ffa.org/career/weed-scientist
• Check out the career profiles of theses weed scientists at https://wssa.net/careers/weed-science-career-profiles/
• https://mrplantgeek.com/2021/01/05/20-careers-to-consider-if-you-are-fascinated-by-plants/

 

 

 

Look into Lunar New Year

You may have heard of Chinese New Year, but the underlying concept crosses several cultures. Hop into 2023 – the year of the rabbit – with these enlightening activities about Lunar New Year

CONNECT:

• Watch how people celebrate Lunar New Year at https://youtu.be/Mm9LJC_5g2o
• Discover the legend of the Lunar New Year and the Chinese zodiac at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVPHdFX9iHY&ab_channel=PandaExpressTV
• Find out some things things are unlucky do to during Lunar New Year at https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-taboos.htm

CREATE:

• Try eating lucky food for Lunar New Year; get the details at https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/lucky-foods-for-your-chinese-new-year-feast/
• Find out your Chinese zodiac sign at https://www.buildingbeautifulsouls.com/zodiac-signs/chinese-zodiac-for-kids/
• Celebrate Chinese lantern festival with the activities found at https://www.misspandachinese.com/happy-lantern-festival-closing-out-chinese-new-year-celebrations-with-a-lantern/

CARE:

• Lunar New Year is a time to wish people good fortune. Read about how Chinese people give money in red envelopes for good luck at https://artsandculture.google.com/story/8-things-you-should-know-about-the-lucky-red-envelope/PwKiICEFJXMOJg
• Fireworks are often part of Lunar New Year – and New Year's eve celebrations. Keep safe by following these tips: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html
• New year is a good time to make a fresh start for yourself and how you connect with other people Here are some idea for kid-friendly new year resolutions: https://aroundthekampfire.com/2021/12/50-new-years-resolution-ideas-for-elementary-kids.html

CAREERS:

Looking to the future for a career? How about planning events? Starting planning your eventful job with these ideas.

• https://online.jwu.edu/blog/8-careers-people-who-love-plan-events
• https://www.socialtables.com/blog/event-planning/event-planning-careers/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm

Cheers for Chocolate!

 

Many a Christmas stocking will contain chocolate. Indeed, chocolate is associated with several holidays and events in life. The following activities will give you a bigger taste of this delicious confection.

 

CONNECT:

• Answer your questions about chocolate at https://planbee.com/blogs/news/chocolate-facts-for-ks2-children-and-teachers
• See a history of chocolate at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibjUpk9Iagk
• Take a virtual chocolate factory field trip at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC-EnTZrddk

 

CREATE:

• Did you know about National Chocolate Day? You can celebrate it – and chocolate itself – with these fun activities and crafts: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/chocolate-crafts-and-activities-for_44/
• Fill your senses with these chocolate sensory play ideas at https://sugarspiceandglitter.com/10-chocolate-sensory-play-ideas/
• Experiment with chocolate at https://blog.pitsco.com/blog/chocolate-covered-learning

 

CARE:

• Chocolate stains are inevitable. Find out how to remove them at https://kidspot.co.nz/family-time/how-to-remove-chocolate-stains/
• Sadly, some people are chocolate-sensitive or are allergic to chocolate. Discover the symptoms and triggers to chocolate – and how to avoid reactions to chocolate at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317775#Reactions-to-other-ingredients
• Chocolate can lose its taste and appearance, so learn how to preserve chocolate at https://www.fauchon.com/en/mag/advice/how-to-preserve-chocolate/

 

CAREERS:

Does a chocolate-related career sound yummy? There are several possibilities for you then: just like a variety box of chocolates. So take your pick below for a tasty job.

• https://fortune.com/2013/02/14/8-chocolate-covered-careers/
• https://www.institutculinaire.fr/en/news/chocolatier-job-description
• See how chemistry can lead to a chocolate career at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9oBgnZBb-w

Dear Reindeer

 

Dear Reindeer

‘Tis the season to think about reindeer. What is so special about them? Find out the answers and more with the following activities.

 

CONNECT:

• When is a reindeer NOT a reindeer? When it is wild and live in North American – they are then called caribou. Watch more facts about reindeer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXsqn8cskZ8
• Read 12 incredible reindeer facts for Christmas at https://a-z-animals.com/blog/12-incredible-reindeer-facts-for-christmas/?from=exit_intent
• What’s the story behind reindeer and Santa? Get the answer at https://www.cnn.com/2012/12/22/opinion/galloway-reindeer
• Compare deer and reindeer at https://pediaa.com/difference-between-deer-and-reindeer/#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20deer,second%20biggest%20species%20of%20deer

 

CREATE:

• ‘Tis the season for fun reindeer crafts for kids: at https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/20-ridiculously-fun-reindeer-crafts-for-kids/
• Play some reindeer-inspired games at https://www.joyintheworks.com/10-reindeer-games-christmas-parties-family-fun/
• Learn how to make reindeer rockets and other holiday science at https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/reindeer-rockets
• Make magical reindeer food at https://www.inspiringsavings.com/reindeer-food/
• Track Santa and his reindeer journey at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

 

CARE:

• Do you have a reindeer – or wish you had one? Here is how Santa takes care of reindeer: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/aobrien/2013/dec/facts-about-reindeer-and-life-with-santa-31173
• Discover threats to reindeer/caribou at https://www.arcticwwf.org/wildlife/reindeer-and-caribou/
• You can adopt a reindeer at https://alaskawildlife.org/project/reindeer/

 

CAREERS:

Do reindeer-related jobs sound cool to you? You could raise them, heal them, create art about them, or even cook them (tearfully??). You don’t have to be Santa, and you are not limited to Christmas. Just check out these jobs.

• https://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/dec/18/working-life-reindeer-herder
• https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2019/05/reindeer-career
• https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/yourvet/even-santas-reindeer-need-veterinarian

AND here are some weird and wonderful Christmas jobs (including reindeer walker): https://coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/friday-funnies/10-weird-christmas-jobs/

 

 

 

 

Meow to ROAR!

 

There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world. AND they have play important roles throughout history, and have even been considered sacred at one point. AND let's not forget wild cats. Get your claws into the following activities to learn about this PURRfect animal.

CONNECT:

• Check out a range of facts about cats at https://kids.kiddle.co/Cat
• Read how cats communicate via Cat Language 101: https://www.petmd.com/news/view/cat-language-101-how-do-cats-talk-each-other-37620
• How did cats become domesticated? Watch 10,000 of cats at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WolEFv6oyg&ab_channel=Tinyverse
• See every type of cat in the cat family at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cQmky_wQao&ab_channel=SciShowKids

CREATE:

• Cuddle up to these 28 cat crafts for kids: https://www.kidslovewhat.com/diy-crafts/cuddle-up-to-these-28-cat-crafts-for-kids/
• Conduct science with your cat at https://info.thinkfun.com/stem-education/science-with-your-cat
• Play nature cat games at https://pbskids.org/naturecat/games

CARE:

• Follow these tips for taking care of cats: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/teaching-kids-care-cat/
• Even though there are half a billion domestic cats, some kinds of cats are near extinction. Find out how you can help them survive at https://friendoftheearth.org/conservation-project/save-the-big-cats/
• Hopefully, you would not want to hurt a cat, but sometimes people do hurt them without realizing it. Watch 21 bad habits in caring for cats – and how to take care of them better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKhwgSXlOmE&ab_channel=Jaw-DroppingFacts

CAREERS:

Do you purr when thinking about a career about cats? There's always veterinary science, but you could also make things for cats (such as clothes, food and furniture), take care of them, and even sell them. Explore the possibilities.

• https://www.insider.com/jobs-cat-lovers-2018-11
• https://www.rover.com/blog/jobs-for-cat-lovers/
• https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/20-best-jobs-with-cats/

Farms: Outstanding in their Field

 

What would we do without farms? 800 million people work on farms, which makes sense since everyone has to eat. The following activities “farm out” lots of information for you.

 

CONNECT:

• First, read some fun farm facts at https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/farm
• You may have a mental picture of a farm, but there are more kinds of farms than you might imagine. See of their varieties at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TamwdrJLvk
• Take a video field trip to an animal farm at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg2ZX0PF-jI
• See how farming differs around the world at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDoV4I0XQSs

CREATE:

• Get ready for fall (and spring) with 60 farm activities for kids: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/25-farm-activities-for-kids_53/
• Feed the animals, plant veggies and learn about life on the farm with these fresh farm crafts for kids! https://artsycraftsymom.com/farm-crafts-for-kids/
• Make hay for a farm-themed party with these farm games: https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/farm-games-for-kids

 

CARE:

• How can we create the perfect sustainable farm? See possible strategies at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFqecEtdGZ0
• Is your family visiting a farm? Watch safety tips for children at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsFtVol0C7Q.  Parents: here are specific factors for children at different ages: https://nasdonline.org/1278/d001082/farm-safety-for-young-children.html
• How do you safely handle livestock? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGudMrUnZgk

 

CAREERS:

Does farming feature in your career dreams?

• Imagine being a farmer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtH7hNKyOD8
• Take a virtual field trip to explore career in agriculture at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJjBpELWXZ0

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