Tag Archives: activities

2012 Olympic Games

Are you catching Olympic Fever?

Olympics

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE OLYMPIC RINGS?

The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions, used alone, in one or in five different colors, which are, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The Olympic symbol (the Olympic rings) expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

Here are some resources and activities for your children below.

First things first:

Keep track of the Olympic events here is the official website for the games:

http://www.london2012.com/

 

 

The games are on NBC. The viewing schedule:

http://www.nbcolympics.com/results-schedules/index.html

 

Olympic websites:

 

Kids Activities.net

This one has background info, crafts, games, and snacks.

http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Olympics-Theme-for-Kids.aspx

 

Project Britain:

This one has activities for older kids divided in subjects such as literacy, math, science, history, geography, art and design

http://projectbritain.com/olympics/teachingresources.html

 

Care.com

Information on indoor and outdoor activities including have an Olympic ceremony.

http://www.care.com/child-care-fun-games-to-teach-kids-about-the-summer-olympics-p1017-q17278398.html

 

Teacher planet

Lesson plans, worksheets, and activities

http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/summerolympics.php

 

DC Olympic website with links to

Athens Perseus project, National Geographic and food from Ancient Greece

http://erikafranz.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/summer-olympics-summer-adventures-for-the-family/

 

British links teaching about the Olympics

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/apr/16/london-2012-olympics-teaching-resources

 

Printables

  1. 1. http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/summer_olympics.htm
  2. 2. http://homeschooling.about.com/od/freeprintables/ss/summerolympics_all.htm

 

 

 

 

PLAY BALL!

So many farewells!

So many farewells!

“Save money for travel” and “Play Ball!” were two exclamations heard in equal parts at our July cluster meeting, a mixture of fond farewells, parting advice, and a great game of American baseball. Saying goodbye to 11 departing au pairs was sad, but it was made little bit easier by chocolate cake and watermelon, then a fantastic game of American Baseball.

Americans never think about how strange a sport baseball is until they try to explain it to those who have never played it or watched a game. Running from base to base and having to stop sometimes, but not at other times, is odd. “Three strikes and you’re out” is arbitrary. Distinguishing a strike from a ball is arbitrary.

Still, everyone showed amazing athletic skills, including strong batting, excellent speed covering most of bases, and great catching. The opposing pitchers were formidable. Chloe Haggard pitched consistently hittable balls even while injured and Kathi Lange was frightening in her windup and was even part of a key double play midway through the game.

With lightening in the distance and darkness falling, it was time to end the game. However, it is clear that our au pairs are ready to play more ball!

More Pics Here!

Au Pairs Celebrate the Holiday Season!

“Ho Ho Ho” was frequently heard echoing through the Concord Scout House during our recent Holiday Gala!

Patti's cluster visit Santa

Patti's cluster visit Santa

With over 150 au pairs attending, the hall was filled with laughter and merriment. Starting with a full buffet that included foods from all over the world and the famous au pair punch, we moved on to a surprise visitor from the North Pole who made the rounds to hear from all of you! Photos with the big jolly man were taken with each of the clusters and then we were on to a Yankee Swap that was filled with true confessions and lots of laughter. We ended the evening with intrepid groups of au pairs from several countries who got up on stage to sing a holiday song from home. They were all fabulous and we have the photos and videos to prove it!

Holiday Gala Pictures

We wish you all A Very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

November Line Dancing Kicks It!

Au pairs came together on a cold and darkening evening to dance the chills away, have fun, and get some exercise in the process! We saw several techniques that au pairs brought from their own dancing styles to incorporate into the traditional Line Dancing steps. With master instruction from an experienced cowgirl, everyone was dancing in no time at all! Check out our photos on photobucket!

Apple Picking in October

Taste Testing!

Taste Testing!

Macoun, Macintosh, Granny Smith. What are they? They’re all tasty and all picked by many of the au pairs attending Patti and Melinda’s  October cluster meeting! Under sunny skies and a very brisk wind, au pairs enjoyed cider and apple cider donuts together while we greeted several new au pairs. We then said goodbye to Alicia Cornellisen and Franzi Goerisch who shared their advice about having a great experience this year.

Then it was into the apple orchards for those who wanted to try their hands at picking. And pick they did, as you can see from the photos! Bites were taken and bags were filled to overflowing with the apples that they had reached high for! Some au pairs decided to skip the orchard and they retreated inside to enjoy the gift shop and various samples. As both activities were wrapping up, a huge rain cloud overhead burst, the winds began to blow harder, and we all ran for cover.

Luckily, the apple picking was pretty much done! Now the pie baking begins!

More Pics Here!

September Cluster Meeting

Launching

Launching

Paddling on the Concord River

On a beautiful and warm September day, a large group of energetic au pairs rowed on the Concord River to the historic North Bridge. Most boats showed excellent technique, with only a few going around in circles and hitting the first stone bridge on the way before getting under it successfully. One of our au pairs biked over 8 miles to get to the meeting and then biked from the boathouse up to the North Bridge for the meeting. Everyone arrived safely and tying up at the dock, the boaters were admired by the tourists from around the world who were watching from the North Bridge.

After enjoying an energy snack of brownies and lemonade in a beautiful and peaceful field, we remembered 9-11 and its significance in our lives regardless of where we are from. Although many au pairs did not remember the specifics of the day, others had vivid memories of hearing the news.

Soon it was time to get back into the boats and fight a very strong current to get back to the boathouse. It was not easy and there were some panicky moments as one or two of the boats were pulled backwards, actually hitting the stately North Bridge or gliding uncontrollably into the woods on the riverside! Finally, all boats rounded the oxbow in the river with only one signaling distress. Eventually, Kevin of the Boat House took the rescue boat out to rescue these paddlers. It was quite exciting and as these tired au pairs motored back to the boathouse with their canoe in tow, it was clear that they had enjoyed the whole adventure! They joined the other au pairs who had already returned to the boathouse to share a few more minutes together before getting ready to start the week of a busy au pair.

view more pictures here!

Summer Evenings

At the batting cage!

At the batting cage!

Our end of summer cluster meeting was held at Kimballs Farm.   It was a perfect evening for ice cream and a perfect time to discuss classes and fall plans.  The meeting was to include practice (or try for the first time) golf, but a distant rumble of thunder and lightning changed the venue to the batting cages.  Amazing how many balls connected to the bats!!!   Way to go girls!

More pictures here ->  Cluster Pics

Play Ball!

Farewells

Farewells

On a perfect summer evening, au pairs from our clusters enjoyed an evening full of American traditions. Starting the evening off with a typical prebaseball dinner, we greeted several new au pairs who were just beginning their years here. Celebrating two birthdays, and enjoying cake and watermelon, we said farewell to members of the clusters who have successfully completed their year here in the USA.  Also, attending our meeting were two former au pairs visiting their families for the summer and offering encouraging words to the group.
Moving on to the baseball field, it was clear that the au pairs were ready to play ball! Luckily, we had heavy hitters and speedy outfielders, power pitchers, and speedy base-women to keep the game in constant suspense. After those few confusing moments about what to do once the ball is actually hit with the bat, runners began to take advantage of momentary outfield confusion to score heavily. The final scores were too high to keep track! More importantly, each au pair showed her talent at home plate and while warming up, had her photo taken for valuable future baseball cards. The Red Sox talent scouts will be calling soon!

click here for more pics ->  Baseball Pics

Cultural Fair at Boston Children’s Museum

IMG_0864May 1st was a day of cultural education and fun, sponsored by Au Pair in America at the Boston Children’s Museum. Over the course of the afternoon, hundreds of enthusiastic children and parents toured the exhibition, received earth and skin friendly tattoos, had their faces painted with country flags, and chatted with au pairs representing countries from around the world.

The Au Pair in America Cultural Fair was truly a multi-modal event.
Traditional dance in authentic costume highlighted the presentation by Thailand while the German au pairs entertained visitors with traditional German spring egg craft and painting.  South African au pairs proudly painted their country’s flag on little and big smiling faces alike, while a  colorful and tempting piñata dangled overt the Mexico booth.  Au pairs from many other countries served as international teachers of the culture and beauty of their homelands as well.  Photos of this great event are available on our cluster photos link below.

Cultural Fair Pictures

March Madness!!

Gathering in the Common Room

Gathering in the Common Room

March’s cluster meeting began with an informal gathering at the all purpose room.   Everyone introduced themselves to our two new au pairs.   Counselors talked about Boston’s Walk for Hunger and showed a short DVD about last years event.   April’s Cultural Fair  and au pair marketing opportunities were some other topics discussed.

Later a volleyball game in the gym soon turned into a fast paced game of basketball

More March Cluster Pics

Red and Blue Teams

Red and Blue Teams