Tag Archives: long island childcare

Let’s Go Fly A Kite!

We have had so many windy days that I thought you might enjoy kite flying with your host kids!  Why not make your own with the children!  make-your-own-kites-med
 

 

Handmade Kite How-To

Supplies
Downloadable instructions
1 dowel rod- 2 feet long (3/16” diameter)
1 dowel rod- 3 feet long (3/16” diameter)
Pencil
Wood glue
Craft knife
Nylon, plastic, fabric or paper
Tape or glue
Lightweight string or fishing line
Ribbon or repurposed fabric
Kite string (on a spool) or lightweight string and a cardboard roll
Scissors

Instructions

1. Take your 3-foot long dowel rod and measure a foot from the top of the stick, making a mark with your pencil. Center the 2-foot long stick horizontally on top of the longer stick where you made the mark, creating a cross shape.

2. Attach the two dowel rods where they intersect with a couple dabs of wood glue. Once the glue has dried, use your string to weave in and out of the four posts until the two sticks are sturdy. Secure the end of the string with a dab of glue.

3. Use your craft knife to cut a small notch in the end of each point of your kite’s frame. Starting at the bottom notch in the cross, wrap a piece of string or fishing line all the way around, securing it in each of the four notches. Upon reaching the bottom of the cross, tie the string or fishing line into a knot.

4. Once you’ve built the frame of your kite, lay it atop one of the following materials:

  • Ripstop nylon: This lightweight material has a checkered weave that’s designed to prevent ripping. Purchase ripstop nylon at a fabric store or online, and the frame of your kite won’t require a combination of materials. While ripstop nylon is great for kites, any lightweight, wind-proof nylon is ideal.
  • Plastic: Plastic bags or sheeting (found at hardware stores) can easily be used to cover your kite. If you’d like to give your kite a decorative appearance with fabric, apply plastic as a base layer since most fabrics aren’t wind-resistant.
  • Paper: Newspaper, rice paper or butcher paper can all be used to cover your kite, but these materials aren’t always the best for especially strong winds since they can be prone to ripping.

    • 5. Trace the outline of the frame onto your material, measure 2” from each of the four sides, and draw a 2” wide border.

    6. Cut out your material and make a slit in each of the four corners so the material doesn’t bunch when you fold the border. Lay the material on top of the frame, and wrap the border around the outer string or fishing line of the kite. Use glue or tape to adhere your material of choice in place.

    7. Make the kite’s bridle—an arrangement of strings attached to the bottom of your kite that allows it to maneuver. The bridle is also what you’ll tie your kite string to in step 8. To make the bridle, Cut a 3 1/2’ piece of string, and tie one end around the top of the frame. Make a small loop one-third of the way down the string and tie it in a knot. Tie the open end of the string to the bottom of the frame.

    8. Tie your kite string or a lightweight string to the loop in the bridle. If using string that doesn’t come in a roll, wrap it around a cardboard roll.

    9. To make the kite’s tail, tie a 6’ long piece of string or fishing line to the bottom of the frame. Knot several short pieces of ribbon or strips of repurposed material to the string, each about 8” apart. After completing this step, you’ll be ready to fly!

    Flying Your Kite

  • The right weather: Check the weather for the wind conditions in your area. A lightweight kite will require at least 5 mph winds to fly while strong winds over 25 mph can prove to be more challenging. As a general rule, if you see branches blowing, the wind should be strong enough to fly your kite.
  • Where to fly: Clear, open areas like beaches, parks and fields are best for flying. Steer clear of areas with power lines and trees.
  • How to fly: Start by standing with your back to the wind. Hold your kite up by the bridle point and let the line out. If there’s enough wind, your kite will go right up. Let the kite fly away from you a little, then pull in on the line so it will climb. Repeat this step until your kite gains the altitude necessary to find a good, steady wind. The higher your kite flies, the stronger the wind.

    • Tip: If you’re having trouble getting your kite in the air, try letting out a small length of string and begin to run with your kite until it’s lifted by the wind.

  • Dipping: If your kite begins to take a sudden dip, run or pull on the kite string to give your kite a lift.
  • Landing: When you’re ready to wrap up your activity, begin to steadily wind the kite string around its spool. To prevent any damage to your kite, have a partner catch it as it nears the ground.

    • Tip: When you’re done flying your kite, consider hanging it as décor. We love the look of a kite hanging in a child’s bedroom. Try making a few kites of different sizes, and display them in a whimsical arrangement.

    Au Pairs Prepare for the Holidays

    Nov AP meeting 498Sunday, November 13 the Suffolk Cluster of Au Pair in America began preparing for the upcoming holiday season in the USA. 

    Senior Community Counselor, Cindy Garruba began the meeting by discussing what holidays are celebrated in the USA.  She explained why we celebrate Thanksgiving and how important the holiday is for all Americans.  She then continued the discussion with conversations on the holidays their families may be celebrating, Hanakkuh, Christmas and New Year’s.  There was a discussion on childcare during this happy, but very hectic season. 

    Nov AP meeting 497The au pairs divided into small groups to discuss childcare challenges by age group.  Then they came together to discuss the best ways to deal with these challenges.  Cindy emphasized using each other as resources for how to deal with situations.   Holiday childcare can bring on tired, over excited behaviors and it is important to minimize stress during this season with their host children.

    Nov AP meeting 496We also discussed being homesick at this time of year, best ways to deal with missing family and friends.  Cindy encouraged the au pairs to bring some of their holiday traditions into their host families celebrations.  Then the au pairs decorated ornaments to be hung on a Au Pair in America Holiday Tree in Stony Brook Village Promenade of Trees.  The meeting concluded with pumpkin pie and apple cider.  The au pairs enjoyed the Thanksgiving dessert and spending time with each other.

    Old West Show at Old Bethpage Village this Saturday!!`

    Do you want to see a cowboy show here on Long Island? 

    cowboyCowboys and cowgirls will ride into Old Bethpage Village Restoration Saturday for an event billed as the “Gunfight at the Gulch,” the group’s second Long Island match of the season. http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Parks/wheretogo/museums/central_nass_museum/old_bethpage_rest.html

    Gunfight at the Gulch

    WHEN | WHERE 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage

    INFO islandlongriders.com or email joe@islandlongriders.com

    ADMISSION Included with general museum admission of $10 ($7 ages 5-12)

    Spectators look on as mounted contestants will compete in fast-action, timed events using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition — like the stage props used in Hollywood movies — to pop balloons. 

    WHAT YOU’LL SEE

    As part of the match, participants dress in period clothing, replete with boots, chaps and cowboy hats, in keeping with the Old West spirit.  Courses of fire are set in a variety of patterns, with the first five balloons arranged randomly and the last five positioned in a straight line known as a rundown. Riders score points based on accuracy and time, and at the end of the match, which usually consists of four “stages,” the rider with the best total time, including any penalties such as missed balloons or overturned barrels, is declared the winner.

    Praise for Au Pair in America & AIFS in Congress! 

    This article appears on the Alliance for
    International Educational and Cultural Exchange website: 
    http://www.alliance-exchange.org/
    Congressman Carnahan praises au pair 
    program and reminisces about his own study abroad experience 
    Mon, 06/06/2011 – 15:58 — Lisa Retterath

    congressOn the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Representative Russ Carnahan (D-MO) praised the Department of State’s Au Pair Program on Friday in a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives. Carnahan noted that the Au Pair Program not only broadens “global understanding through a sharing of culture, language, and religion,” but also provides au pairs with the opportunity to be “active contributing members of their American community.”

    Carnahan also said that he himself is a proud alumnus of a study abroad program (with the American Institute for Foreign Study), an experience that changed his life: “I can personally attest to the unique educational opportunity living outside your native country provides a young student. For me, it was a life changing experience, helping expand my horizons and alter my way of thinking.”

    Rep. Carnahan’s full statement from June 3 is as follows:

    “Mr. Speaker, on June 9th, the Department of State will hold a reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the au pair program. Host families, au pairs from Germany, Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, France, Sweden and Mexico, along with other countries, and federal officials from the Department of State, will participate in this event recognizing the strength and longevity of this cultural exchange program.

    The first au pairs arrived in New York City in June of 1986. Since that time, the program has witnessed dramatic growth, thanks in part to the leadership and vision of one of the first authorized sponsors, Au Pair in America, a division of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), located in Stamford, Connecticut. AIFS helped establish a regulatory framework that has allowed more than 87,000 young people to live with and care for the children of American families during a mutually rewarding one- or two-year experience.

    This exchange experience has profoundly changed the lives of au pairs, the young children they care for and their host families through their daily exchange of ideas and broadening their global understanding through a sharing of culture, language, and religion. Furthermore, au pairs have been active contributing members of their American community where they live through their engagement in community and religious activities, giving of their time and talents to charitable organizations and volunteering their time to teach young children in schools about their native country.

    As a proud alumni of one of AIFS’s study abroad programs, I can personally attest to the unique educational opportunity living outside your native country provides a young student. For me, it was a life changing experience, helping expand my horizons and alter my way of thinking.
    Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice in commending all those who have worked to develop and expand the au pair program over the past 25 years.”
     

    Family Cultural Fair This Sunday, May 22

    graphic_globe

                                      DON’T MISS THIS GREAT FAMILY EVENT

                             AU PAIR IN AMERICA IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

    Sunday, May 22

    12 Noon at the

    Children’s Museum of the East End

    376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

    http://cmee.org/events/family-cultural-fair-sunday-may-22-noon/

     

    Families will take a “trip around the world” visiting with au pairs from Au Pair in America.  Each child will receive a “passport” and then visit the country tables for their flag stickers!  They will learn about each country, do crafts and learn a few words in a new language!

    Global Awareness is an educational program sponsored by the American Institute of Foreign Study designed to promote multicultural understanding and appreciation.  Au Pair in America is a division of AIFS.  www.aupairinamerica.com  1-800-928-7247

    We bring the world together!

    Easter Sunday is April 24th

    easterEaster marks the most important religious celebration of the Christian faith. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which his followers believe occurred on the third day after his death. Unlike Christmas there is no fixed date for Easter, but it always falls on a Sunday (usually between late March and late April). Christians may commemorate this day according to their religious denomination; however the custom of sunrise service is quite common.

    Over the centuries religious observances have been supplemented by popular customs, some having their origins in pre-Christian religions. Some of these customs were incorporated from springtime fertility celebrations of European and middle-eastern pagan religions, as a solute to spring marking re-birth. For instance, Easter Bunny and Easter eggs are considered to have their roots as pagan symbols for fertility.

    Easter eggs are viewed as symbol of joy and celebration, and of new life and resurrection. Easter eggs, of both the hard-boiled and chocolate varieties are found around the world.

    On Easter Sunday children hunt for brightly colored eggs around the houses believed to be left there by Easter Bunny.

    easter-egg-huntSo color some hard boiled eggs (kits are available in all the drug stores, grocery stores and discount stores.) or get some plastic eggs and fill them with jelly beans, chocolates or coins.  Hide them in the house or in the yard, be creative, have fun and have a hunt with your kids.  Everyone will love it!

    Host Family Celebrates 2nd Year With Their Au Pair

    FoneFone Champaiporn has spent one year with the Kull family in the Hamptons, Long Island.  Back in November her host family said this about Fone, “We are grateful to our au pair Fone because she is a lovely and kind person. She truly cares for our children and she is interested in everything that our family does. In just a few months, she has > become an integral member of our family (much appreciated also by grandparents on both sides) and we cannot imagine being without  her!!!

    Fone is a young woman from Thailand.  She graduated from Silpakorn University where her major was French and minor was English.  She loves languages and wanted to spend time in the USA really learning our culture.  Au Pair in America was the perfect way for her to combine her love of children and dream to experience America.  On April 19,2011 Fone began her second year with her host family.  Au Pairs originally come for one year, but have the option to extend for 6, 9 or 12 more months.  Fone and her host family are very happy that they had this option. 

     Fone 1 yearTo celebrate her second year with their family, Fone’s host family surprised her with some gifts.  She was truly touched and said this in response, “It was a cute surprise from my host family for my first anniversary in the USA!  It makes me love them even more! <3 ^_^

    happy-anniversary-balloon-bouquet

    Happy Passover!

      Passover begins at sunset on Monday, April 18, 2011. Its celebration continues through the evening of Tuesday, April 26, 2011.

      What is Passover?

      Passover, or Pesach commemorates the Israelites Exodus from Egypt. Its name refers to the passage in the Book of Exodus (12:11) when God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague. Passover is one of three pilgrimage festivals, along with Sukkot and Shavuot.

      What are some Passover customs and practices?

      passover sederIt is traditional on Passover to only eat unleavened food. Many rid their entire house of hametz (food that is not kosher for Passover) or sell their leavened food to a non-Jew for the eight days of the holiday. The Passover seder is for the most part held on the first and second night of Passover, though some only participate in a seder on the first night. During the seder participants recount the story of the Exodus while drinking four cups of wine.

      What foods are traditionally eaten on Passover?

      The most common food eaten on Passover is Matzah, a cracker-like replacement for bread. During the Seder other unique foods are eaten, like haroset, a mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices. For the duration of the holiday, all leavened foods are prohibited.

      Passover for Families

      Have young kids? Check out these links from Kveller.com for making the holiday fun for the entire family.

      Happy New Year to all of our Thai au pairs, colleagues and friends,

      thai

       สงกรานต์

      Songkran (สงกรานต์) is the traditional Thai New Year water festival which starts on April 13 every year.  It is a national holiday in Thailand.

      The festival lasts for 4 days. Maha Songkran Day is the first day of the celebrations which marks the end of the old year. April 14, Wan Nao is the day between the ending of the old year and the beginning of the New Year when foods are prepared for the temples. The third day of Songkran, April 15, is Wan Thaloeng Sok – the day on which the New Year begins and on the last day, Wan Parg-bpee, the ancestors and elders are honored.

      Happy Songkran everyone!

       Read more about this special holiday at http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/thai-songkran.htm