Monthly Archives: May 2010

MEMORIAL DAY WEEK-END CELEBRATION!

May 22, 2010 – 8:24 am

Background

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

What do people do?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor everyone, who has died, and those, who have died in military service, in particular. In National Cemeteries, volunteers place an American flag on each grave.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Public life

Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.

However you choose to observe this holiday, make it a special day to enjoy family and friends.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR AREA:

Pools will officially open for the Season!Au pairs, please read Safety tips found under “Child Care” in this Blog.

IN WASHINGTON DC:

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. See Photos of the performers in the 2010 concert.

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 31, 2010, beginning at 2 p.m.
The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. See Photos of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 30, 2010. Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. See Photos of Rolling Thunder

GI Film Festival
May 12-16, 2010. The festival is held annually just before Memorial Day weekend. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.

Arlington National Cemetery
Monday, May 31, 2010, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of Memorial Day.See Photos of Arlington National Cemetery.

Navy Memorial
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special guests and live performances.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 1 p.m.
This year’s annual Memorial Day ceremony includes Presentation of the Colors, remarks by a special guest and wreath-laying service.

World War II Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. The National Park Service and the Friends of the National World War II Memorial will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is “Honoring our Fallen Warriors.” Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.

Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public.

IN VIRGINIA:

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 31, 2010, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.
Wolf Trap Farm Park
Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8:00 p.m. The park for performing arts kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the U.S. Marine Band followed by fireworks. The Filene Center gates open at 6:30 p.m. Arrive early because the park closes once capacity is reached.

CLASSIC KID’S GAMES

May 12, 2010 – 2:55 pm

Spring is a fun time of the year,with days getting longer and warmer and kids enjoying more time outside.Sometimes, the rain will keep them trapped inside,so here are a few ideas for games to play anywhere.

Have fun!

TELEPHONE:

How to Play:

1. Sit in a circle or a row with players a foot or more apart.

2. Choose one person to start. He comes up with a phrase or sentence — silly or serious, it doesn’t matter.

3. He leans over and whispers the phrase in the ear of the person next to him. That person whispers what she heard into the ear of the next player, and that continues around the circle.

4. When the last person has whispered the phrase in the ear of the first person, he repeats it out loud. After the laughter dies down, he can tell everyone the original sentence or phrase.

RED LIGHT,GREEN LIGHT:

How to Play:

1. Choose one player to be Red Light. He should stand about 25 yards from the other players, with his back turned to them.

2. The other players should be lined up shoulder to shoulder behind him. Their goal is to try to get close enough to tap Red Light on the shoulder, but they can move only when he says, “Green Light.”

3. To begin play, Red Light closes his eyes and yells, “Green Light!” Players then run at top speed toward him until he yells, “Red Light!” and turns around as fast as he can. The instant the other players hear “Red Light!” they must stop running. Anyone Red Light sees still moving when he turns around must return to the starting line.

4. This sequence is repeated until a player gets close enough to tap Red Light on the shoulder when his back is turned. This player wins and becomes the next Red Light.

HOPSCOTCH:

Best with:

• 2 or more players
• A sidewalk or patio

How to play:

1. Draw a diagram with numbered boxes about 18 inches wide and one- foot deep.

2. A player tosses a rock into the first box. (If the rock doesn’t land completely within the box, she picks up the rock, and her turn is forfeited.)

3. Without putting a foot down in the rock-occupied space, she hops to the end of the grid, putting one foot in each box. (She’ll have both feet down in adjacent spaces.) Throughout the game, if she falls or puts a foot down when she’s not supposed to, she forfeits her turn, leaves the rock, and tries again in the next round. If she safely reaches Home, she can rest on both feet for a few seconds.

4. She then turns around and hops back. She must stop in the box before the rock-occupied space and pick up the rock; once the rock is retrieved, she can hop into that box. If she makes it back to the beginning safely, it’s the next player’s turn.

5. Players take turns throwing rocks and retrieving them (avoiding all rock-occupied spaces). The first player to make it through all the boxes (including Home) wins.

SARDINES:

How to Play:

1. Declare the boundaries where kids can hide (“only in our backyard” or “only in the basement”).

2. Choose one child to be It. He hides while the rest of the group counts slowly to 20 (or higher).

3. The players then split up to search independently for whoever’s It. When a seeker finds him, he or she joins It in the hiding place, trying to stay as quiet as possible. (Ideally the hiding place should be somewhere that will just barely accommodate all players, and as others find It and crowd in, the silent squeeze becomes tighter — and sillier.)

4. When the last person finds the hiding place, the game’s over, and play resumes with the last person as It.

Originally published in Wondertime magazine.Also,check out this website for fun ideas all year long:www.kaboose.com

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

May 6, 2010 – 4:16 pm

Mother’s Day

Many countries celebrate a special day for mothers. In the U.S, it started as a day of peace; now it is more a day to celebrate and pamper Mom. Help the children make cards or gifts or plan a special meal or other surprise for Mom. Read picture books to young children about mothers such as Are You My Mother by PD Eastman, Little Bear (an I Can Read Book) by Else Holmelund Minarik, or Just Me and My Mom by Mercer Mayer. You’ll find many other choices in your local library. For ideas of activities and surprises, visit www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/mom/.

Pasta Heart Plate for Mom

Even little ones can make one of these fun plates of love for Mom! All you will need is some glue, a plate, and some noodles.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create beautiful crafts and homemade cards just for Mom! Treat her to special recipes and bond with printable activities as well.

What you’ll need:

Colorful disposable plate
White craft glue
Dried macaroni noodles
Yellow and green split peas

How to make it:

Use white craft glue to draw a heart shape on the plate. (See photo.)
Place macaroni shapes onto the white craft glue heart. (See photo.)
Use white craft glue to write “mom” in the center of the heart. Place flat side of split peas onto the craft glue, using yellow peas for both letter “m’s” and green for the “o.” (See photo.)
Let dry completely.

Tips:

For younger children, use dried beans instead of peas, as they are larger and easier to grasp.
Check the party aisle of your grocer or discount department store for colorful disposable plates.
You can paint a plain paper plate instead of using a coated plate.

Flower Card for Mom

A pretty flower takes center stage in this adorable Mother’s Day card that Mom is sure to love receiving.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create beautiful crafts and homemade cards just for Mom! Treat her to special recipes and bond with printable activities as well.

What you’ll need:

1 sheet of card stock
Patterned paper
Orange construction paper
Glue stick
Pencil
Scissors
White craft glue
½” wide ribbon in two complementary colors
Pattern

How to make it:

Fold card stock in half to create the greeting card. (See photo.)
Print and cut out flower pattern. Trace pattern onto the back of the patterned paper. Cut the flower shape out of the patterned paper, but do not cut the center circle. (See photo.)
Trace the center circle onto orange construction paper. (See photo.)
Cut out construction paper circle and glue it to the center of the patterned paper flower. (See photo.)
Glue the paper flower onto the center of the card.
Cut ribbon into pieces to create the letter “M”. Use white craft glue to “write” the letter “M” onto the card, and then place the ribbon onto the glue. Use glue to tack the ends that overlap. (See photo.)

Tips:

Look for pretty ribbons to go on sale, usually immediately following a holiday.
Your favorite craft supply store often includes coupons on your local newspaper, or you can sign up to receive them online.
Card stock is much sturdier, but construction paper is a suitable and less expensive option.

Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2010 – 6:00 am

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which Mexican troops defeated Napoleon’s French forces. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico. Look for the book Cinco de Mayo by Janet Riehecky or visit www.elbalero.gob.mx/index_kids.html for information and activities from Mexico.

Mexican food is a huge part of celebrating Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate this fun holiday and all the tasty meals that go with it, try making these adorable foam tacos and tostadas.

FOAM TACOS AND TOSTADAS:

What you’ll need:

Tan craft foam, cut into a 3-4″ circle
Brown, yellow, green and red craft foam, cut into strips
White craft glue
Hot glue gun

How to make it:

To make the taco, glue brown foam strips to the circle. Be sure they are hanging over the edge so they will be sticking out when you fold the taco.
Repeat Step 1 with each color until you’ve worked your way around the circle. Fold the circle in half as you go to make sure it looks right. Use green for lettuce, yellow for cheese, and red for tomato salsa.
Fold the circle in half and hot glue in place to hold it closed.
For the tostada, smear the circle with white craft glue. Cover with brown foam strips.
Dot white glue on top of the brown strips and add a layer of yellow and orange foam strips for the look of cheese.
Dot white glue on top of the “cheese” and add the “lettuce” by gluing on green strips.
Lastly, cut a few red strips into squares and glue the “tomatoes” on top.

Tips:

You can purchase craft foam in individual sheets in many colors, or you can purchase packages of various shapes, sizes and colors. Either option will work since they can easily be cut down to strips.
You can add a magnet to the back of your taco and hang it on the fridge!
Felt can be substituted for foam in this craft.

MARACAS:

Make your own shakable maracas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Use your imagination to create colorful and festive maracas to enjoy with your friends.

What you’ll need:

2 Styrofoam or paper cups
Tan, red and white acrylic paint
Decorative accents such as pom-poms and buttons
Hot glue gun
Dried beans

How to make it:

Paint cups with tan paint and let dry.
Decorate cups by painting on swirling or curvy lines. We used red paint for ours. You can also paint zig-zags. We used white for ours. Paint the bottom of each cup red.
Place a handful of dried beans into one of the cups.
Put a layer of hot glue onto the rim of the cup with the beans in it before quickly placing the other cup on top of it, lining up the rims of both cups. Allow to dry completely.
Finish any decorating you would like, such as adding pom-poms around the center (to hide the glue line). We also used mini pom-poms to dot the peaks of the zig-zags.
Once your glue is completely dry, shake your maraca!

Tips:

Smaller children may enjoy using stickers instead of trying to manipulate pom-poms and buttons. Older kids may like to get even more intricate by painting on more detailed and thinner lines.
If you don’t have any dried beans, use a few pennies instead.
Our color suggestions are just that, suggestions. Use whatever colors you like to make this project your own!

MAY IS NATIONAL GOOD CAR CARE MONTH

May 3, 2010 – 3:21 pm

National Good Car Care Month

Take this opportunity to clean out the inside of the car. If it’s a nice day, the school-age children might enjoy helping to wash the outside! Or get a large cardboard box and make a pretend car for younger children to play in. Cut out doors and windows and put chairs inside. Think of all the places you can travel to in your imagination. Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car by John Burningham is a favorite book for preschoolers about a car ride.