Monthly Archives: December 2014

Happy Birthday Beethoven!

One of the greatest composers, Beethoven was born in Germany in 1770. Read the story about how his Symphony of Friendship is played in Japan every year at Christmas: http://www.mandala.co.jp/B9/P00E.html.

Enjoy music with the children

  • Start by listening – to children’s music, classical music, and even just the ticking of a clock, the rain falling, or the wind in the trees.
  • Make rhythms: clap hands, stamp feet, hop and jump.
  • Dance to the rhythms of music on the radio.
  • Make your own instruments: an empty milk jug is a good drum; two sticks or two lids create wonderful rhythms.
  • Sing! Don’t be afraid to make up your own songs. Record them to play for the host parents.

Time for gingerbread!

Gingerbread men.jpg

Gingerbread is an important part of many cultures’ holiday celebrations. The story of the Gingerbread Boy has been retold in many versions. It might be fun to make some gingerbread cookies and read the story.

Visit the Library!

  • Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett.
  • The Cajun Gingerbread Boy illustrated by Berthe Amoss
  • The Gingerbread Boy by Richard Egielski
  • The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone
  • The Gingerbread Man: An Old English Folktale illustrated by John A. Rowe
  • The Gingerbread Man illustrated by Karen Schmidt
  • The Gingerbread Man illustrated by Pam Adams
  • The Gingerbread Man by Eric Kimmel
  • The Gingerbread Man retold by Jim Aylesworth

Head for the Kitchen!
Make a batch of gingerbread and bake and decorate a tray of gingerbread boys. Read the story while they bake.

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • In a large bowl, sift together
    • 3 cups flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • In a smaller bowl beat together:
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar
    • 6 tablespons butter
    • 1 egg
    • 3/4 cup molasses
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes. Place on a rack to cool. Decorate.

Why should you choose an au pair?

Tips for Host Families

Why do families choose to use the services of an au pair? There are lots of reasons.

First of all, au pairs provide experienced, loving, live-in childcare. Every au pair has hours and hours of experience caring for children. Families can look at their applications and see exactly what ages and what kind of care and match that experience with their needs.

Second, au pairs bring cultural awareness and diversity to American families. Many families enjoy learning about different cultures and traditions. It is also common for people to want their children to be comfortable with people of different backgrounds, particularly in today’s international business world.

Third, au pairs can be much more economical than traditional childcare, particularly for families with multiple children. Au pairs currently cost about $350 per week, plus room and board. This includes the au pair’s stipend and educational allowance, her flight to and from the US, and the agency fees for things like insurance. This is per family, NOT per child.

Au pairs coming through Au Pair in America are carefully vetted, go through a state-of-the-art orientation upon their arrival in the US, and have ongoing, local support in the person of a local Community Counselor. The CC also provides ongoing support to the host families from their initial contact with the agency, through the selection process, and during the year. Our counselors have an average of about 12 years experience and are very familiar with the visa requirements, the educational opportunities in the area, and how to deal with possible issues, such as homesickness. The agency provides health insurance and liability insurance, and 24 hour emergency support.

Having live-in childcare is definitely not the right option for every family, but if your family is considering it, look into having an au pair. It could be the answer you’re looking for!

Have a safe holiday!

As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the laws regarding alcohol consumption in the United States. At this time of year you may be invited to holiday parties and events where alcohol is served.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. Even if you are over 21 please be mindful if you are with other au pairs who are under 21 and the risk they take if they break the law. Using fake id’s is also illegal. Of course, drinking and driving is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. You should never drink and drive and getting arrested for drinking and driving has very serious consequences in this country. Also, be a good friend and don’t let your friends drink and driver. You have invested a lot to be here to enjoy your experience in the United States and I want all of you to be successful. Be safe and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Always put safety first and enjoy the holidays!