February is Black History Month. Look for books at your local library or exhibits at your local historical society.
Read more about it at http://www.tulane.edu/~wc/months/bhm.html.
Tag Archives: live in childcare
It’s dental health month
It’s always important to children to brush their teeth but here is a special reminder! Brushing should last 2-3 minutes – use a timer to see how long the children actually brush.
Visit http://www.healthyteeth.org for information, science experiments (do you know what happens to bone if it is soaked in vinegar?) and games about teeth. This is a good time to read books about loose teeth or going to the dentist if your children are at the right age.
What’s the endangered species act?
In 1973 the United States passed a law to protect animals that were in danger of becoming extinct. Tigers, elephants, otters and mountain gorillas are all in danger of disappearing from the earth.
Draw a picture of these animals, visit the zoo to see them, read a book about them or learn more about endangered species at http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html.
It’s Groundhog Day!
Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up outof his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because
he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based on science, it is a fun US tradition! Check the news this morning, or the newspaper tomorrow to find out when the groundhog thinks winter will end!
Do you need sports insurance?
Is it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?
Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.
Here are a couple examples:
I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)
The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for 12 months. The cost will be the same ($75) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.
Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo, Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding,Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing. View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE (2013 arrival au pairs) & HERE for (2014 arrival au pairs)
Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.
How to register for the Sports Insurance
Download the form HERE and follow the instructions. It takes a few days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.
Learn about the Gold Rush!
On this day in 1848 a nugget of gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in California. News spread over the next few months and 100,000 people went to California to make their fortune. This “rush” was very important to the growth of California.
Visit http://www.museumca.org/goldrush/ to learn more about this part of American history.
Happy Winnie the Pooh Day!
Rent a Winnie the Pooh movie or read one of the many books about Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore today! Which character is your favorite?
Learn about the United Nations!
The UN officially opened in 1951. It is made up of 191 countries from around the world. It was created after the Second World War – as a way of bringing people together and to avoid war. The United Nations logo shows the world held in the ‘olive branches of peace’. The United Nations had a special meeting of children from many countries.
Older children might find it interesting to read their stories and views on what is happening in the world.
Also check this Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/unitednations/
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 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.