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It’s international Women’s Day

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March 8th is International Women’s Day which is celebrated in 176 countries and allows women worldwide to connect, celebrate and honor women past, present, and future.

Au Pair in America is an organization fully committed to enriching the lives and minds of young women and this day is highly regarded by us. Our program provides a platform to change the lives of those who participate. Fanny Carvajal-Delgado, one of our former au pairs from Costa Rica, has said “working as an au pair with Au Pair in America is a life changing experience. It has changed the way I value my family and friends, the way I see the world and the way I think about myself, in a positive way. I will never be the same person! When I finished the program I was more mature, independent and responsible.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day, below are some ways you can celebrate this day as well as National Women’s History month in your local community:

– Register to vote
– Attend an event promoting women’s health, equality or safety
– Thank a woman who has been a positive influence in your life
– Support a program that provides business training for women in developing countries
– Make a donation that provides education for girls

To find for an International Women’s Day event in your area, go to www.internationalwomensday.com

Valentine’s Day history

Every February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, “Who is St. Valentine”? Time to brush up on your Valentine’s history!

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. The Emperor at that time, Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger army. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree was not fair and married young couples in secret. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine’s actions he had his head cut off making him a martyr of love.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first ‘valentine’ himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we’ll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure…February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

For some fun children’s activities including crafts, coloring pages, games, puzzles and poems go to:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/valentines-day/

What does an au pair say about her year in the US?

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Three years ago I left my everyday life in Sweden to become an Au Pair in America. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than hoping to experience American culture and to take care of children. I could never have imagined such a great year!

I lived outside Washington DC in a family with 3 children. During my year, my host family became like a second family to me. The children were not only my host children, they were like my little siblings and my host parents became good friends of mine. I made load of friends from all over the world and traveled to many places including Niagara Falls, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, Texas and the Bahamas!!

I am now doing an internship in the London Office of Au Pair in America! I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you all on Monday and answering any questions you might have! See you there, Kajsa … xox

Can you skate?

On this day in 1863 the first 4 wheel roller skates were patented. Now roller blades have replaced roller skates almost everywhere. Is there an indoor roller rink nearby? Skating would be a great way to exercise on a cold or rainy day.

Visit a local rink at:

http://www.cavalierfamilyskating.com/

http://fredericksburg.patch.com/listings/golden-skate-world


Do you know Morse Code?

The inventor of the telegraph and Morse Code, Samuel Morse was born on this day in 1791. Morse Code is a system representing letters, numbers and punctuation marks by means of a code signal. It was the first electronic communication and International Morse Code, which uses only dots and dashes, is still used today. You can learn more about Morse Code and type text in to be translated to Morse Code for you to listen to by visitingwww.scphillips.com/morse.

Play post office!

 

On this day in 1792 the first postal service was created in the United States. Preschool and young elementary age children will love to create their own post office at home. Buy some valentines on clearance or use what is around the house. You need envelopes (you can use new ones or save the return envelopes from junk mail), a rubber stamp and inkpad, stickers and some paper. Children can write a note or draw a picture to put in the envelope. They can use the stickers as stamps and the rubber stamp to make the “postmark.” They can deliver the mail to bedrooms or you can create mailboxes by stacking a few empty shoeboxes on their sides. There can also be a box to mail letters – use a larger shoebox or a small cardboard box with the top closed and cut a slot to put the letters through.

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!

groundhog

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.