Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Creative Connections for August


8/2 National American Family Day: The first Sunday in August is for spending time with our families.  Unlike some other familial holidays, the proclamation of “National American Family Day” discourages gift giving.  Instead, the observance urges focusing on family relationships.  There are many ways to do this:  Play games outside or go for a walk, Pick some fresh fruit together, Visit grandparents and have a picnic, take an art class together, tour a museum, or try a new recipe and get the whole family involved in cooking a meal.  So how will you spend the day with your family?

8/3 National Watermelon Day:  According to the Watermelon Board, watermelon is considered both a fruit and a vegetable.  Like fruit, watermelon has seeds & a juicy sweet flesh.  A watermelon is also considered a gourd related to cucumbers and pumpkins and it is cleared from the field like a vegetable crop.  Here is a great recipe for a watermelon smoothie.  So, enjoy eating both vegetables and fruits with just watermelon on this day!

8/4 On August 6th, join your local police department in building police-community partnerships and help make your neighborhood safer, by attending a local National Night Out initiative. Neighborhoods host block parties, parades and other community events helping to bring the police and public together under positive circumstances

8/6 National Root Beer Float Day:  On this day we remember an all-time great pastime beverage I’m sure we all grew up having.  It’s the perfect time to float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in an ice-cold mug of frothy root beer!  It’s the classic beverage that’s loved by all generations.

8/10 National S’mores Day:  Another great summer pastime is roasting some s’mores on an open campfire!  Today, may variations on the original recipe find their way around the campfire though.  Here are a few ideas to change it up next time you make them:  Try spreading peanut butter on the graham crackers before adding the other ingredients, Substitute peanut butter cups in place of the chocolate bar, Replace the graham crackers with fudge-dipped cookies, or Add banana slices to it!  Need a recipe for one?  Here one for a S’mores Bar.  Give it a try and enjoy!

8/16 National Tell A Joke Day:  Why do seagulls fly over the sea?  Because if they flew over the bay they would be called baygulls!  A day to be filled with smiles and much laughter form morning till night.  Fun fact-Jokes have been a part of human culture since at least 1900 BC.  I remember sharing great laughs with my family growing up over funny jokes.  Here is a few jokes to share with the whole family.

8/19 National Soft Ice Cream Day:  Another great day to have this summer!  Nothing like a cup or cone of ice cream to cool off during a hot summer day and on this day you are encouraged to pick your favorite flavor of soft serve.  Here is an easy recipe for some homemade ice cream to try out.  Make sure to stop by your local ice cream shop and celebrate the day! 

8/21 To honor our population over the age of 60, President Ronald Reagan issued a Proclamation creating National Senior Citizen Day! To quote his Proclamation, “For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older.” On National Senior Citizen Day, we should spend time to appreciate those grandparents and older adults in our lives for all they have done for us and society.
8/24 In honor of the anniversary of the waffle iron, National Waffle Day is observed on August 24th. Waffle’s are created by heating waffles between two iron plates which give the waffle it’s unique characteristics. Belgian waffles originated in the U.S. at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Do you prefer your waffles as a breakfast food or a dessert?
8/26 The Women’s Equality Day Proclamation was passed in 1973. The U.S. Congress designated August 26th, as the official day to commemorate the 19th amendment which granted women the right to vote.

8/30 National Beach Day:  Whether we spend time on beaches oceanside, at ta lake or river, they provide recreation all summer long!  Swimming, water sports, and sunbathing are just a few of the relaxing things that our beaches can provide.  But when it comes to swimming at the beach be sure to be safe at all times  Here are some excellent tips provided by the American Red Cross. 
There are great websites that detail fun & often free things to do in New Jersey every month! Call ahead and make sure the activities are happening before you head out for your day!

Friday, June 26, 2020


6/6 National Drive in Movie Day: The history of the drive-in movie began in 1933. The Drive-in movie was created due to the uncomfortable seating in theaters! Have you ever been to a drive-in movie? One to check out is Delsea Drive In.  Check the website for the schedule of events! https://www.delseadrive-in.com/.  Can’t make it to the Theater??  Transform your next movie night into a drive-in movie night!  Try creating a car for your very own drive-in for your living room! All you need is a box, some colored paper plates, duct tape or paint! Find the instructions here: http://viewsfromtheville.com/2015/06/17/diy-cardboard-box-car-drive-in-movie/
6/6 Celebrated on the 1st of Saturday in June, National Trails Day recognizes the benefits of going for a walk-in nature. Find a local trail and expose your children to birdwatching or geo-caching!  When going for a walk on National Trails Day, are you prepared? Are you packing your essentials like extra water and sunscreen? How about a trash bag? Take a look at this list of essentials you should bring with you when you are on a trail!
6/11 Boiled, grilled, roasted or juicy and sweet raw, on National Corn on the Cob Day, visit your local farm market to pick up some local fresh delicious corn!  Have you ever wondered what kind of craft you can come up with involving corn? How about “Hopping Corn”? It’s a simple science activity all aged children can participate in! Try it on National Corn on the Cob Day!!
6/12 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superman and today we celebrate the fictional Man of Steel. Did you know that the Red White and Blue of his uniform stands for a desire for Justice, to help those in need & a powerful spirit! Do you like to help people? You too can be a super-hero just by being a positive helper! What super-power do you possess?  Maybe visit a comic book store on Superman Day?  You can visit Comic Fortress in Somerville, NJ to get the latest comic books! Contact them using the following link for hours of operation! http://www.comicfortress.com/
6/20 Summer Solstice: Our summer solstice is not based on a specific date, but depends on when the sun reaches the northernmost point from the equator. Therefore, the first day of summer varies from year to year! You can also use this SUN CALCULATOR to determine the sunrise and sunset for your time zone!
6/21 Father’s Day: Every third Sunday in June, we celebrate and honor the father figures in our lives!  While celebrating your dad this Father’s Day, why not whip up this simple and delicious Oreo Cheesecake Parfait dessert to spoil him with?  Or maybe try making your own doughnuts? Try this easy recipe! Homemade Baked Sugar Donuts.  Or does your dad like baseball? On Father’s Day, why not take dad to a Somerset Patriots baseball game? Click their calendar for game times, prices and special giveaways! http://www.somersetpatriots.com/schedule/
6/30 Meteor Watch Day: Meteors are mainly observed at night and are visible at about 70 miles above the earth. Most meteors disintegrate between 31-51 miles above the earth. You can observe meteors by finding a spot on a cloudless night and gather some friends far from the city lights!
There are great websites that detail fun & often free things to do in New Jersey every month! Call ahead and make sure the activities are happening before you head out for your day!

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Creative Connections for May


Below are a few ideas with links to crafts and recipes you can create with your children this May!
Create with your children – If you have trouble opening the hyperlink, left click the link and choose Open Hyperlink

5/1 Happy Mother Goose Day! While the origins of Mother Goose are a bit vague, a day has been set aside to foster reading and learning through nursery rhymes. You can read your most treasured nursery rhymes, act them out or try creating one of your own!

5/4 Star Wars Day: May the 4th be with you!

5/5 Cinco de Mayo: In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage

5/7 Teachers play a pivotal part in our children’s lives. Do you remember your favorite teacher?  These challenging times make it difficult to share those special smiles and hugs but you can encourage your child to create a card or email a fun photo of themselves and their family doing a fun activity together or sharing a photo of an activity their teacher shared.  National Teacher Appreciation Week!

5/10 Mother’s Day is here, are your children looking to pamper you with breakfast in bed?? Here is a simple breakfast they can put together themselves. (Use frozen mini pancakes to make cleanup even easier!!)

Although I personally prefer handmade gifts.  If you want to splurge during this pandemic here are a few ideas from cnet.com

5/15 National Chocolate Chip Day: It all started at the Toll House Inn

5/15 National Bike to Work Day: National Bike to Work day was started more than a ½ century ago!

5/17 Pizza is one of Americas favorite meals. National Pizza Party Day is held on the 3rd Friday in May as a way to get together with friends and family to have fun and share some pizza together!

5/21 Fact: Strawberries are the only fruit with the seeds on the outside. While learning about Strawberries on Strawberries and Cream Day, why not make yourself a treat?

5/21 National Red Nose Day: Help end child poverty!

5/25 Memorial Day: Do you know what Memorial Day was originally called?

5/29 Invented in 1899 the paper clip has been used to clip papers together for well over a century later. The paperclip has stayed true to its purpose. On National Paperclip Day, try your hand at some Paper Clip Art!

May Snacks and Crafts
Bring out the inner chef and artist in your child. Try your hand at these with your children!
5/1 Need Mary Had a Little Lamb craft? Make a lamb! You need cotton balls, paper, glue, googly eyes and your child can make their own flock! You can hide the flock and your child can play the part of Mary and go and find them!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some homemade salsa!   Here is an easy great recipe!

5/8 National Teacher Appreciation Day: Join the 2018 #ThankaTeacher campaign!
May the 4th be with you and thee tasty light saber pretzels!
Love salsa? Ever try making homemade salsa? Here is an easy great recipe!

5/7 Looking for a way to have your little one create something beautiful for their favorite teachers? Take a look at these creative cards you can help them design as a way to say thank you!

5/12 Children get SOOOOO excited to celebrate and do something special for their parents but very often don’t know what they can do. Grab some inexpensive supplies and encourage them to create a special card for Mother’s Day of their own. Here is a simple craft they can make all by themselves!

5/17 Do your kids love pizza? Make Octopus Pizza to encourage your child to try something new on their pizza!

5/21 Looking for something different to try for dessert? How about this Mexican Strawberries and Cream (Fresas Con Crema) dessert your whole family can help make and enjoy!

5/29 A simple little craft to assemble on National Paper Clip Day are Button Bookmarks! They require materials you likely have at home! A jar of these would be great end of the year gift for your child’s teachers!!!

Please take pictures of your activities and share them with your classrooms! We would love to see what you create!!

Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Kids Website for information at home activities and information on Virtual Field trips
http://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/


Saturday, February 29, 2020

Creative Connections for March


Below are a few ideas with links to crafts and recipes you can create with your children this March!

Create with your children – If you have trouble opening the hyperlink, left click the link and choose Open Hyperlink

March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the fearless positive women who have influenced history.  https://redtri.com/8-women-s-history-month-activities-for-kids/

3/3 On National Anthem Day the U.S.A. adopted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as our national anthem. Francis Scott Key, the author served in the army during the War of 1812. After a long night of battle during the war, he penned the lyrics to the song.  https://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-anthem-day

3/8 Notice the sun is setting a little later this time of year? Thank you Daylight Savings time! Did you know there are states and countries that do not follow Daylight Savings time!

3/10 Purim is a fun Jewish holiday to dress up, tell stories and give gift baskets. This year Purim begins the evening at 3/9 and ends the evening of 3/10.

3/14 Who can name the four parts of a butterfly’s life cycle? On Learn About Butterflies Day, it’s a great day to begin this study! (The answer is egg, larva, pupa and adult!)

3/17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Were you taught like I was that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland? Turns out that myth is false! Read these St. Patrick’s Day facts with your kids and learn the truth about St. Patrick! https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/celebrations/st-patricks-day/

3/19 Happy first day of spring! Today marks the end of winter and brings us longer days! What are some things you like to do when spring begins?        https://www.wincalendar.com/Spring-Begins

3/23 I personally don’t need a reason to celebrate chips and dips, but since there is a National Chips and Dip Day I will indulge! What is your favorite chip and dip?

3/25 On the last Wednesday in March, we get to appreciate the calm herbivore who spends their days eating, sleeping and traveling. Today, we appreciate the Manatee!


March Snacks and Crafts
Bring out the inner chef and artist in your child. Try your hand at these with your children!

3/3 Do you know how many verses make up the Star-Spangled Banner? It’s FOUR! I had no idea! It is an amazing story highlighting a battle during The War of 1812. Read or sing the lyrics in this link! https://www.lyrics.com/sublyric/4172

3/8 Here is a neat game you can use to teach the kids about Daylight Savings Time, clocks, seasons & counting! https://www.totschooling.net/2014/03/free-daylight-savings-time-board-game.html

3/10 A simple Purim treat you can make & gift to your friends - chocolate dipped pretzels! Make a batch for your family and gift another to your friends! Have your kids dip the pretzels and add the sprinkles!

3/14 On Learn About Butterflies Day, surprise your little love bugs with a creative snack! It’s versatile enough so you can individualize each snack!   http://raisinglittlesuperheroes.com/butterfly-snack-bag/

3/17 Going to any St. Patrick’s Day festivities today? Why not bring along these easy to make Shamrock Pops?

3/20 Looking for a fun healthy snack to prepare for the start of spring? How about this adorable and simple bunny snack!      https://theprimepursuit.com/tag/healthy-bunny-snack/

3/23 If you are celebrating National Chip & Dip day like I am, you probably don’t need a dip recipe. But in case you do or you just want to try something new, this website boasts over 50 Fabulous Dip Recipes!

3/27 I have never done origami, but it has always intrigued me. On today, Manatee Appreciation Day, lets learn this paper folding technique together and craft some manatees!  https://origami.plus/origami-manatee

Please take pictures of your activities and share them with your classrooms! We would love to see what you create!!

Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Kids Website for information on events like Parent Night Out, upcoming field trips and family events like our March event Eyes of the Wild. Don’t forget to register for the 2020-2021 school year as classes do fill up! Look our for our camp registration coming soon!




This is a great website that details fun FREE things to do in New Jersey every month! Call ahead and make sure the activities are happening before you head out for your day!

Check out the St. Patrick’s Day parades in NJ throughout the month of March!

https://bestofnj.com/the-best-st-patricks-day-parades-in-nj

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Creative Connections for February


Below are a few ideas with links to crafts and recipes you can create with your children this February!
Create with your children – If you have trouble opening the hyperlink, left click the link and choose Open Hyperlink
Black History week was started in 1926 by a well known African American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It wasn’t until 1976 that the entire month of February was recognized as Black History Month!

Dental Health month falls in February https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month. The ADA holds a month-long campaign full of resources and activities to help ensure your child(ren)’s dental health. On February 4th, Branchburg Pediatric Dentistry will be making a visit to Kangaroo Kids to teach the children about dental health!

2/2 Groundhogs Day is Feb 2nd. Not just known for predicting the spring, did you know that groundhogs hibernate, are omnivores, have a curved spine, are called cubs as babies and are also known as whistle pigs!

2/2  Super Bowl time is not only at time to cheer for your favorite team but to gather with family and friends.  Remember to include your children in the festivities!  Here are a few ideas!  Kangaroo Kids had a Super Bowl day where children wore their favorite sport jersey and created football crafts mixed in with math and literacy lessons!  Here are some fun Super Bowl ideas for children. https://www.parentmap.com/article/super-bowl-activities-for-kids.

2/4 Simple but sometimes complex, a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day can warm you right up! Do you prefer a hot veggie soup or a cold gazpacho? Whatever your preference enjoy a bowl today, National Soup Day!  https://anydayguide.com/calendar/848
2/7 On the first Friday of every month the nation goes red for National Wear Red Day! Want to help? Wear red to bring awareness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives. Also, learn about why February is  hearth health month!https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/get-involved/give/wear-red-and-give

Did you know that Garrett A. Morgan was born to former slaves in 1877 and went on to become an inventor! Between 1909 & 1923 he invented hair straightening cream, the gas mask, and the 3-position traffic light!

2/14 Valentines Day is a fantastic day for kids to go over the top expressing their feelings of love for you! Help provide some positive reinforcement by taking some time to read any one of these Valentines Books with your children!https://www.thoughtco.com/top-childrens-books-for-valentines-day-627613
2/17 Celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February, Presidents Day is an American holiday used not just to celebrate Washington and Lincoln’s birthday, but a day to celebrate all Presidents!

Born on a cotton plantation in 1867, Madam C.J Walker was the first African American female millionaire. Because of the lack of indoor plumbing, people couldn’t shower often, and they suffered scalp disease which caused hair loss. She created products to help women create a healthier scalp.

2/23 Ever go to the supermarket, buy some bananas and within a day or 2 they are over ripe? Happens all the time to me! Freeze your bananas until you have enough to bake banana bread! Those bananas are full of vitamin B6, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. On today, National Banana Bread Day, bake up a loaf and don’t forget to share!  http://theculinarycellar.com/national-banana-bread-day/

February Snacks and Crafts
Bring out the inner chef and artist in your child. Try your hand at these with your children!
Looking for a way to introduce diversity and equality to your young children? Read to them! Familyeducation.com put together a wonderful list of 15 children’s books celebrating Black History Month!

2/2 While waiting to see if the groundhog sees its shadow, create a ground hog picture out of cupcake liners. This neat craft made out of items you have at home!

2/4 Have “souper” picky eaters at home? Naming your soup something like Green Goblin Soup might be a fun way for a child to eat a mysterious green soup!

2/7 It’s a new year, are you taking care of you? While busy helping your kids learn their numbers, do you know yours? Schedule a trip to your doctor or clinic and learn your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI to help assess your risk for heart disease or stroke.

2/14 Need a break from the sugary sweets on Valentines Day? Have your kids help make some healthy Valentines snacks like a fruit and yogurt parfait made with strawberries, yogurt and granola!

2/17 Looking for an activity that could brighten a mood or even your neighborhood? How about decorating some rocks and leaving them on your neighbors’ steps or around the streets of your neighborhood? Today on Random Acts of Kindness Day it’s a wonderful day to leave smiles on faces!!

2/23 Looking to change up your breakfast routine? Why not bake this super simple banana bread for National Banana Bread Day? Add some chocolate chips for an extra taste of sweetness!

2/24-2/28 Read Across America Week starts March 2nd.  Kangaroo Kids will be celebrating a week early and ending with a visit from our friendly Cat in the Hat! Learn more about how you can help motivate your child(ren) to read throughout the year with activities and book suggestions form the Read Across America website!

2/29 Did you know this year is a Leap Year? Leap Years have fascinated me from childhood. Learn some facts about the history of Leap Year so you are prepared for all of those inquisitive questions from your little one’s!

Please take pictures of your activities and share them with your classrooms! We would love to see what you create!!
Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Kids Website for information on events like Parent Night Out, upcoming field trips and family events like our March event Eyes of the Wild.
This is a great website that details fun FREE things to do in New Jersey every month! Call ahead and make sure the activities are happening before you head out for your day!
Here are a few other sites with things to do: