Sunday, June 2, 2019

Creative Connections for June


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

Create with your children – If you have trouble opening the hyperlink, left click the link and choose Open Hyperlink
6/1 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!

6/6 The first Drive in Movie Theater opened in Camden in 1933. While the Drive-In Movie concept exploded in the 1950’s, by the 1990’s over 3000 Drive-In’s had closed. Learn where the 2nd still operating Drive-In movie is located today  on National Drive-In Movie Dayhttp://www.driveinmovie.com/articles/National-Drive-in-Day

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!

6/16 The third Sunday in June is reserved for Father’s Day! Did you know that Father’s Day began in 1910 but didn’t become a proclamation until 1972! Whether grilling or attending a sporting event with your father, he will be glad to have you near!!

6/23 Experience frequent headaches, brain fog and fatigue? Perhaps you are dehydrated! On National Hydration Day, learn how you can stay hydrated. Check with your doctor on safe ways you and your family can stay hydrated in these upcoming warm months!

6/30 Ever see a meteor shower? On National Meteor Watch Day, it’s a great day (weather permitting of course) to see meteors streaking across the sky? http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/June/meteorday.htm

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

6/1 When going for a walk on National Trails Day, are you prepared? NJ has tons of trails to discover! 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!

6/6 Shankweilers Drive-In Theatre in Pennsylvania in 1934. Still operating on weekends, perhaps try and visit over this weekend for National Drive-In Movie Day.

6/11 While eating hot delicious buttered corn is a favorite summer food of mine, ever wonder 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!!

6/16 While celebrating your dad this Father’s Day, why not whip up this simple and delicious Oreo Cheesecake Parfait dessert to spoil him with?

6/23 Looking for ways for your kids to stay hydrated this summer but feel water is too boring? On National Hydration Day, learn some different ways to hydrate your kiddos!

6/30 Do you have a child interested in all things space? On National Meteor Watch Day, lean how to make watching a meteor shower enjoyable for your entire family!

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 and upcoming field trips and camp activities!


http://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Summer-Calendar-2019.pdf

http://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/

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!





Sunday, April 21, 2019

Earth Day

Earth Day, which was established in 1970 in the US, is celebrated on 22nd April each year. It is a day to think about our planet and what we can do to keep it special; to think about saving water and energy, reducing pollution, recycling, protecting our animals, trees and plants, and getting children interested in protecting their environment.  

Here are some great ideas to do to celebrate Earth Day   with your children. 

At Kangaroo Kids we teach children about recycling and reusing.  We learn to take care of the earth by planting and garden and helping to keep the stream clean. 

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Creative Connections for April


Below are a few ideas with links to crafts and recipes you can create with your children this April!
Create with your children – If you have trouble opening the hyperlink, left click the link and choose Open Hyperlink
4/1 “Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you have good luck!”. April 1st is commonly referred to as April Fools Day, it is also known as National One Cent Day! The original penny was produced in 1787 and much larger than our current penny!
4/7 If you know someone who has a special talent for making beautiful things? Take an extra minute to show appreciation for their talent on National Homemade Day! Simply tell them how much you appreciate their talents!
4/11 The first submarine that was commissioned by the U.S. was in 1900 and named the USS Holland. On National Submarine Day, learn more about how submarines have adapted from the earliest recorded sub in 1620 to now!
4/18 While the origin of the High-5 likely started in the 1970’s, the history of the National High Five seemingly grew out of kindness. Why not make someone smile by giving them a surprise greeting today!
4/19-4/27 Passover or Pesach is a holiday that falls around the same time as Easter. Passover is a time to remember when God had Moses free the Israelites from slavery. Special foods are eaten during this time including unleavened bread called matzo.
https://kids.kiddle.co/Passover
4/21 Ever wonder why Easter falls on a different date every year? Officially, it falls on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. It is also Christianity’s most important holy day and Americans consume more than 16 million jelly beans during this holiday! Whether you celebrate Easter or not, these 19 fun facts about Easter are amusing!
4/25 The 2019 National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day’s theme is Workforce Development for all. Activities should empower children to make positive changes within their communities, schools and home.

April Snacks and Crafts
Bring out the inner chef and artist in your child. Try your hand at these with your children!
4/1 On National One Cent Day make your own Lucky Penny Spinner inexpensively with some card stock, a penny, markers, scissors and tape!
4/7 Making something homemade adds an extra special touch to gifts. Ever think about making something homemade for our wild-life friends? On National Homemade Day, why not make a special homemade ornament feeder for our wildlife friends today?
4/11 Take a trip into NYC for a day to explore the USS Intrepid and learn about the submarine the USS Growler on National Submarine Day!
4/18 A wonderful movement blanketing the country is an individual morning greeting where a student chooses how they want to be greeted. They can choose a hug, a fist bump or a High 5. Today, why not greet each other with a special High 5 you created yourself.
4/19-4/27 Looking to switch up a recipe for Passover? How about creating an Overnight Matzo Breakfast Bake for a satisfying Passover breakfast?
4/21 Looking for a cute Easter craft for your kids? Why not have them create these cute goldfish carrots for their classmates?
4/25 Whether or not you are able to take your child to work on National Take our Daughter and Sons to Work Day, creating a “When I Grow Up” poster can spur a conversation towards things your child might be interested in!
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 and upcoming field trips!
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!
Find a local NJ Easter Egg hunt on this website. Always call first to verify the event is taking place!
Take a look at this website for activities to do in Somerset County with your children as a family as well as links to restaurants and outings to do without your kids for those rare, parents night out activities!
If you have not checked out https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj this is another place to look for things happening in the local area!
Join us April 8–12, 2019 for five fun-filled, themed days to celebrate of our youngest learners! The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration hosted by NAEYC to spotlight early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities.

Week of the Young Child - naeyc

From April 29-May 5, 2019, children, families, entire schools, and communities will rediscover the joys of life beyond the screen. Plan to unplug from digital entertainment and spend all that free time playing, reading, daydreaming, creating, exploring, and connecting with family and friends!

Screen-Free Week - American Public Health Association


Tuesday, March 5, 2019

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

3/1 Happy National Fruit Compote Day! Compote is French for mixture and has a long French history! A compote is a dessert made of pieces of fruit in sugar syrup cooked in water and seasonings. The French believed that fruit cooled in sugar syrup balanced out the effects of humidity on the body. Initially served as a warm snack, during the Renaissance, it was chilled and served after dinner.

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.

3/7 Do you remember as a child reading your favorite cereal box or waiting to see who would be lucky enough to get the prize in the box? Cereal has come a long way since it’s beginning in 1854 thanks to Dr. Kellogg. Can you guess how many boxes of cereal are sold each year? On National Cereal Day grab a box, a bowl, some milk and fruit for an easy dinner!  http://www.nationalcerealday.com/

3/10 How many of you pack your lunch daily? There are many benefits to packing your own lunch such as the ability to make healthier choices and the ability to save some money! On National Pack Your Lunch Day, why not encourage your child to help pack lunches for everyone in the house?
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pack-your-lunch-day-march-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 through these St. Patrick’s Day facts with your kids and learn the truth about St. Patrick!

3/20 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?


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?

  
3/27 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!
3/1 A delicious way to use up some leftover fruit or to make a simple ice cream flavor fancy. National Fruit Compote Day is a wonderful way to learn a new cooking technique and have a delicious dessert your child can help prepare!

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

3/7 Cereals have come a long way since it’s early inception. You can find cereals that have nuts and dried fruits or sugary marshmallow surprises! Let’s get creative & make some tasty treats using your favorite cereals on National Cereal Day!

3/10 Struggling to find lunch ideas that your family will eat? Take a look at this informative website with your child. It’s full of nifty new lunch ideas!!

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!

3/15 Irish Dancing Performance at Kangaroo Kids

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!

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!
https://alwaystheholidays.com/national-chip-and-dip-day/

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 and upcoming field trips!


http://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/
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!



Don’t forget to check out events at the local library https://sclsnj.org/

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

Monday, February 11, 2019

Kangaroo Kids Celebrates Chinese New Year


Chinese New Year is a celebration for one fifths of the world’s population.  This is the Year of the Pig. 
Kangaroo Kids students had the good fortune to celebrate with their Chinese Language teacher Cynthia Yu. 
Preschoolers through Kindergarten children at Kangaroo Kids Child Care and Learning Center have weekly lessons in Mandarin Chinese from Cynthia as a part of their regular curriculum.

As a part of the celebration the Kindergarten Class create their own masks, lanterns and decorations and then performed a typical Chinese New Year Parade as they dance and sang Chinese songs through the entire school.  They learned "Xinnian Kuaile" which translated means "Happy New Year."   Children also learned about the Chinese Culture and landmarks like the Great Wall of China. 

Kangaroo Kids children had opportunity to experiment while working on their fine motor skills with chop sticks as they consumed homemade dumplings that Cynthia brought to school.  They also read Chinese stories, heard traditional Chinese music, and tried on authentic Chinese outfits.  Finally they received a special red envelop from Miss Cynthia.  The color red is believed to be a festive color that brings good fortune and is regarded by Chinese people as the symbol of energy, happiness and good luck.

Cynthia Yu holds a B.A degree, and has had formal music training in New York City and New Jersey.  She is also a certified teacher and has more than fifteen years of teaching.  For further information about Kangaroo Kids Chinese program call 908-231-7800 or email the school at staff@kangarookidschildcare.com.

Friday, February 1, 2019

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!
https://celebrationjoy.com/black-history-month

2/1 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.

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!
https://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/fun-groundhog-facts-and-groundhog-day-facts-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 on today, National Soup Day!

2/6 Appearing on the scene as a popular alternative to ice cream in the 1980’s, the idea to freeze yogurt came about in the 1970’s! Now with all the frozen yogurt shops around, you have lots of flavor combinations to choose from! On National Frozen Yogurt Day take your kids out for a healthier frozen dessert choice!

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!

2/17 Looking for thoughtful ways to teach children about compassion and doing things for others? Enter Random Acts of Kindness Day! Depending on the age of your child they can help zip a younger child’s coat or help serve meals at your local food pantry. Talk to your child about new ways they can be kind to others!

2/18 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 various antioxidants. On today, National Banana Bread Day, bake up a loaf and don’t forget to share! 

2/26 …and they lived happily ever after is the usual end to a fairy tale. Many fairytale stories have some basis of truth, such as the story of Snow White which was inspired by the real life Margarete von Waldeck of Germany! On National Tell a Fairytale Day, you can make up your own fairy tale by following a few basic story telling steps found in this website!
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-tell-a-fairy-tale-day-february-26/

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! Check with your local library and see if you can reserve any of them!
https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/black-history-month/top-15-childrens-books-black-history-month

2/1 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.

2/4 Have “souper” picky eaters at home? I’ve got 3 so I need to be creative in the ways I’m getting nutritious foods into my family’s diet. Pureeing veggies your child wouldn’t normally eat into a soup is a creative way to have your child eat something they normally won’t! Naming your soup something like Green Goblin Soup might be a fun way for a child to eat a mysterious green soup instead of calling it Spinach soup!

2/6 Frozen yogurt can get expensive when you are going out for a treat with your children. It happens to be something you can make at home and customize to your own tastes. While this Frozen Strawberry Yogurt is delicious, imagine the flavor combinations you can create at home.

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 up this super simple banana bread for National Banana Bread Day to change it up? Add some chocolate chips for an extra taste of sweetness!


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, Family Magic Show and upcoming field trips!

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!

http://www.njfamily.com/20-Free-Things-to-Do-in-NJ-in-February/
Looking for something indoors to do during the colder months? Check out your local Barnes and Noble and participate in a story time and craft!


If you have not checked out https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj this is another place to look for things happening in the local area!

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

February Happenings at Kangaroo Kids


Get out of the cold and join Kangaroo Kids for some fun events in February!  It is healthy heart month so they will be learning about keeping their hearts healthy.  Kangaroo Kids will jump through hoops for healthy hearts to raise money for children dealing with heart issues at New York Presbyterian Hospital!

Kangaroo Kids welcomes parents to stop by for a Valentine Treat on February 14th between 7am and 9am on your way to work for “Breakfast to Go!”

Parents Night Out is February 15th!  An opportunity for Mom and Dad to go out, shop or just rest while the kids have fun at Kangaroo Kids. A good night to take your sweetheart out for Valentine’s Day

Bring your children to learn more about dental health on February 8th for a fun presentation by a local dental hygienist on how to keep your teeth healthy. 

February is also “Be a Kangaroo Kid,” for a day month!  New families can experience Kangaroo Kids, the #1 child care in America any day in February for a FREE and see what it is like to “Be A Kangaroo Kid for A Day!”   They will also host kindergarten orientation for those interested in Kindergarten in September 2019 on February 21st at 5:00 pm. 

Join Kangaroo Kids for their Magic Show!  The performance will be Friday, March 1st, 2019 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Kangaroo Kids, 1047 Route 28 in Branchburg.   The show is geared for children 10 and under and the community is welcome to attend.  A family experience you won’t want to miss!

For information on attending these special event at Kangaroo Kids call 908-231-7800 or email staff@kangarookidschildcare.com. Like Kangaroo Kids Child Care Facebook page for updates.