Below are a few ideas with links for family adventures and crafts and recipes you can create with your children this February!
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! ps://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month
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. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month
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! http://socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/garrettmorgan.htm
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. Madam C.J Walker Facts for Kids, 1st African American Female Millionaire
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!
https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/black-history-month/top-15-childrens-books-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.
https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/know-your-numbers
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!
https://www.almanac.com/content/when-next-leap-year#
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.
https://www.kangarookidschildcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Eyes-of-the-Wild-flyer.pdf
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:
