Monthly Archives: January 2021
HISTORY SHARE: EVERYDAY OBJECTS IN COLONIAL TIMES
Kids of today might find it hard to imagine how people ever managed without all the high-tech stuff they have access to. But back in the days of the first white settlers, these were America’s primary tools and toys. Some were even still to be found in my day. Like, pomanders (though I think they […]
HISTORY SHARE: THE SALT TRADE
Do your kids know that salt was once considered as valuable as gold? https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/salt-trade-0011802
TRIVIA TRAIL: DEMOCRAT & REPUBLICAN MASCOTS
Question: Who was the American artist responsible for turning Democrats into donkeys and Republicans into elephants? Answer: Thomas Nast. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/why-democrats-are-donkeys-republicans-are-elephants-artsy/index.html
DISCUSSION TOPIC: THE MAGI – REAL OR JUST LEGEND?
Did the Magi exist? Older kids might enjoy debating this topic after looking at both historical and theological accounts. And adults & older teens might enjoy reading Norah Loft’s fiction account, How Far To Bethlehem and Henry Van Dyke’s The Other Wise Man. And/or watching the made-for-TV movie, The Fourth Wise Man, available on DVD. […]
HISTORIC REUNION: AMERICAN SOLDIER’S REUNION WITH ITALIAN CHILDREN HE MET IN WW II
A virtual reunion, in these times, but once people are able to travel again, they plan an in-person one, too. https://tinyurl.com/y8h2n693 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/15/us-soldier-reunites-with-italian-children-he-almost-shot-during-second-world-war?fbclid=IwAR0D58MI6Vy-EKcYPl8YAapTP1Z5hLqnu7B6Tkn9vlRY5PY24-jNJ66USnU
HISTORY SHARE: LEGEND OF THE JOLAKOTTURINN
The Icelandic Legend of Jólakötturinn, A Giant ‘Yule Cat’ Who Stalks Those Without New Clothes at Christmas https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/each-christmas-icelands-yule-cat-takes-fashion-policing-extreme-180961420/