Apps For Kids

Nearly 5000 people gathered in Birch Bay Washington on New Year’s Day, to break a world record. They plunged into the icy water, to become the largest group of people to take a polar bear dip. Although 6,213 people registered for the event, only 4,917 brave souls actually entered the water for 6 minutes.

Don’t forget, if you had a real Christmas tree this year, don’t put it in the trash. Many farms have goats, that think trees are tasty treats. Some communities will pick up trees and turn them into mulch. You could practice your chopping skills, and make firewood. Find a way to recycle your tree!

Today is World Braille Day. The Braille alphabet is a pattern of raised dots, so blind people can read by feeling the letters. Did you know LEGO makes Braille Bricks? The bricks also have a letter printed on each piece, so everyone can learn to read by touch. The LEGOs connect to regular sets.

Name 3 things celebrated on January 4th. Give up? One answer is Hypnotism Day, Spaghetti Day, and Trivia Day! Make up your own trivia questions and play with your family, while eating a spaghetti dinner. Then try to hypnotize someone and tell them to act like a chicken! You’re getting very, very, sleepy.

Do you know who your state’s senators are? How about the representative, from your district? Today is a good day to learn their names, because it’s Write To Congress Day. A handwritten note will really stand out. Even if you’re not old enough to vote, your voice is important!

Will you notice Earth’s big moment this morning? It reaches its perihelion, which is the closest it gets to the Sun each year. The distance at that point is 91,403,034 miles, measured from the center of the Earth to the center of the Sun. The farthest distance is called aphelion, occurring on July 3rd.

Today, like the first Saturday of every month, is Play Outside Day. Put down the phones and video games, and get some fresh air! Play in the snow if you have it, or see who can find the longest icicle. Spot which plants stay green in winter. Whatever the weather, have some outdoor fun.

Today is Drinking Straw Day, but modern plastic straws can harm the environment and wildlife. Paper straws were invented in 1888 by Marvin Stone. Ancient Sumerians were using gold straws to drink beer 5000 years ago! Argentinians use metal straws that end in sieves, called bombillas. Invest in a reusable steel or bamboo straw, to celebrate!

Wake up! It’s time to go to sleep! It’s Festival Of Sleep Day! If you have to go somewhere, take a nap as soon as you get home. Then go to bed early tonight, snuggled in your favorite pajamas. It’s also Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day, so take time for a little treat before bed!

The Quadrantids meteor shower, is active right now. The meteors are caused by space debris, from a metallic asteroid called 2003 EH1. The showers peak on January 3rd , but the full moon will make it hard to see all but the brightest meteors. Dress warmly, and wish on lots of falling stars.