Symbolic Monarch Migration Program 2021

© Can Stock Photo / davidcrehner

Eleven years ago, I first told you about Journey North's "Symbolic Monarch Butterfly Migration" program in which students in the US and Canada mail symbolic butterflies to Mexico. There children protect them throughout the winter and then send them back north in the spring.

This year marks the program's 26th year!

Last year, 5,000 students participated. And they hope to have just as many or more this year. 

If you would like to participate, teachers must download the teacher packet, which includes the instructions for making and sending the butterfly, as well as directions for registering on the Journey North website. In addition, teachers (or parents!) can use the lessons provided by Journey North to prepare their students for the program. Students are encouraged to send class pictures, drawings, and a letter in Spanish along with their butterfly.

Children at the monarch sanctuaries in Mexico will care for and send the butterflies back in the spring. NOTE: You will not receive the same butterfly you sent!

To learn more, download the Leader Packet. This PDF explains the entire program and includes step-by-step directions for participating. There are also some printables and a checklist. 

Important deadline: Your butterfly must be postmarked by October 8th.

There is a $15 “Passenger Ticket” fee for each Ambassador Butterfly folder that is submitted.

And if you'd like to learn more about the biology of these remarkable creatures AND about their connection to the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, read my post from last year. It includes a free, BILINGUAL downloadable activity about the Monarch butterfly's life cycle.

#FightLatinoObesity with a Homeschool PE Curriculum

As you have probably figured out by now, I'm always looking for ways to #FightLatinoObesity and the health risks associated with it, especially in our children. I know that it affects our kids' ability to function on a daily basis, and affects their performance in school.

Childhood Obesity Among Latino Children

Childhood obesity is a significant health issue in the United States, and Latino children are at increased risk compared to non-Latino white children. Here are some statistics on childhood obesity among Latino children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity among Hispanic/Latino children aged 2 to 19 years was 26.2 from 2017 to 2020. This is higher than the overall prevalence of obesity among all children in the U.S. (19.7%). Childhood obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Latino children with obesity are also at increased risk for developing these conditions at younger ages.

These statistics highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent and treat childhood obesity among Latino children, particularly those from low-income families.

Homeschool PE Curriculum

So I think that this homeschool PE curriculum from Family Time Fitness for families in K - 8 is a great idea! Since you know that I homeschool my kids, one of the areas that I think about a lot is PE. We're lucky that our local YMCA offers homeschool classes in swimming and gym, and there are other sports programs around. But even so, there's often months when our travel schedule doesn't allow me to sign my kids up for classes that I know we won't be around to complete (and I DON'T like paying for something and not getting my money's worth). That's why I've been thinking about investing in a curriculum like this. 

The curriculum comes with a startup/training guide for parents, and 260 lesson plans for activities that last 30 to 45 minutes. The lesson plans come in a PDF format that includes a list of supplies, warm-up activity, cool down and suggested outdoor activity. This would be a great program not just for homeschooled children, but also parents who want their kids to be more active, especially in the summer.

I have not used the program, but I think it is a fabulous idea. How about you?

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6 Simple Tips for Helping Your Child Choose a Musical Instrument

Photo by Jorge Girarte

The following is a guest post by my friend, Angelica Perez, the publisher of New Latina, as part of a series on Music in Education.

At the age of 8, I distinctly remember being completely drawn to the sounds and look of the guitar. While my young friends were asking for the latest toys for the holidays, I insisted on getting a "real" guitar. I recall the day my guitar arrived by mail, in a long, triangular carton box. It was the happiest day of my childhood.

Raising my children with a deep love for music is something I've always wanted for them. The benefits of playing an instrument are numerous, ranging from enhancing cognitive skills to boosting self-esteem. What I personally enjoy the most is having our children play their instrument during a family get-together over the holidays or at a birthday celebration.

If you're considering introducing your child to an instrument. Here are some simple ways to help you help your child choose the right musical instrument.

1. Simply observe.

Some children are naturally musically inclined. Their little bodies move easily to the beat of a song, they can't help it. I remember once when my 3 year old was crying, frustrated at something she couldn't have, but moving to the beat of a song on the radio -- awesome!

Observing your child's reaction to music and musical sounds can give you great hints as to which instruments they naturally respond to and enjoy. Is he drawn to the soft musical sounds of the flute? Does she like the beat of drums? Or the crisp sounds of the guitar? When dancing, to which musical instrument are they mostly dancing to? Does she like loud sounds or quieter ones? Is their an inclination for a particular tempo?

2. Visit a music store.

Taking your kids to a music store can feel like going to a toy store. Let your children browse through the various instruments. Encourage them to touch and hold them. Let them try them out. Notice where they go and with which instrument they spend most of their time.

3. Consider your child's characteristics.

Consider your child's age, size, personality, temperament, and readiness. Some instruments may be difficult to play for a beginner musician, while other instruments may simply be too big in size. Consider also any health or physical conditions your child may have. The horn, for instance, may not be the best choice for a child with asthma.

4. Take your children to live music events.

There is nothing better than live music -- the pounding of live drums resonating all over your body, or the peaceful sounds of chamber music relaxing your inner soul. Live musical events allow children to see and appreciate how instruments come together, and the end result of practice, practice, practice.

5. Don't push a particular instrument just because you like it.

Allow your child to figure it out by himself. We may have in mind a particular instrument for our child because we believe we know them well. Or, we may favor (or not) an instrument because we have certain judgments about it. Stepping back and letting your child naturally gravitate towards an instrument of choice is best.

6. Rent before you buy.

Choosing an instrument does not have to be a final decision. The first few months should be considered an exploratory phase, a time for your child to get to know the instrument and see if it's a good fit. For that reason, renting and instrument in the beginning may be best, especially if a new instrument could be costly (e.g., a viola or piano). In fact, the promise of purchasing a new instrument can serve as the perfect prize for the child who has shown enthusiasm, enjoyment, and commitment to a chosen musical instrument!

What musical instrument(s) do your children play? How did you help them choose?

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Angelica Perez, PHD, is the creative force behind New Latina, an empowering lifestyle online destination.