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Star gazing has a rich history in ancient cultures and mythology and remains a cornerstone of amateur astronomy today. Observing celestial bodies provides an experiential way to explore the vastness of space and the workings of our solar system, sparking curiosity and wonder. Ancient civilizations used star gazing for navigation, timing of agricultural activities, and religious and ceremonial practices. Constellations have stories associated with them that offer insight into cultural values and traditions, making star gazing a multidimensional experience that connects us to the universe, ancient cultures, and our imagination. Follow your interests in star gazing to enrich your understanding of astronomy, history, and mythology.
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New Yearâs Eve traditions around the world offer a rich tapestry of cultural practices that are not only fascinating in their diversity but also provide valuable learning opportunities. In the United States, the iconic Times Square Ball Drop symbolizes the passage of time, while in Australia, Sydneyâs spectacular fireworks embody joy and renewal. Japanâs tradition of ringing Buddhist temple bells 108 times, known as Joya no Kane, serves as a cleansing ritual for the New Year, contrasting with Spainâs custom of eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck. Scotlandâs Hogmanay celebration includes the âfirst-footingâ tradition, bringing luck into homes, and in various Latin American countries, wearing colored underwear signifies different hopes for the new year. Denmarkâs plate-smashing tradition and South Africaâs unique fire festival, where old furniture is discarded, both symbolize letting go of the past. Exploring these customs enhances global awareness and understanding, highlighting how different cultures celebrate the same event in unique ways, thus supporting learning in cultural studies, history, and social sciences.
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Julian calendar, Gregorian calendar, Lunisolar calendar, Sumerian calendar, Mayan calendar, Holocene Calendar⌠with the new year, letâs talk about calendars! Have you ever wondered about the history of the modern calendar? Why is the contemporary calendar based on the cycles of the sun rather than the moon? Who was the first civilization to switch from lunar to solar, and which modern-day calendars remain lunar-based? Get curious and discover the history of calendars and how time and the cycles of nature are embedded within. | |
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Self-Directed Learning:
Time
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Horology, the study and measurement of time through the art of making clocks and watches, is one of many points of entry to learning through the lens of time. Getting curious about time offers a rich field for exploration and learning where history, physics, and the humanities converge. From a historical perspective, horology reflects human innovation and societal development. In terms of physics, itâs intertwined with our understanding of time as a physical phenomenon. The humanities explore the conceptual and philosophical aspects of time. Horology provides a multidisciplinary understanding of how humans interact with, conceptualize, and utilize time throughout history.
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Card games have a rich history and are a popular family pastime. Over a decade ago, we asked our readers to share their favorite family card games, and they had many great games to recommend! But if all you have on hand is a deck of playing cards, knowing the rules of a few popular games can result in hours of fun and a load of learning! Today, our self-directed learning module looks through the lens of playing cards. When playing cards together, children have many sociological and emotional developmental benefits. Start by getting curious about playing cards, their history, how they are manufactured, the cultural differences between the suites, and the origin of associated folk games. Learn about the different types of card games (i.e., trick-taking, matching, shedding, fishing, etc.), and then select games youâd like to learn to play (or teach to your kids).
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Winter in New England offers great opportunities for outdoor activities like sledding. Snow is not only fun but also a tool for learning. Kids can learn about crystals using snow, ice, and frost. Snowflakes have a microscopic symmetrical design that kids can explore. Families can conduct science experiments to explore crystal formation. They can also learn about frost, its various types, and differences from snow. Children can create frost flowers by soaking branches and freezing them. Itâs a great way to learn and have fun during the winter season. | |
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HFVS New Year Dance Party Episode
with Guest DJ, Twinkle
Join us for a dance-filled celebration to welcome the New Year with our 'New Year Dance Party' episode on the Hilltown Family Variety Show! Our special selection of dance tracks for the kindie generation has been curated by the award-winning bilingual kindie musician, Twinkle. We have all genres covered to keep the dance floor rocking. Twinkle will kick off the party with her hit track "Just Dance," setting the tone for a high-energy celebration. We have included fantastic dance tunes from popular artists like Andrew and Polly, Laurie Berkner Band, Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band, and many more. So, put on your dancing pants, gather the family, and join us for a New Year's dance extravaganza that will have everyone on their feet. Let's welcome the New Year with the joy of music and dance on the Hilltown Family Variety Show!
Every Saturday, listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show either on your FM dial at 103.3FM WXOJ (Northampton, MA) or on our website for a full hour of commercial-free, quality family programming! Encores air Sunday mornings from 7-8am.
LISTEN NOW!
Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive preview each week!
Click here to listen to this weekend's
You can also listen anytime to our podcast! Check out our archives to listen to over 300 podcasts,
17 years of family programming!
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What is Hilltown Families? | | |
Hilltown Familiesâ mission is to support the common good of our community through the development of a sense of place by a shared understanding in the value of self- directed learning through community engagement. These learning values are referred to as âcommunity-based educationâ and are accessible and inclusive to an intergenerational audience. This process of learning unites community members through shared interests, establishes a shared history, and deepens a connection to place. | |
Hilltown Familiesâ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Goshen, Greenfield , Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Lee, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Washington, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. | | | | |
