Hello From the Van

In this Bonus Episode we play five rounds of Guess That Sound to help put the theory of the Scientific Method into practice! This is fun for the whole family. Be prepared to complete all 5 steps of the scientific method together.  THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD: Question -- Guess (Hypothesis) -- Act (Experiment & Write) -- Analyze -- Report Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational r...

Have you noticed that a lot of cars seem void of any real color these days? Same. Today we research why 4 of every 5 cars will statistically be white, grey, or black, as well as the history of the modern automobile. This is a great episode for detail oriented, car obsessed kids!  Parents, are you looking for study aid for your kids? We've started adding 30 minute meditation and "study bu...

Have you ever watched a sappy Christmas movie and wondered why they sing Auld Lang Syne? Yeah,  me too! In this episode we explore the rich history of this Scottish hit.  We'll listen to and discuss clips of two wonderful versions, I've linked them both below and encourage you to check them out! Both are worth the full listen.  The Hound and the Fox (Modern English)  https://www.youtube....

We're almost through the 12 Days of Christmas, so it's about time we explore it's history. From a memory game to a cultural earworm, we discuss the rich and storied past of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Only 2 more episodes 'til Christmas! Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube: Hello From The Van!  Instagram/Facebook @HelloFromTheVan H...

We're almost to Christmas and answering YOUR questions. "How did Santa Clause become Santa Clause?", "What's figgy pudding?", and more! A huge shoutout to all of the parents who sent in their kids' questions for today's episode.  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube: Hello From The Van!  Instagram/Facebook @HelloFr...

We made it! Day 12 of the Twelve Days of Christmas. In honor of the season, we read Luke 2, Matthew 2, and a portion of John.  A huge thank-you to all of our listeners who participated in this amazing tradition through our podcast and all other avenues. Especially to you Yoto Families out there, who used the yoto link so much it got our account temporarily suspended for "excessive sharing&quo...

With the craziness of the holiday season, it can be hard to feel grateful sometimes. For Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas, we practice an exercise in gratitude together.  This is a centering activity from Michael Vallejo, LCSW, from Mental Health Center Kids.  It's a great one for kids and parents to do together. Appropriate for all ages.  Questions from the Exercise: 1- Name a Person you ar...

It's a short one today, but don't get you're tinsel in a tangle! We're talking about Christmas idioms. Our family style quiz game is back, as we guess the meaning of fun holiday phrases.  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube: Hello From The Van!  Instagram/Facebook @HelloFromTheVan HelloFromTheVan.com 

It's a literary classic for Day 9 of the 12 days of Christmas, as we read The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. This is a holiday story of love and sacrifice in hard times, sure to bring a bit of the holiday season to your home.  Parents if you're looking for a movie, the 1978 Marie Osmond version is available on Youtube under the title "The Gift of Love".  Stuck in your van too? G...

Join us for Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas, as we read The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Anderson.  This is a classic story about longing and learning to grow where you're planted. In the words of Andy Bernard, "I wish there were a way to tell you are in the good old days before you've left them..."  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtu...

It's Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas and we're exploring the big questions...like why do we hear the same Christmas songs over and over and over all season long? Basically, it has to do with royalties, public domain, and nostalgia. There is even an interactive "quiz" portion of this episode, so be prepared to play along.  This is a fun episode for kids and parents alike!  Stu...

It's Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas and we're reading Christmas Every Day by W.D. Howells. This is a fun story for kids who wish every day was Christmas, but haven't quite thought through the consequences of that choice. If you've ever seen Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, it's kind of like that!  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Y...

Ever wonder how ski resorts have snowy slopes, even when it hasn't snowed in weeks? Me too! In this episode we discuss all the different types of snow and how they're created. We even talk about movie snow and the companies that make the magic happen. As always, this episode is kid friendly and family fun.  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube:...

Did you know the history of the beloved Christmas tale is full of scandal? Before we read the story, we discuss who wrote it (or didn't) and the 200 year history of intrigue. Join us for a fun reading of this holiday classic.  It's Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas and we're halfway through! Go team! Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube: H...

It's Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas! We'll be answering Christmas questions and reading stories of the season.  Stuck in your van too? Give us a follow for more educational resources.  Youtube: Hello From The Van!  Instagram/Facebook @HelloFromTheVan HelloFromTheVan.com