Hello kids! Have you seen trees in the park change leaves from green to yellow, brown and red already? This is because the season known as fall, or autumn, has arrived! It brings a lot of changes in weather as it cools down, and nature transforms into a colorful wonderland.
It’s a season that Clever Hedgehog likes the most!
How To Tell When The Fall (Autumn) ☔ Is Here?
Some special signs tell us the season is changing:
1. The weather gets cooler: You may notice it’s not as hot anymore, and we start wearing sweaters or jackets.
2. Days become shorter and nights longer: You will see the sun set earlier, and it gets dark quicker than in summer.
3. The leaves 🍁 change color and fall to the ground: Leaves on trees turn yellow, orange, and red. They stop being green because the trees get ready to rest for winter. Trees let go of their leaves to save energy in the cold months ahead. Read here why tree leaves turn yellow in the fall >>>
4. Animals 🐰 get ready for winter: Some animals, like squirrels, collect food to keep for the winter. Other animals, like bears, start eating a lot because they will sleep all winter long. Birds fly away to warm countries.
How Long Does the Fall Last?
According to the calendar, fall (autumn) lasts 3 months, from September to November in many places. However, the signs of autumn can appear earlier and last longer than the fall days on a calendar.
But in places near the equator (in countries like Ecuador or Singapore), there is no autumn, winter, spring, or summer — it’s warm all year long! After autumn, winter comes!
Animals prepare for winter in the fall, and each animal does it in its own way. Some animals, such as squirrels 🐿️, gather and hide food – nuts, acorns, and seeds – to have something to eat during the winter.
Bears 🐻 eat a lot in the fall to store fat and then sleep all winter in their warm den. This is called hibernation. During hibernation, the bear does not eat or drink – it rests. Hedgehogs 🦔 hibernate during the winter too to conserve energy.
Birds 🐦⬛ fly to warm countries, where they will not be cold, and where they can find a lot of food. This is called migration.
Some animals, like foxes 🦊 or hares 🐇, change their fur to be thicker and warmer in the fall so that they don’t get cold in the winter.
What do plants 🪴 do in the fall?
In the fall, plants prepare for the cold winter. The trees are starting to drop their leaves. 🍂
Other plants, such as flowers and grasses, also fall to “sleep” underground, and their seeds wait for spring to grow into new sprouts.
We are thrilled to share the news that Clever Hedgehog has hosted two exciting webinars, with over 50 participants joining from different locations in Ukraine, Europe, and the USA!
Parents, librarians, pediatricians, and teachers came together to explore how Clever Hedgehog can support playful learning and emotional well-being for Ukrainian children.
The webinar titled “Enhancing Playful Learning With Clever Hedgehog” took place on September 24-25, 2024, and introduced key features of our platform. The speaker was Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, an expert on language development, the effects of media on children, and the benefits of playful learning. Participants learned how Clever Hedgehog enhances classroom experiences, reduces stress at home, supports emotional well-being, and helps maintain Ukrainian cultural roots. The engaging session included a video narrated by a child and insights tailored to the needs of each audience group.
We are truly grateful for the enthusiastic responses and encouragement from our participants. Seeing Clever Hedgehog’s little friends using our platform is what truly makes our work meaningful. Clever Hedgehog is proud to be a comforting and educational presence for Ukrainian families, no matter where they are in the world. 🇺🇦
Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to spread the joy of Clever Hedgehog! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities to engage.
Join us in helping Ukrainian children connect with their culture and embrace learning through play.
We recorded the session and are happy to share it with anyone interested.
Did you know that the first day of school in Ukraine is called Knowledge Day? The school year starts in all Ukrainian schools on Knowledge Day on September 1!
The First Day of School is very exciting for all children, especially, for kids who start Kindergarten and Grade 1! Don’t worry, Clever Hedgehog will be with you, and help you get ready for school!
Clever Hedgehog’s friends asked him some questions about school.
You can become a Clever Hedgehog’s Pen Pal and write a letter to his email: storieswithcleverhedgehog@gmail.com and share your questions, a story, or a picture for a website.
Question 1: Why Should Children Go To School?
🏫 School is a place where you get to learn new things, make friends, and discover exciting adventures every day! In school, you learn how to read, write, count, think creatively, solve problems, share ideas, and work together with others. There are so many things you will learn in your school. New books 📚, friends, and teachers will be there to greet you!
To answer this question, Clever Hedgehog will tell you one story about school 👇
Clever Hedgehog and His Expectations for School
Illustrations: Olga Zhestkova
In the forest where the animals lived, there had never been a school 🏫. But one day, a wise Owl from a faraway forest visited them and said, “It’s time to learn! I will teach you many things at school!” Hearing this, Clever Hedgehog was very happy. He had always dreamed of learning more about the world around him and becoming as wise as the Owl.
“I want to learn to count acorns and mushrooms, so I’ll know how many I need for the winter,” thought Clever Hedgehog.
“I want to learn the different languages of birds and animals, so I can communicate with all the animals,” Clever Hedgehog pondered.
“I want to read all the forest fairy tales!” Clever Hedgehog continued to dream.
“I want to help animals find their way through the forest using a map I drawn myself.
Now Clever Hedgehog was eagerly waiting for his first day of school to begin his exciting journey into the world of knowledge!
What about you, my little reader, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM SCHOOL?
A school is where your imagination can take flight and your dreams can grow. Be excited, be curious, and get ready for a wonderful year of learning!
Question 2: What do you need to take to school?
Students usually don’t need a lot of things in school. You will need only special items in school. So what should we put in the school backpack?
Handy Checklist for Kids Getting Ready for School
1. Backpack 🎒: Make sure your backpack is clean, comfortable, and ready to use.
2. Notebooks and textbooks 📚: Pack all the necessary notebooks, tablets or laptops with chargers, textbooks, and additional materials for the first day.
3. Pencil Case ✏️: Ensure you have all the essential stationery: pencils and pens, colored pencils or markers, a pencil sharpener and an eraser, and a ruler.
4. Clothes and Shoes 👚: Prepare your school uniform or other clothing for school, along with comfortable shoes.
5. Water Bottle 🥤: It’s always a good idea to have a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.
6. Lunchbox 🍌: prepare a lunchbox with healthy snacks.
7. Face Mask 😷: If your school requires wearing masks, don’t forget to bring one.
8. Smile 😊: Don’t forget your smile and a positive attitude for the first day of school!
Question 3: How To Introduce Myself To The New Classmates?
On the first day of school, you’ll meet your new teacher and classmates. They’ll be excited to get to know you! Be ready to introduce yourself and share your name and something interesting about you. Maybe tell them your favorite hobby or what you like to do for fun. It’s a great chance to make new friends and start the year with a smile!
Tips for Telling New Classmates About Yourself
1. Be Brave: Remember, everyone is probably just as curious to know about you as you are about them.
2. Start Simple: Start by saying your name, what you like to do for fun, and maybe your favorite book or game.
3. Ask Questions:Show interest in your new friends by asking them about their hobbies or favorite subjects.
4. Smile: A friendly smile can make a great first impression and help you feel more comfortable.
Question 4: How to Get to School Safely?
1. Walk on the Sidewalk: Always use the sidewalk or pedestrian paths, and if there isn’t one, walk on the side facing traffic.
2. Cross Safely: Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, and always use crosswalks or traffic signals.
3. Listen to Adults: Follow instructions from crossing guards or school staff.
4. Stay Visible: If it’s still dark in the morning, wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you easily.
5. Stay Together: If possible, walk to school with a friend or a group of kids. There’s safety in numbers!
6. Never talk to strangers on your way to school.
Can you guess these riddles about school?
I am a place where you can learn and grow, I am a place where knowledge starts to flow. I have many rooms and many halls, And many students hear my calls. What am I?
Check your answer
School
I am small and I am usually white. You can take away your pencil mark with me. I am ...........
Check your answer
An eraser
You see me in a classroom. You can sit by me. You can write on me. I am ........
Check your answer
A desk
LET’S READ A BOOK
Turn your mobile device to a Horizontal view for a better reading experience
TAGS: school readiness, get ready for school, starting a kindergarten, 1 grade, kindergarten, back to school, introduce yourself to classmates, why children go to school, pen pals, school supplies
Clever Hedgehog believes that one day soon, we will celebrate this special day together in a happy and peaceful Ukraine!
The meaning of Motherland?
Motherland or Homeland is the place where you were born and grew up. It’s where your family and friends live, and where you have lots of happy memories. Motherland is also about your language, culture, and the traditions you share with others. It’s the place where you feel safe, happy, and truly at home.
It is interesting that in some countries the word “Fatherland” is used instead of “Motherland”, but both have the meaning of the “parents’ land”, it is the native (parental) land, parental heritage. Love for the Motherland begins with love for parents.
Loving the Motherland means appreciating and protecting everything related to it, and trying to make it even better for all the people who live here.
Read what the pictures tell us
Think about whether a person can have two or more homelands.
How old is Ukraine?
Ukraine is a very old country. Its history began when the state of Kyivan Rus’ started, which became the biggest and strongest state in Europe. However, modern Ukraine became independent only 33 years ago, on August 24, 1991.
What is Independence Day?
Independence Day is like a big birthday party for the country! On this day, people remember the time when their country started to take care of itself without anyone else telling them what to do. There are usually parades, fireworks, and lots of fun activities to show how proud everyone is of their country. It’s a day for a country to celebrate freedom and being able to live the way you want.
The history of Kyiv begins with its founding year as 482, but the city may date back at least 2,000 years earlier.
Fun facts about Ukraine and its Independence Day
Clever Hedgehog has some interesting facts about this day. Let’s read some together!
1. The Independence Day of Ukraine was celebrated for the first time on July 16, 1991. The date was later moved to August 24.
2. A draft of the Act on the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was written in a regular school notebook.
3. The text of the Act consisted of 93 words, was typed on a typewriter, and fit on one piece of paper.
When a country becomes independent, it introduces new national symbols that represent its individuality.Ukraine has special state symbols as well:
Flag: The Ukrainian flag is blue and yellow. The blue represents the sky, and the yellow represents the fields of wheat.
Coat of Arms: The Ukrainian coat of arms is called the Tryzub, which means “trident.” It’s a special symbol that shows strong and rich Ukrainian history.
Anthem: The national anthem of Ukraine is called “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy ni slava ni volya” (“Ще не вмерла України ні слава, ні воля”) which means “Ukraine’s glory and freedom have not yet perished.” Listen >>>
What is incredible about my Ukraine?
How to draw a Ukrainian trident
The trident is an ancient symbol, pictures of it can be found across ancient Ukrainian lands. Its segments form the word «liberty» (воля).
Tags: I explore the world, Motherland, Independence Day of Ukraine, about Ukraine’s Independence Day for children, what is the motherland, symbols of Ukraine,
Clever Hedgehog’s Report on Olympic Games for Kids
Clever Hedgehog has visited the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, and he wants to tell you all about them!
The Olympic Games are a series of big sports events that happen every four years. Athletes from all over the world come together to compete in different sports like running 🏃♀️, swimming 🏊♀️, gymnastics 🤸♀️, and more. Athletes train for years to compete, and winning a medal 🏅 at the Olympics is one of the highest honors in sports.
History of the Olympic Games
The Olympics have been around for a very long time. The first recorded Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece in 776 BC in the city of Olympia. These early games featured primarily foot races 🏃♀️. The ancient Olympics continued for nearly 1,200 years.
The modern Olympic Games, inspired by the ancient tradition, were revived in 1896 in Athens, Greece. This event marked the beginning of the Olympic Games as we know them today.
The five Olympic rings – blue, yellow,black, green, and red – are the emblem of the Olympic Games. Did you know that these rings represent the five regions of the world – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania?
The Olympic Games are divided into the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics. They feature different types of sports based on the season.
Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics are held in the summer. They include sports that are best played in warm weather or indoors, like swimming, running, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and many more.
Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics take place when it’s cold and snowy. They feature sports that are played on snow or ice, like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, ice hockey, and many more.
The Team Ukraine 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES Results
The 2024 Summer Olympics, held this year in Paris, welcomed athletes from 206 countries. The United States sent the largest team of 596 athletes to compete in various sports. Ukraine participated with 156 athletes.
As for the medal count, the United States performed very well, winning 104 medals: 30 gold, 38 silver, and 36 bronze. Ukraine won 12 medals: 3 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze.
Clever Hedgehog cheered for every Ukrainian athlete. Believe it or not, Clever Hedgehog likes to jump high, that’s why he especially cheered for Yaroslava Mahuchikh who won a Gold medal in the high jump.
We have created the form where you can leave your wishes for Clever Hedgehog. Type your wish in the form below, and it will appear on our website shortly.
Exciting Announcement: New Books by Vasyl Gorbatyuk!
We are thrilled to announce a special addition to our website’s book collection, thanks to an exclusive cooperation with the renowned Ukrainian author, Vasyl Gorbatyuk. Dive into the captivating childhood stories created by Vasyl Gorbatyuk, whose storytelling talent has enchanted readers of all ages.
Why You’ll Love These Books:
Authentic: Each book offers a glimpse into the world of kids, described in beautiful Ukrainian language.
Engaging Storylines: Gorbatyuk’s storytelling is known for its unique observation of the lives of children.
NEW TITLES NOW AVAILABLE:
Let’s add these cute short stories to your children’s memory collection!
Exclusive Access: These titles are available exclusively on our website, providing a unique reading experience.
ABOUT vASYL GORBATYUK
Vasyl Horbatyuk was born on January 1, 1956, in the village of Hnativtsy, Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine. After studying at the philological faculty of the Kamianets-Podilskyi State Pedagogical Institute (1977-1981), he worked as a journalist. From 1990 to 2000, he was the editor of the Khmelnytskyi regional youth newspaper “Rovesnyk”, and an executive secretary of the regional organization of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine from 2000 to 2005. Since March 1, 2006, he has been the Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Literary Museum.
Vasyl Horbatyuk is a winner of many literary awards in Ukraine. He has been a member of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine since 1984.
June 1 is also International Children’s Day, a day that aims to show how important it is to protect kids from harm and make their lives better everywhere in the world.
As of 2024, there are approximately 2.2 billion children in the world. Unfortunately, not all kids have safe, healthy, and happy lives. Some even have no food to eat, not saying toys or books! About 2 million Ukrainian children have had to flee their homes due to war since February 2022. Many Ukrainian families still live in different parts of the world, while others are staying in Ukraine.
Clever Hedgehog hopes all kids will be safe and happy, no matter what. Keep dreaming big and never stop being curious and kind!
FUN IDEAS TO MARK THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER AND INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY
New Entertaining Short Stories in Ukrainian for Children
Embark on exciting adventures
This week, Clever Hedgehog is traveling to Hong Kong! His flight is 14 hours… Hope he can make it!
Clever Hedgehog loves travelling!
What about you? Does your family have plans to travel this summer?
Take Clever Hedgehog with you. Use this cut-out to get your own traveling Clever Hedgehog picture.
“What Time is it, Mr. or Mrs. Fox?” is basically a game of tag for 3 or more people that involves less running and adds counting practice. An adult should start as Mr. Fox (you can put kids in charge once they get the hang of it) and organize everyone to stand side-by-side in a line.
Players yell out “What Time is it Mr. Fox (Mrs. Fox)?” and Mr. Fox (Mrs. Fox) yells out a time, e.g. “It’s 7 o’clock!” and the kids take that many steps forward.
The kids must continue to take steps forward based on the time called out even if it means they are super close to Mr. or Mrs. Fox.
This continues until Mr. Fox calls out “Lunch time!!” and the kids try to race back to the start line without getting tagged by Mr. Fox. Got tagged? That person is the next Mr. Fox.
Hand Clapping Game 👏 “Double Double This That”
Read how to play “Double Double This That”:
All you need is a partner.
So once you’ve found your partner, sit down, facing them.
All you need to know is three motions: The first one is “double” – you clap both hands.
The second one is “this” – you face your partner and hit their palms.
The third one is “that” – with the back of your hand you’re going to hit the back of your partner’s hands.
So it’s going to be: Next time try it a little faster. Then try really fast.
Double, double, this, this Double, double, this, this Double, this, double, that Double, double, this, that
Tell Clever Hedgehog what your favorite thing is about being a kid!
Have your parent nearby and email us at storieswithcleverhedgehog@gmail.com with what your favorite thing about being a kid. You may be featured on Clever Hedgehog’s website!
Hey, kids! Did you know about World Vyshyvanka Day?
May 16is a special day when Ukrainians around the world celebrate traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts called “vyshyvankas“! On this day, we wear our beautiful vyshyvankas to honor our culture and heritage. It’s a day filled with colors, patterns, and lots of fun activities to learn more about Ukrainian traditions!
Clever Hedgehog congratulates you on World Vyshyvanka Day!
Let’s learn more about Vyshyvanka
Vyshyvankas, like pysankas (traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs), are two of the most well-known symbols of Ukrainian culture. From old times people used embroidery to encode their “destiny, dreams, and happiness” in the national dress.
This holiday is not tied to any religion and is not a public holiday. It is celebrated to emphasize Ukrainian culture in the everyday life of Ukrainians.
❓ Did you know when this holiday came to exist? ❗The idea arose from students and teachers from Chernivtsi National University in 2006.
Are you ready to celebrate the most special person in the world – your mom?
Hello, dear friends! Are you ready to celebrate the most special person in the world – your mom? It is the day to congratulate your mother, aunt, and grandmother too!
Clever Hedgehog is excited to announce a photo contest, where you can show your love and appreciation for your amazing mom!
Clever Hedgehog wants to say a big “hooray” to all the moms who are always there for their kids.
How to Participate
🌟 Step 1: Take a photo with your mom or capture a special moment you shared.
🌟 Step 2: Get creative! You can dress up, make funny faces, or show off your favorite activity with mom!
🌟 Step 3: Tag us on your photo on Instagram or Facebook with #CleverHedgehog_contest or send your photo to us at storieswithcleverhedgehog@gmail.com with your name, age, and a short description of why your mom is THE best!
Contest Rules
🎉 The contest is open to all children who want to celebrate their moms!
🎉 Only one photo submission per participant, so choose your favorite picture!
🎉 Photos must be original and taken by you.
🎉 By sending us your photo, you agree and give permission to let Clever Hedgehog share it on his website and social media.
Awards and Honors
🏅 All participants will receive a special certificate of participation from Clever Hedgehog!
🏆 The top 3 winners will receive a special prize!
Submission Deadline: June 1
Get your cameras ready and let’s celebrate the wonderful moms in our lives! We can’t wait to see all the heartwarming and creative photos you’ll send us!
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