Independence Day of Ukraine. The meaning of Motherland for kids

Independence Day Ukraine

Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day with Clever Hedgehog

This year on August 24, 2024, Ukraine celebrates its 33rd Independence Day!

Clever Hedgehog wants to share some fun activities, a new book ‘Sunflowers and Bandura: About Symbols of Ukraine’ for children, and interesting facts about Ukraine and its Independence Day with you!

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

I love Ukraine

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.

History of Kyiv

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.

More facts on the Independence Day of Ukraine
More facts on Ukraine

Your Bonus Gift – Printables for Kids

Symbols of Ukraine

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).

Try to draw a trident like the one in the picture.

Як намалювати тризуб

LEARN MORE ABOUT SYMBOLS OF UKRAINE IN THE NEW BOOK “SUNFLOWER AND BANDURA

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Go to Clever Hedgehog’s Library

Let’s Play

Clever Hedgehog made up a quiz about Ukrainian Independence Day. Let’s see what you remember!

1. What colors are on the Ukrainian flag?





2. Як називається український герб?





3. Bonus question for kids who read the book about symbols. What is the most delicious symbol of Ukraine?





Check your answers

  1. b
  2. b
  3. a

Look at the pictures. Can you find 10 differences?

Check your answers

The color of a cow, stork, tractor, fence, birds, swallow, ladybug, daisy, trees, barn

Let’s Draw Something Nice

Independence Day Ukraine coloring page for kids
Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog

How to draw the coat of arms of Ukraine

How to draw National Flag of Ukraine

Let’s Sing Ukrainian Songs

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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 At The Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Clever Hedgehog olympic games Paris 2024

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?

Learn more about Olympic rings in the video 👉👉👉

What Do The Olympic Rings Mean?

Trace and color Olympic rings 🎁

Summer and Winter Olympics

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.

Women's High Jump
Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Hooray to the Team Ukraine! 

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Women’s High Jump |
Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

mms.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Women’s High Jump | Iryna GERASHCHENKO

Erik van Leeuwen, GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Women’s Sabre Individual |
Olga KHARLAN

Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0


Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Women’s Sabre Team  | Olga Kharlan, Alina Komashchuk, Yuliia Bakastova and Olena Kravatska

Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 3.0

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Men’s Parallel Bars |
Illia KOVTUN

Martin RulschWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Shooting 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men |
Serhiy KULISH

mms.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mykhaylo_Kokhan_at_the_2024_Summer_Olympics_02.png

Men’s Hammer Throw |
Mykhaylo KOKHAN

mms.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Men’s Boxing 80kg |
Oleksandr KHYZHNIAK

mms.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling 67kg |
Parviz NASIBOV

sport.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Women's Freestyle Wrestling 62kg | Iryna KOLIADENKO

Women’s Freestyle Wrestling 62kg | Iryna KOLIADENKO

President.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons,

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Men’s Greco-Roman Wrestling 87kg |
Zhan BELENIUK

mms.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Women's High Jump Yaroslava MAHUCHIKH

Women’s Canoe Double 500m |
Liudmyla Luzan and Anastasiia Rybachok

sport.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Olympic Games Quiz 🏅

How much do you know about the Olympic Games? Take this fun quiz to find out!

1. What Olympic Games do not exist?:





2. Where were the first Olympic Games held?





3. How many medals did the Ukrainian Olympic Team win this year?





4. How many rings are there on the Olympic Games emblem?





Check your answers

  1. b
  2. b
  3. a
  4. c

Can You Solve This Jigsaw Puzzle?

LET’S READ THE BOOK “SOMETHING NEW TO DO”

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TAGS: Olympic Games for kids, Olympic rings, Olympic Games history for kids, Olympic team Ukraine, Ukrainian Olympic team

Clever Hedgehog turns one year old!

Happy Birthday, Clever Hedgehog!

On July 1st, our Clever Hedgehog is celebrating its first birthday. This year was exciting, and we are so happy you have been with us!

Clever Hedgehog’s website is where Ukrainian families with children can find interesting stories, educational games, and fun activities.

We hope you will visit Clever Hedgehog often and tell your friends about us.

Parents' Picks Awards 2024 to Clever Hedgehog
Write a wish to Clever Hedgehog

Leave a birthday wish to Clever Hedgehog!

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.

Write a birthday message to Clever Hedgehog 🎁

Find a surprise for you below – Clever Hedgehog’s jigsaw puzzle 👇👇👇 Keep scrolling! 👇👇👇

THIS IS SO EXCITING! READ A NEW BOOK “CLEVER HEDGEHOG’S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

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Go to Clever Hedgehog’s Library

Can You Solve This Jigsaw Puzzle?

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Vasyl Gorbatyuk, Ukrainian Author Who Writes for Kids


Exciting Announcement: New Books by Vasyl Gorbatyuk!

Hedgehog reading a book

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!

Синичка - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей
Ласощі для білочки - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей
не хочу-хочу Василь Горбатюк
Образа - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей

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.

Clever Hedgehog on International Children’s Day – June 1


Today is the first day of summer!

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

Синичка - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей
Ласощі для білочки - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей
не хочу-хочу Василь Горбатюк
Образа - Василь Горбатюк - оповідання для дітей

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.

Traveling Clever Hedgehog Cut-Out

Imagine your summer with new coloring pages and crafts

Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog
Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog
build your ice cream cut out

See All Coloring Pages >>>

See All Crafts projects >>>

See All Printable Activities>>>

Learn New Games

See all Games here >>>

Active Game “What Time is it Mr. Fox?” 

Read how to play “What Time is it Mr. Fox?”:

“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

Next time try it a little faster.

Then try really fast.

Game “Funny Script”

This is a “paper telephone game’ variation

Let’s Read A Book “Here Comes Summer”

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Read more books from Clever Hedgehog’s Library >>>

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!

Download Clever Hedgehog’s Fun Screen-free Printable Activities >>>

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World Vyshyvanka Day

lET’S PUT ON YOUR FAVORITE VYSHYVANKA

World Vyshyvanka Day

Hey, kids! Did you know about World Vyshyvanka Day?

May 16 is 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.

Crafts for Vyshyvanka Day

Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog

Ukrainian girl

Decorate a vyshyvanka

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📸 Clever Hedgehog’s Photo Contest! 📸

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!

Valentine's Day Cards
Valentine's Day Cards

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!

With love,

Clever Hedgehog 🦔

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Mother’s Day – A Day To Make Your Mom Feel Special

Are you ready to celebrate the most special person in the world – your mom?

This Sunday, May 12, 2024, will be extra special for us. It’s Mother’s Day

Our mothers deserve to be loved throughout the year, but Mother’s Day is the time to show how their love and effort are special to us with family activities and gifts.

Clever Hedgehog wants to say a big “hooray” to all the moms who are always there for their kids.

On Mother’s Day, family members make sure their mother feels special and surprise her with gifts, take her out for dinner, or even cook for her at home.

Mother’s Day in Ukraine

A few years ago, Ukraine joined countries where this holiday is celebrated. Mother’s Day in Ukraine is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year.

Valentine's Day Cards

Finding a Mother’s Day surprise can be difficult.

Clever Hedgehog has some gift ideas for children to make Mother’s Day extra special

Hand-made Mother’s Day card

Hand-made cards are among the best gifts you can offer your mother this day.

Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog, Happy spring coloring page, a gift to my mom
More Coloring Pages Here

Chocolates

You may not see your mom eating sweets often, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t like it. You can surprise her with chocolates in this cute trinket box.

Flowers for your mom

Add colors to the Mother’s Day celebrations by getting your mom flowers she loves or making one yourself! 

You will need: scissors, construction paper, and glue. Follow the instructions from this video

Sing a song for your mom 

Your mom will love to hear you sing this lovely Ukrainian song!

Make your Mom smile

Laughing is a sign of happiness. Tell your mom some funny jokes to make her laugh!

If you or your mom know the Ukrainian language – Find jokes in a NEW BOOK with jokes for kids

Tell your mom some fun facts about Mother’s Day, like this one:

Did you know that there are lots and lots of moms in the world, about 2 billion of them? In the U.S., there are about 85.4 million moms.

More Fun Facts about Mother’s Day

A NEW CONTEST – Tell us why your mom is special!

Take a photo with your mom or capture a special moment you shared. Get creative! You can dress up, make funny faces, or show off your favorite activity with Mom!

Contest Rules

🏆 The top 3 winners will receive a diploma and a special prize! 

🌟 Send your photo to us at storieswithcleverhedgehog@gmail.com with your name, age, and a story of why your mom is the best!

Remember! – You can only send us pictures or videos with you. By sending us your photo, you agree to let Clever Hedgehog share it on our website and social media (with a parent/guardian permission).

Clever Hedgehog wants to congratulate the moms of Clever Hedgehog’s team. You are great!

The Enormous Turnip Fairy Tales Stories with Clever Hedgehog репка

Roberta Golinkoff

In addition to her groundbreaking research and esteemed career as a professor, Dr. Roberta Golinkoff is a caring mother. Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Ukrainian children affected by the war reflects her compassionate and empathetic nature as both a mother and a renowned scholar.

The Enormous Turnip Fairy Tales Stories with Clever Hedgehog репка

Alisa Moldavanova

While Alisa is known for her expertise and leadership in academia, she is also admired for her role as a mother. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes her family and is deeply committed to their well-being.

The Enormous Turnip Fairy Tales Stories with Clever Hedgehog репка

Olena Smith

In addition to her professional achievements and contributions to the University of Delaware’s Geospatial Research community, Olena is also a dedicated mother. Born and raised in Ukraine, she brings values of hard work, community engagement, and a rich cultural background to her family life.

The Enormous Turnip Fairy Tales Stories with Clever Hedgehog репка

Olga Zhestkova

In addition to her expertise as a web specialist, Olga is also a loving mother. Olga always makes time for her family. Originally from Ukraine and now residing in Boston, MA, ensuring her daughter stays connected to Ukrainian roots and heritage.

Clever Hedgehog has some gift ideas for children to make Mother's Day extra special

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Hedgehog Awareness Week 

Hedgehog Awareness Week is observed yearly on the second week of May. This year is observed on 5–11 May 2024. It was introduced by the British Hedgehog Protection Society (BHPS) in 2011. The week aims to highlight the problems that our beautiful hedgehogs 🦔 face and how we can all help to protect them.

Hedgehogs are endangered, which means the number of hedgehogs is falling. The main danger to hedgehogs is loss of habitat or places to live. They find it difficult to find places to make a nest.

Download FACTS SHEET ABOUT HEDGEHOGS

Clever Hedgehog has a lot of fun materials for all hedgehog lovers!

Where do hedgehogs live?

Hedgehogs 🦔 sleep for a large portion of the day under bushes, grasses, rocks, or most commonly in dens dug underground.

What do hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs aren’t fussy when it comes to food 🍲! Hedgehogs are omnivores, which means they eat both plants 🌿 and insects 🐛.

Hedgehogs 🦔 are lactose intolerant! They may have a stomach ache from drinking milk 🥛.

Baby hedgehogs 🦔

Baby hedgehogs 🦔 are called hoglets. They are born with soft spines under the skin, and a second set of spines comes through after a couple of days.

Thanksgiving clever hedgehog
Read More FUN FACTS ABOUT HEDGEHOGS
clever hedgehog with a paper plane

Let’s Read A Book Hedgehogs “Hedgie, A Prickly Garden Friend” from Clever Hedgehog’s Library

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Hedgehog and hare fairy tale

Once upon a time, in a faraway forest, the King Grizzly Bear wanted to see the fastest among the animals. Let’s find together who the winner was.

Read the story
Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog
Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog
Coloring page for kids, Stories with Clever Hedgehog

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tags: protect hedgehogs, Hedgehog Awareness Week activities, Hedgehog Awareness Week coloring page, fun facts about hedgehogs

Egg Hunt, Haivky and Pysanky with Clever Hedgehog for kids

Happy Easter!

Orthodox Easter 2024 is coming quite late this year – on May 5th. Some people in Ukraine and many other countries have already celebrated Easter on March 31.

Clever Hedgehog wants to tell you about recent events and his favorite Ukrainian Easter traditions – haivky and pysanky.

Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids

This year for the first time, Clever Hedgehog led a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for kids at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Delaware! 

It was a day filled with laughter, fun, and community spirit, enjoyed by all: the children had fun running around the backyard of the church in search of eggs, after which parents joined them for singing and dancing special Ukrainian spring songs and dances – vesnianky and haivky.

 Take a look at adorable photos of the fantastic moments we captured from this event.

Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids
Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids
Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids
Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids
Easter Egg Hunt and Haivky event for Ukrainian kids

🌷What is Haivky?

You probably know what an Easter Egg Hunt is, but you may have not heard about Ukrainian Haivky.

For our ancestors, a new year used to begin with the awakening of Mother Nature from her winter sleep in the spring. Spring was greeted joyfully with songs, dances, and games.

Ukrainian haivky are traditional spring songs and dances, performed only during Easter. 

Read about Easter traditions in Ukraine, USA, Australia and Guatemala here >>>

Let’s Read A Book “Ukrainian Easter” from Clever Hedgehog’s Library

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Let’s Read A New Book “Ukrainian Pysanky” from Clever Hedgehog’s Library

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Easter Printables and Coloring Pages

Free Easter activity coloring
Free Easter activity coloring
Free Easter activity coloring

Easter Fun Activity Free Printable PDF

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

Clever Hedgehog’s friends created the largest Pysanka in Ukraine

Pysanka is a special Ukrainian Easter egg 🥚 painted with different patterns and colors.

Now in Zhovkva (Ukraine), you can find the largest Pysanka in Ukraine.

The big Pysanka set a new record for Ukraine as the Biggest Pysanka made of smaller pysankas!

This Easter egg 🥚 is special: it’s more than 3 feet (1.5 meters) tall and it’s made up of 480 smaller Pysankas! Many local kids helped create this big Easter egg and embroidered each little egg themselves. It took three months to finish!

Galyna Prykuta, a talented artist, inspired kids and helped them create this beauty.

You can see this Pysanka in the central square of Zhovkva in Ukraine where it stands proudly, beautifully embroidered. This big Pysanka is not just a beautiful decoration, it is also a reminder of the festive days of Easter!

Ukrainian Spring song – Haivky song – Podolyanochka

Learn a haivky song Podolyanocka and sing with Clever Hedgehog - Вивчи гаївку Подоляночка та заспівайте з Їжачком-Розумничком

Ukrainian haivky songs and dances

Game with pysanky

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