(26) Nature – Beijing Kids

Beijing’s Best Covid-Safe Family Events Jan 15-17

Anna Pellegrin Hartley — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 03:00:51 +0000

This week, due to the new COVID-19 cases that have been discovered in Beijing and increased security measures, we’re focusing on a range of super fun family-friendly events that you can attend virtually from around the world.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Friday, Jan 15

It’s The Kids Quizness – Online Streamed Quiz

Hosted in Ireland by one of the country’s longest-standing quizmasters, this fun free online quiz is perfect for kids aged about 7-11. There are different themed rounds like Alphabet Round and Yes/No questions plus plenty of trivia, and all answers will be given at the end. A fun way to wind down as a family on Friday evening!

5.30pm Beijing time. Free

Saturday, Jan 16

Botticelli’s ‘Venus’ Online Art Webinar for Kids

Engaging kids as young as 7 in classical works of art? We love it! Botticelli’s Venus is a stunning place to introduce children to the beauty of Renaissance art, and this workshop led by a London-based artist and art historian will include an introduction to the artist, his life, the work in question, and step-by-step guidance so your kid can recreate the famous work themselves. The event will be run in multiple time zones, however, this information is not available until signup, so if you’re interested we recommend signing up in advance so you can plan your day.

Time TBD, see event registration details. RMB 39

Kids Love Classics – Vivaldi’s Winter

Even people who say they don’t like classical music can’t resist The Four Seasons violin concerti by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, and for good reason: evoking sounds and feelings of the seasons, they are so easy to get swept up in. This online event focuses on the beloved Winter concerto, exploring the “chilly music” and even hearing how the temperature plunges while learning about the composer’s life and creating drawings inspired by the music. The live event starts at 8am Beijing time, but you can buy a ticket to the recording of the event instead so you can listen at another time that suits you better.

8am Beijing time. RMB 34

Sunday, Jan 17

Ask the Scientists: Environmental Justice Conversation for Kids

Environmental justice might be a relatively new term for us, but for our children’s generation it’s sure to be a central concept. This free kid-led online talk, led by The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University is directed squarely at children, inviting them to ask questions and share their ideas about how to create a just and equitable world with some of the field’s top scientists. A must for the budding environmentalist in your house. The event is most suitable for kids 8-11 but all are welcome.

1pm Beijing time. Free

The Princess and the Frog Cooking Class

Sign up to this lhis live and interactive cooking class and you and your kids will learn how to make two delicious dishes from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. The story takes place in New Orleans so of course you’ll be making gumbo and beignets! We recommend queing up the film immediately after you’re done cooking so you can feast on your creations (a great dinner and dessert combo) as you watch.

4pm Beijing time. From RMB 162 per child, one additional sibling free.

LifeShine class for kids

Attendance at this event will depend on your child’s bed time as it starts at 7pm for us in China, but if you can work it, this live online party looks like a great activity for kids 3-6. Using a mix of play, dance, drama and wellness philosophies, it is designed to build confidence and emotional resilience in children, and was specifically created in response to the Covid-19 crisis and the potential long-term effects on children’s wellbeing.

7pm Beijing time. RMB 88

KEEP READING: My Animal Friend and I – Roots & Shoots Writing Competition

Images: courtesy of the event organizers

Beijing’s Best COVID-Safe Family Events Jan 8-10

Anna Pellegrin Hartley — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:00:42 +0000

This week, due to the new COVID-19 cases that have been discovered in Beijing and increased security measures, we’re focussing on a range of super fun family-friendly events that you can attend virtually from around the world.

As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Friday, Jan 8

Virtual Workshop – Create your Own Galaxy

In this totally free online workshop hosted by Microsoft, kids 10 and older will learn how to use block coding to program a moving model of the solar system in the online kids coding platform Tynker. Creativity is encouraged, so don’t be surprised if your kid designs a totally new system… perhaps we should replace our Moon with Venus?

5pm Beijing time. Free

Saturday, Jan 9

Discover the Birds of Bair Island

This free online talk will especially appeal to you if you have lived in the San Franciso Bay Area, but thanks to the beauty of Zoom, anybody with an interest in nature can join in. Naturalist Jeff Caplan will show you how to identify and connect with birds of Bair Island, which is located in the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. With a focus on mindfulness, curiosity, and bird language, this workshop is perfectly suited to kids and adults 12 and older.

6pm Beijing. Free

Virtual Public Speaking for Kids (K-12 grade)

Public speaking: some people seem to take to it naturally while others would do almost anything to avoid it. Unfortunately, almost everyone will have to do it at least once in their life so cultivating a few skills in this department isn’t a bad idea. Affiliated with Toastmasters International, this online event is designed to help kids from kindergarten all the way through to high school develop their public speaking, communication, time management, and leadership skills.

1pm Beijing time. Free

Webinar: Growing Microgreens for Kids

Admit it, miniature greens are just downright cute. This free webinar hosted by Duke Farms, a New Jersey estate that is devoted to environmental stewardship and education, will show parents and kids how to grow healthy tasty microgreens. This is a hands-on webinar, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got certain gardening equipment ready beforehand, notably seeds and soil.

1pm Beijing time. Free

Cool Kids Meditate

The name says it all: this series (hosted every Saturday for the month) is all about cool kids aged 6-8 and meditation. Join as a family and learn how to meditate together in a playful and fun way and with any luck, you’ll be reaping the rewards of a calmer, more harmonious household in no time.

4pm Beijing time. Free

Harry Potter Discussions for Kids & Teens Online

Accio fun! In this weekly series, kids 8-18 can join in to various online discussion groups, all about the magical world of Harry Potter. The groups are designed and moderated to encourage creative critical thinking, and all possible measures are taken to ensure that no Death Eaters or Dementers join in!

3pm Beijing. Free

KEEP READING: Updates: The Latest in Beijing Family News

Images: Tynker; Pexels; courtesy of the event organizers