KidsCast

Building a Snow Fort

It looks like there could be some significant snowfall in Missouri today. If you find yourself stuck at home just itching to play in the white stuff, here are the necessary tools you need to build a snow fort.  First, get a bucket or other container that you can use for snow packing.  You'll also need something flat that you can use to smooth out edges. Then decide how big you want your fort to be and pick a location.  Build the walls one bucket at a time, going side to side, one row on top of the next.  Make sure you leave openings for doors and windows.  Once complete you'll have a great hiding place during a snowball fight.  To make your fort into an ice castle, just spray a little water over it.  It will quickly freeze giving it that glazed look.  Have fun!

Keeping Your Eyes in Shape

Eye Health month is just about over.  But keeping your peepers healthy is something you should focus on all year long.  There are several things you can do to help make sure you'll be seeing well, far into the future. 

1. Take frequent breaks when using the computer.
2. Wear sunglasses or a cap when you're playing outside.
3. Exercise your eyes by watching the clouds or birds, objects off in the distance.
4. Don't play handheld games for more than a half-hour at a time.
5. Eat and drink items high in vitamins A and C.

Keeping A Sweet Tooth Under Control

There are junk food options almost everywhere you go.  And turning away from candy can be a really hard thing to do.  It's not necessary to give it up.  Just make sure you're not filling up on only the sweet stuff.  Listen to this week's show for suggestions on how to create healthy cravings from your body.  It starts by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Share your own suggestions for curbing the sweet tooth cravings. 

Download/Listen to 5 min mp3

The Importance of Washing Your Hands

Germs, bacteria, food particles, dirt, these are all things you don't want hanging out on your hands.  So it's important to wash them often.  Listen to this week's show for a step by step guide to getting those hands clean.  By doing so, you'll help stop the spread of illness.

Download/Listen 5min mp3

Celebrate Ben Franklin By Being Careful

Today marks the birthday of one of our most prominent founding fathers, Ben Franklin.  The scientist and statesman was also an inventor, giving us the power to see in the dark.  Franklin invented electricity.  Along with that invention comes a bit of danger.  Follow these tips to make sure you don't get a shock when around electricity.

1. Don't touch electrical items with wet hands.
2. Never touch or even go near fallen power lines.  In Missouri's recent ice storms there were lots of those around.  It's important to tell an adult if you find one.
3. Don't use items with a plug near a bathtub or sink.  There's a danger the item could fall in and electrocute you.
4. Don't climb trees that are touching power lines.
5. Only flly kites, airplanes or balloons in wide open spaces.  If there's a powerline around, the item or string could easily blow into it.
6. Transformers and substations are often protected by a fence.  Never climb the fence.  And if you see an open transformer or substation, stay away.

Our Visit to Monroe City

Ms. Dawn Skaggs invited KidsCast to visit her classroom full of 6th graders.  You'll be hearing many of them in the coming weeks as they voice various segments of the KidsCast radio show.  You also have an opportunity to get involved with the production process.  Give us a call at 573-556-1235. 

The History of Hats

Besides looks, hats serve several practical purposes.  Listen to this week's show to learn how important hats are in some cultures and why it may benefit your health to put one on.  Also, learn about all the different types of hats there are.  Decide which one you think would fit your head the best.

Download/Listen 5 min mp3

Health Questions Answered

We try to find safe, healthy websites for kids to visit.  Today we're telling you about BAM.  It's an interactive site that gives you information about a variety of topics like fitness and nutrition.  The site is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's plan to keep kids healthy. Go there to find interesting facts about why you look the way you do.  Or play one of their educational games.  BAM is a site for learning and fun.

The Weight of Sleep

Some research findings show the amount of sleep kids get each night can have a direct impact on their weight.  If you're not getting enough rest you'll probably feel sluggish and won't eat right or get enough exercise.  Listen to this week's show for tips about how to make sure you get at least 9 hours of sleep every night.  Do you have things that help you go to sleep easily?  Share them with us.

Download KidsCast284.mp3

Check Out a Meteor Shower

The Quadrantid Meteor Shower takes place every year in early January.  Tonight and tomorrow are your chances to see it this year.  Unfortunately the weather may not be favorable for a clear view.  If you do get to observe the shower, you'll likely see up to 100 meteors an hour.  It's one of the most active of the year.  Write in to tell us about your astrological observations.