Romy News - 01 March 2024

Hi, it’s Romy! So happy to see you again for our Friday meeting in “Romy News”! Today is extra special because the weekend is just around the corner, and I’m sure you have lots of fun plans.

You might have noticed that there were fewer episodes this week. Well, the whole “Romy News” team took a well-deserved little break. But don’t worry, starting Monday, we’ll be back to our usual schedule with plenty of new stories to tell you.

For today, we have three exciting topics. First, we’ll take a look at the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine to understand a bit about what’s going on. Then, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of dragons and their mysterious origins. And finally, we’ll go on an adventure with the Vikings to explore their amazing journeys. Let’s go!

Today, we’re going to talk about something important happening in a distant country, Ukraine. For two years now, people there, including children, have been going through very tough times because of a war.

The war in Ukraine started in 2022, and since then, a lot has changed for the people living there. It’s a conflict between Ukraine and another country, Russia, and it’s causing a lot of sadness and difficulties.

Children in Ukraine are particularly affected. Some have to spend a lot of time in underground shelters to protect themselves, and many have had their schooling interrupted. Imagine not being able to go to school and see your friends for a long time! It’s really tough, and many children need help to feel better.

Luckily, there are people and organizations like UNICEF who are helping. They provide water, food, and help children continue learning and playing, even in these tough times. They also offer support to help children feel better in their hearts and minds.

You might be wondering how you could help. Even if you’re far away, small actions like writing a letter or drawing a picture can bring hope and support to children in Ukraine.

And there you go, even though it’s a sad topic, it’s important to know what’s happening in the world.

After exploring this serious topic, let’s change the mood and embark on an adventure into the fascinating world of dragons. Have you ever wondered where the legends of dragons come from, these impressive creatures that breathe fire and fly in the sky? Together, we’ll discover the origin of these captivating stories that span centuries and cultures.

Dragons appear in the traditions of many peoples around the world. In China, for example, dragons are symbols of luck and power, often accompanying gods and creators. The first dragon representations in China date back to the Xinglongwa culture, between 6200 and 5400 BCE.

Dragons are not limited to Asia. In Europe, they are often seen as greedy and evil creatures. The modern image of the dragon, as we know it in the West, developed in the Middle Ages, combining serpentine dragons from classical literature, biblical references, and European traditions.

A fascinating theory suggests that dragon legends could have originated from the discovery of dinosaur fossils, which ancient people may have mistakenly interpreted as dragon remains. Imagine: a stegosaurus fossil, with its plates and spikes, could easily evoke the image of a dragon for someone who had never heard of dinosaurs.

Today, dragons continue to inspire many works in popular culture, from movies to books to video games, proving that these mythical creatures still captivate our imagination.

Now, why not unleash your creativity? Draw your own dragon and imagine what its story could be. What mysteries and adventures could your dragon encounter?

After exploring the mysterious world of dragons, let’s travel back in time to the era of the Vikings, those bold sailors and explorers of the past. Picture yourself in the year 1000, sailing the vast oceans with Vikings like Leif Eriksson, who reached North America long before Christopher Columbus, around the year 1000, making a short stay in present-day Canada.

Vikings were more than just warriors; they were farmers, craftsmen, and poets. They wrote sagas, epic tales of their gods and exploits, and indulged in poetry, music, and dance. Their voyages took them from their native Scandinavia, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, to the distant shores of Iceland, Greenland, and even beyond.

Here’s a fun fact that might captivate children: did you know that Vikings didn’t actually wear horned helmets, as often seen in movies or cartoons? It’s a modern myth! In reality, their helmets were rather simple and functional for protection during battles.

To make our journey into the past even more lively, why not create a paper longship with the help of your parents? Imagine yourself at the helm, guiding your vessel through unknown seas, just like the Vikings who sailed the world in search of new lands.

Lastly, think of Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the most famous Vikings, who, surrounded by legends, embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery of the Vikings. Ready to set sail and follow in the footsteps of these incredible explorers of the past? And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll discover something extraordinary too!

And there you go, our journey today through history and myths comes to an end. We’ve learned about the serious story of the war in Ukraine, explored the fascinating origins of dragons, and sailed with the Vikings, those daring explorers of the past. I hope you enjoyed learning about these topics as much as I enjoyed telling you about them.

Remember, even though we’re small, our curiosity and thirst for knowledge can lead us to great adventures, just like the Vikings who sailed to new worlds. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll discover something extraordinary too.

Feel free to share your findings, your dragon drawings, or your paper Viking ships with us. Ask your parents to send us a message on Instagram to share your creations or your ideas for future topics.

See you next time for new adventures with “Romy News”! Have a great weekend and remember to keep your spirit curious and eager to learn!