The 40's PATCH PROGRAM
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there are twelve requirements to choose from

All age levels need to only complete 3 requirements

1. Those are some nice threads you have on! Learn some new slang from the 40's and find out what it means. Try to use it in a sentence. Examples include: kicks, fifth avenue, dig, gammin, cozy, and have a ball. http://www.newberry.k12.sc.us/mchs/40's%20Slang.htm

2. Phonographs (record players) and radios were the common electronics in the home during the 40's. Learn a song, dance to a song, do the jitterbug, bunny hop or bop, or view records or historical radios from the 40's. Examples of singers are Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Tex Williams, Andrew Sisters, and Nat "King" Cole.

3. The war affected the fashion of the 40's.There was a ration on fabric and pattern companies instructed families how to create children's clothing from adults. Some items that were popular in the 40's were: a-line skirts, skirts with ruffled hems, Hawaii shirts, full skirts, two piece swimsuits, or chenille robes. Design your own outfit from the 40's, OR view pictures in books or internet of clothing from the 40's, OR add embellishments to article of clothing to make it look new and different.

4. During the 40's, Americans were asked to create their own victory gardens and grow their own food. Grow food in a garden or create something from fresh vegetables. Examples are a salad, stir fry, or corn on the cob.

5. Common products found in homes in the 40's were chrome table and chairs, vanity with a fabric skirt, refrigerator, black rotary phones, and electric can opener. Design a room from the 40's OR explore examples of houses and rooms from that time period.

6. View the hairstyles and cosmetics of the 40's. Make-up supplies were not readily available due to the war. Women wore make-up to condition their skin when they worked in the factory including the first foundation in a stick and lipstick. Hairstyles ranged from shoulder length, braids, to home perms. Create a hairstyle from that era of time, create a facial mask to cleanse your skin, OR create a hair accessory.

7. In 1941, President Roosevelt made Thanksgiving a national holiday, making sure that everyone observed it on the same day. Learn more about foods that were introduced in the 40's. M & M's, Yoo-Hoo, Root Beer, strawberry malts, cherry coke, yogurt, Cheerios, and whip cream are just a few of the food products that were introduced in the 40's. Have a taste testing of different snacks or foods, OR use a product in a recipe OR help prepare Thanksgiving with your friends or family.

8. Toys and games of the 40's included the slinky, marbles, paper dolls, electric train sets, coloring books, Raggedy Ann and Andy, nurse and doctor kits, GI Joe, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boy mysteries, Candy Land, Scrabble, and wagons. Play with a game, read a book, or complete a common activity from the 40's.

9. During the war, most of the daily resources were rationed and families had to receive ration stamps to purchase items such as gas, butter, sugar, and canned goods. They also had to collect items to recycle. Participate in a food drive, recycle, or help with another community service project.

10. Boxed purses and pearl necklaces are great for a proper tea. Accessorize yourself in hats with veils, gloves, ribbons, pins, hair combs, headscarves, and white socks. Try on or wear a accessory from the 40's OR decorate a pair of socks with lace trim, make a piece of jewelry, or decorate a bandana or haircomb. Headscarves looked like bandanas, worn by the ladies in the factory.

11. Put it all together in a journal or book format. Place all information you learned about the 40's such as clothing, slang, patriotic symbols, in book format or display. Add self-drawn pictures, clippings from magazines, clip art or website addresses to create a great project. (Book format and clip art are located in the kit)

12. Compare something from the 40's to what we use today. What is something that we use everyday that they didn't have in the 40's? Examples of items from the 40's are large radios, 45 record singles, record player, phones that have a dial, metal canisters, chicken motif, and Pyrex glassware.

13. During the 40's, American soldiers were fighting in World War II. Everyone tried to be patriotic and help where they could. Complete a project that supports our troops OR create a patriotic craft, food, or display. Examples include: Write a letter, send a care a package, or make something for them.