What If Firefighters Teamed Up With Santa for National Chimney Safety Week?

“What If Firefighters Teamed Up With Santa for National Chimney Safety Week?” by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

September 30-October 6, 2013 is National Chimney Safety Week.

Fire Prevention Week is the following week.  

A local firefighter recommended these fire safety websites:

National Firefighters Protection Association provides tools, tips, and resources at http://www.nfpa.org/ 

“Prevent Kitchen Fires” is this year’s fire safety theme.  Visit Sparky, The Fire Dog, and Aunt Dottie for a fire safety video and song for kids:  http://www.nfpa.org/press-room/news-releases/2013/nfpa-offers-tools-tips-and-resources-for-octobers-fire-prevention-week

Heating Safety tips are available at http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/heating_safety.pdf

Chimney Safety Institute of America offers tips for homeowners here:   http://www.csia.org/

Just for fun, I asked myself…

Q:  Who would a firefighter team up with to promote chimney safety?

A: Sparky, the fire dog   http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/sparky-the-fire-dog.  

Q. Who else?

A. Santa.  To learn more about the history of Santa Claus and entering by chimneys, check here”

http://www.americanchimneyservices.com/component/content/article/37-beaumont/117-the-history-of-santa-claus-and-chimneys.html

Here are a few riddles about firefighters teaming up with Santa for National Chimney Safety Week…

How many of these can you solve?  I hope you’ll try writing some of your own and sharing them here. 

 

Microsoft Clip Art

Microsoft Clip Art

Question #1:  What did the firefighter add to Santa’s sack?

Question #2:  What do Santa and a firefighter have in common?

Question #3:  What do you get when you pair a firefighter with Santa?

Question #4:  What do firefighters and Santa remind you to keep on hand?

Question #5:  What birthday greeting tip did Santa give the firefighter?

Answers:  1. Smoke alarms.  2. They both check for smoke.  3.  A smoking team.  4. Batteries.  5. Don’t let your life go up in smoke.  

Write a fire safety riddle of your own.  Share it in the comment section.  

Please note:   Children 13 and under are not allowed to leave comments. It’s against the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA)  See:  http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

Dear Diary, How Can I Prove It?

“Dear Diary, How Can I Prove It…” by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

September 22, 2013 is “Dear Diary Day.” 

Do you keep a diary?  Have you ever?  Does your diary have a key so that you can lock away your thoughts?  Perhaps you keep a journal instead.   I’m not all together sure how they’re different.  What would you say?

Dear Diary (Age 11)

When I was eleven, I went with my grandparents on a vacation road trip.  We traveled from North Carolina to Canada, where my grandfather attended an insurance conference, and then we traveled on to California to visit my aunt, uncle, and new baby cousin.  We stopped at national parks along the way there and back.  I was very fortunate to see lots of great sites.  I recorded some notes along the way, thanks to my grandmother’s encouragement.  She bought a diary for the two of us.  I found it interesting how different our entries were.  She started out with a description of the weather.  Not me.  I didn’t care if it was 96 and clear.  It was summer.  It was supposed to be hot and sunny. 

Books About Diaries

I enjoy reading books that contain diary entries.  How about you?  When I was a child, The Diary of Anne Frank was one of my favorites.  Today, I still enjoy diary entries, even ones about a worm (The Diary of a Worm).   It’s fun to see the world from different points of view, like in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Maybe I’ll check out The Vampire Diaries next.  What about you?

Dear Diary (Age–Many Candles),

How can I prove it?… 

I left a comment on a friend’s blog today.  Before I could sign off, I had to type in a code–a group of letters and numbers to prove that I am not a robot.  I knew it had been a while since I visited this blog, but what made the site suspicious that I might be a robot?  Another friend’s blog still requires me to prove that I’m not a robot, even though I visit nearly every day.  Can’t the site recognize me by now?  I’m not wearing a disguise.  How would you like it if a friend asked you to prove who you were each time you met?  And how would typing a few letters and numbers prove your identity?  Can’t robots type?  Hmmm…

Have you ever had someone stand you down, look you in the eye, and command, “Prove it!”  Did they ask you to type letters and numbers to prove yourself?  To prove your identity?  Probably not.

Signing off,

999xyzLMNOP (Today’s proof of who I am)

Try a One Liner

Don’t want to write a diary entry?  Try a one liner.  What is a one liner?  Check here:  http://www.thefreedictionary.com/one-liner  Write a one liner you might read in someone’s personal diary or a book written as a diary.  For example:  The Diary of Anne Frank–“I feel like screaming!”  or “The walls are closing in on me.”  One liner for The Diary of a Worm–“I’ve got some dirt to share with you.” (pun). 

 What word creates a pun in the example above?  “Dirt.”  What makes it a pun?  Check the definition of a pun here:  http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pun  Do you like to write puns?  I do.   It’s a type of word play and I like playing with words.  Some people enjoy pun humor.  Others roll their eyes when they hear them.  Which is true for you?

Write a diary entry today, a letter, a poem, a comment below.   If you like to write…Prove it!

Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

Writing Prompt: I felt (v.) like wearing my hat made of felt (n.) on Felt (adj.) Hat Day…

“Writing Prompt:  I felt (v.) like wearing my hat made of felt (n.) on Felt (adj.) Hat Day …” by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

September 15, 2013 is Felt Hat Day.  September is Fall Hat Month.

Hats off to this month and to all who wear hats!  Robin Hood comes to mind.  Others too.

To celebrate Felt Hat Day and Fall Hat Month, fantasize about wearing a felt hat alongside a famous person or book character who wears one.  Then, complete the suggested writing prompt about your fictional experience.  If you have a favorite character who wears a straw hat, a ball cap, or some other type hat, substitute that instead.

Step one:  Brainstorm the names of famous people or book characters who wear felt hats:  Robin Hood, Peter Pan, Riddler and Penguin (Batman villains), Captain Jack Sparrow (johnny Depp), Billy the Kid, Abraham Lincoln, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), etc.

Step two:  Choose the name of a character who wears a felt hat and pretend to spend time with him/her while wearing your own felt hat.  Complete the writing prompt below.  Include as many words beginning with “f” as you can. (alliteration)

Step three:  Please share your completed statement in the comment section below.

Writing Prompt:  I felt like wearing my hat made of felt on Felt Hat Day…

Sample:  I felt (v.) like wearing my hat made of felt (n.) on Felt (adj.) Hat Day… while fantasizing about fighting alongside Robin Hood and Friar Tuck.

**BONUS:  Create a writing prompt of your own about hats. **

How did I come up with this writing prompt? 

I thought:  What can I do for Felt Hat Day.  My answer:  I’m going to wear a felt hat for Felt Hat Day.  If someone asks me WHY, I can say, “I felt like wearing a felt hat on Felt Hat Day.  Using “felt” as a verb, noun, and an adjective all in the same sentence, gave me pleasure.  Wordplay is fun.  It also tickled me to respond to WHY with “I felt like it” as a come back.  That’s like answering WHY with BECAUSE.

More About Felt.  More About Hats…

How is Felt Made?  To learn more, check here: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt

To learn more about felt hats, check the video links below:

How Are Felt Hats Made?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXW2RKOxyco

http://www.akubra.com.au/creation.html

What is a Fur Felt Hat?

http://www.akubra.com.au/create_making.html

An Amazing Hat Trick–It Pops Back in Shape

Crushable felt hats can be flattened, rolled, and packed in a suit case and still pop back in shape.  Watch this video.  http://www.villagehatshop.com/mens_crushable.html

Making Your Own Felt Hat–Peter Pan Hat (works as Robin Hood Hat too)

http://sewinharmony.com/peter-pan-hat-tutorial/

Famous Characters Who Wear Felt Hats (Bowler Style)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowler_hat

Can You Wear a Hat Well?  These People Do:

http://www.catalogs.com/info/bestof/famous-hats

Why is There an X on a Hat?

http://www.westernhats.com/what-does-the-x-mean-on-a-felt-or-straw-cowboy-hat.html

I tip my hat to you, readers.  For A List of Idioms About Hats, check here:

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/hat

Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Enjoy wordplay about hats today.  I look forward to reading your writing sample or comment.  Come again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

Are You an Idea Swapper?

“Are You an Idea Swapper?” by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

September 10, 2013 is Swap Ideas Day

Are You a swapper?  What kind?

Q & A–About Swappers

Q.  When war buddies get together, what do they swap?

A.  War stories.

Q.  What do football players swap?

A.  Replays from great games.

Q.  What do you call people who swap coupons?

A.  Coupon swappers.

Q.  What do you call people who swap recipes?

A.  Great cooks.

Q.  What do you call people who swap ideas?

A.  Idea swappers.  Sometimes they’re called a Think Tank.

Q.  What is a think tank?

A. According to MacMillan Dictionary, “a think tank” is “a group of people who work together to produce new ideas on a particular subject.”

Q.  What is another name for producing new ideas?

A.  Brainstorming.  See Tips for Brainstorming–pbskids:  http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/process_brainstorm.html

Q.  Can one person be a “Think Tank?”

A.  It takes a group to make a “Think Tank,” but one person can definitely be a thinker.

Your turn.  Please place your answer in the comment section.

1.  Can one person be an Idea Swapper?  Why or why not?

2.  When were you part of an Idea Swapper Group/Think Tank?  What was your project?

3,  What other things can be swapped?  State as a Q & A. 

Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon.  Bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

September Activities–This Month’s Calendar Events

“September Activities–This Month’s Calendar Events“ by Linda Martin Andersen

“A Writer’s Playground”

A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

Think:  What does the word “September” bring to mind?  The start of another school year.  Thoughts of Fall.  Summer coming to an end.  What about those back-to-school writing assignments:  What I Did Over Summer Vacation. 

I recently read Chicken Boy by Frances O’Roark Dowell, which I won by commenting on Carol Baldwin’s blog. http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/ In the book, Tobin McCauley, has a writing assignment–to write an autobiography.  He turns it in late and it isn’t typed, but he does complete the assignment.  Where is this leading?  I decided to be like Tobin.  I’d post this month’s activities, even though they are a few days late.  Tobin had “one grade dropped due to lateness.”  That only seemed fair.  So readers, I’ll understand if you feel the need to do the same.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out Chicken Boy and Frances O’Roark Dowell, the author.

http://www.francesdowell.com/biography/     Just for fun, check out “Chicken Boy–The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.”http://www.chickenboy.com/

Special Days in August:

• National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day: 1 What does it mean to say, “There was no rhyme nor reason for it?” Have you ever said this? Do you remember what was happening?
• Labor Day: 2 Why do we celebrate this day? Name three types of labor you do.
• National Lazy Mom’s Day: 6 What would Mom really like to do but won’t? Tell her about this holiday and ask how she’d like to celebrate “being lazy.” Can you help make it happen?
• Grandma Moses Day: 7 Who was Grandma Moses? Why is she famous? How is she like your grandma? How is she different?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5rkcPJUk14
• International Drive Your Studebaker Day: 8 What is a Studebaker? Research “Studebaker.” What did you learn? Why do you think this is a recognized holiday? How would you suggest celebrating?  http://www.studebakermuseum.org/p/about/history/
• http://www.studebakerhistory.com/dnn/Advertising/tabid/56/Default.aspx (advertising)
• International Literacy Day: 8 What does your hometown do to promote literacy? Is there a walk for literacy? Is there a charity that would like gently-used children’s books? What other things could be done?
• National Grandparent’s Day: 8 Do you have grandparents you can honor today? If not, do you have another family member you’d like to recognize in some kind way? Perhaps you could do something unexpected like sending a care package, if your parents give permission. Give something you helped grow or make.
• Swap Ideas Day: 10 Fall is right around the corner. What ideas do you have for celebrating? Swap ideas with someone. Have fun!
• Odd Day: 11 Find books  with “odd” in the title. One suggestion: Odd Velvet by Mary E. Whitcomb

• Patriot Day: 11 What is a patriot? In what war did Patriots fight in America? Look for books about this topic. http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/patriot-day  Patriot Day is now set aside to remember the terrorist attack on 911. 
• Remember Freedom Day: 11 What does “freedom” mean to you? Use the letters in “freedom” to write an acrostic poem. For example: F—founders of a new country, R–…
• Video Games Day: 12 What is your favorite video game? Do you earn points or advance to higher levels? Do you have a strategy tip you could share?
• Blame Someone Else Day: 13 Who gets blamed at your house? Do you?  How do you handle getting blamed? Do you blame someone else? What works best?
• Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day: 13 What is your favorite thing to cook? What could you cook today? Who could help you?  What do you cook well?  What would you like to learn to cook?  Check out cookbooks for kids. 
• Ronald Dahl Day: 13 When I hear this author’s name, I think:  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  James and the Giant Peach.  Have you read books by Ronald Dahl? Why not read another one. If you haven’t read any, ask someone who for a recommendation. What could you do to celebrate this day?http://www.biography.com/people/roald-dahl-9264648
• Stand Up to Cancer Day: 13 What do you think it means to “stand up to cancer?” What things do you stand up to? What do you stand up for? How do you decide?
• Felt Hat Day: 15 What is felt? What type hats are made of felt? Research and see. What else is made of felt? Have you ever seen a felt board? What is it used for?http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_felt_hat_day.html
• Mayflower Day: 16 What is your best guess for selecting the name “Mayflower.” What would you have suggested, if asked? What do you think of when you hear “Mayflower?”
• National Respect Day: 18 What does “respect” mean to you?  Make a chart of people, places, and things you respect. How do you show respect for each one? Do you think it’s possible to respect someone you do not like? Why or why not?
• Talk Like a Pirate Day: 19 Ayyy, Matey.  Make a list of pirate talk.  Include special vocabulary. Now, can you imitate a pirate without using pirate words? For example: Do not tell someone to walk the plank. See if anyone can guess that you’re “being a pirate.”
• World’s Alzheimer’s Day: 21 What are some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Look for statistics about alzheimer’s. Research ways to care for people with this disease. Find out about current medical treatments.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_1973.asp
• Dear Diary Day: 22 If you wanted to tell someone about your day, who would it be? What if that person isn’t available? Write your thoughts and address them to “Dear Diary.” The next day, try doing the same thing. Perhaps you’ll continue to keep a diary.
• Ice Cream Cone Day: 22 Treat yourself to an ice cream cone today. Treat someone else if you can. Ask friends to meet for an ice cream cone. Tell them it’s “Dutch Treat.” If you or your friends don’t know the meaning of “Dutch Treat,” research the term.
• National Good Neighbor Day: 28 What are some ways your neighbors help you or others in your family? What are some ways you can help your neighbors? (children—check with your parents first)
• National Museum Day: 28 How many museums can you name in your area? Select another state and research museums there. Which would you recommend? What is a House Museum? Which ones have you visited?
• R.E.A.D. in America Day: 28 Who can you read to today? A friend, a parent, your dog? Choose a new book to read or finish one you have begun. What is your favorite: humor, mystery, adventure, poetry, science fiction, nonfiction, or other? Recommend a good book to someone. http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm

Special Weeks:

• National Nutrition Week: 1-7 In honor of this week, check each of your meals and snacks before eating. Is there something you could substitute that would be healthier? What healthy habit could you add?
• Pollution Prevention Week: 15-21 What are some ways to prevent pollution? What pollution prevention habits do you follow? Create a poster that encourages pollution prevention. Where can you display it?  What books have you read that encourage responsible care of the environment?  Ask friends what they have read.
• Constitution Week: 17-23 Where can you see a copy of the Constitution? Where can you find information about its meaning? How can you celebrate this week? Who will you celebrate with?
• Deaf Awareness Week: 22-29 Have you ever met an interpreter? Have you been in class with a deaf student? Research schools for the deaf. Locate information about sign language. Learn to sign letters or words. Share what you learn with someone.
• National Dog Week: 22-28 Do you own a dog? Who do you know that does? Ask your parents if you may plan a dog parade with neighbors or friends. Write a dog story. Ask friends to share pictures of their dogs and tell their favorite dog stories. Share your own stories.
• National Keep Kids Creative Week: 22-28 What do you enjoy creating? Try creating with three of something: Find three or more disposable items and create something. Or find three full page glossy magazine pictures. Cut them in strips. Create a mural. Create something else using threes.
• Sea Otter Awareness Week: 22-28 Have you ever seen a sea otter? A river otter? How are they alike? How are they different? What books can you find about otters?  In September 2012, I spotlighted a book by Laurie Keller called Do Unto Otters–A Book About Manners.  Check here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1140&action=edit
•  Chimney Safety Week: 30—10/6 Research chimney safety. What occupation shares safety tips on this topic? Does your home have a chimney? How do you make sure it is safe? What is a chimney sweep? What video or movie includes a chimney sweep?

September is…

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month Do you know anyone with ADHD or ADD (without hyperactivity)? Research symptoms. How do you think this disorder would interfere with school assignments, friendships, and family time? Which disorder do you think would be easier to live with and why?
• Backpack Safety America Month Read backpack safety tips. Check your backpack. Do you need to make changes? What are other safety tips for a new school year?
• Be Kind to Editors & Writers Month Who is an editor or writer you know? Share kindness with one by sending a card or comment by email (with parent permission). Recommend a favorite book to a friend. That is a kindness an editor and/or writer would appreciate.
• Children’s Good Manners Month Who or what taught you good manners? Good books? Recommend one. Who taught you to hold a door, say please and thank you, share, etc? Thank that person today.
• Fall Hat Month If you were a hat designer, what would you create for Fall? Write up a description or draw a design.  Check out Twelve Hats for Lena by Karen Katz or other hat books.  See the author’s website here:  http://www.karenkatz.com/picturebook.html
• 
• International or National Guide Dogs Month Have you ever seen someone come into a public place with a guide dog? Name two or more reasons why the person might have one? What are some rules to remember if you see someone with a guide dog? Research guide dogs and their training.
• Library Card Sign-up Month Do you have a public library card? If not, ask your parent if you can sign up for one. How many books do you check out on average? Ask your friends if they have library cards. If not, encourage them to sign up for one.
• National Honey Month What do you eat honey on? Have you ever taken a spoonful of honey when you had a cold? What type honey do you find on grocery shelves? Do you know a beekeeper? Have you ever seen honey gathered? Is there a place to watch it being gathered in your area? Research to learn more about bees, bee hives, queen bees, worker bees, beekeepers, etc.
• National Rice Month What is a rice paddy? Have you ever seen one? Where can they be found in the world? Look at a rice display in a grocery store. What varieties do you see? Which is your favorite? Have you ever cooked rice? What is meant by gummy rice? What brand of rice does your family buy? Why? Research to learn more about rice.  Check out this video to learn more:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT6gjb48_N0
• National Wilderness Month Name places you consider a wilderness. What do you like to do there? What is a national wilderness? Research national wilderness locations. Have you visited any on the list? Choose one to study further. What would you like to do there? Is there one close to your home that you might visit? Ask your parents.
• Self-Improvement Month What do you see as your personal strengths? What do you need to improve? How can you do that? Set a goal and check your progress or ask someone else to help. Choose someone who will keep you encouraged and cheer you on.

*Thank you Brownie Locks.com for September celebration information.  For more September observances check out: http://www.brownielocks.com/september.html

I hope you’ll leave a comment before you go.  Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Please come again soon and bring a friend. 

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen