Contribute to a Summer Notebook Project for KIDS

 

 

 “Contribute to a Summer Notebook Project for KIDS.”  This project is organized and coordinated by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater.  Reported by Linda Martin Andersen

Calling all ages, all professions..Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is seeking volunteers to contribute one or more summer notebook activities for KIDS. 

Write it as if to kids.  Make your exercise specific.  The posts should contain a few sentences of what to do and then kids Try It.  Include a photo of your sample notebook page.  See the link below for activities that have been submitted.

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/p/summer-notebooking-try-it.html

 I have accepted the challenge.  Will you?  At my last count, 38 activities were posted.  Check here for more information. 

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2015/05/summer-kickoff-notes-from-amy-lv.html

Amy adds, “If each contributor tags one…it will grow!”

 I hope you’ll post an activity to Summer Notebooks.  Kids will appreciate it.

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Comments are appreciated.  If you’re under 13 years old, please ask a trusted adult to post for you.

 

 

 

 

Try This! Look for a Springboard

 “Try This!  Look for a Springboard” by Linda Martin Andersen.

I wrote this activity for a Summer Notebook Project for kids.  Maybe you’d like to write one too.  Learn more about it here:  http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2015/05/writing-brains-and-notebooks.html

Try This! – Look for a Springboard

Springboard—a perfect summer word for time by the pool.

A springboard can also be a jumping off place for your writing—an ah-ha moment.

How do you find springboards for writing?  Keep alert.  Focus on what’s around you.  Record what you see:  Picture it in your mind. Keep notes. Take photos, if you can.

How do I create a summer notebook moment?  One way is to follow these three steps.

1.  Find a springboard (ah-ha moment) in the world.
2.  List the senses it evokes.
3.  Write a notebook entry.

Let’s say your parents make a stop at the local garden center. While you’re there, look for a springboard.  Anything that catches your attention could become a summer notebook moment.

Here’s one of my springboard moments.  You can see the steps I went through in my mind, from springboard to notebook entry.

Take a Photo with a Camera or with Your Mind

1. Springboard:
The seed counter at Bell’s Seed Store, where seeds are scooped from bins and sold by the ounce.

2. Sense(s) Involved:
Sight and Touch.  I dipped a metal scoop into a butterbean display and placed a few beans in my hand.  I recalled these things:

• Planting hills of beans in my family’s garden
• Winning a blue ribbon on a 4-H Club garden project
• Helping my family pick and shell five bushels of butterbeans on the 4th of July.
• My mother encouraging my siblings and me.  She’d say, “Look back at how far you’ve come.  Don’t look ahead at how much you have left to do.”

My Notebook Entry:

Five Bushels of Butterbeans

Near sunrise one summer morning, my family and I picked butterbeans from our garden.  When we finished, we each pulled up a chair under a shade tree.  Newspaper was placed on the ground and butterbeans were spread in thin layers to keep them cool.  We scooped beans into our pans, wiping our hands before shelling. Hulls were pitched into buckets placed between us.

As my friends rode by on their way to the beach or lake, they honked their car horns. That was a 4th of July I’ll never forget.

Even though I didn’t get to have fun with friends that day, it led to another special day.  A blue ribbon day, earned in 4-H Club for my garden project.

See other summer notebook entries here:  http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/p/summer-notebooking-try-it.html

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is calling for more summer notebook entries.  At last count, there were 38.  Write one of your own and add to the total.  Do it for the kids.  See here:

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2015/05/writing-brains-and-notebooks.html

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Comments are appreciated.  If you’re under 13 years old, please ask a trusted adult to post for you.

High School and Prom Dates…That Special Someone

 “High School and Prom Dates…That Special Someone” by Linda Martin Andersen

High school and prom dates…that special someone. 

These two recent newspaper articles reflect that some dates are about far more than beauty.  They’re about special friendships and caring.

https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/high-school-quarterback-keeps-promise-to-friend-118955651387.html

Local story from my area:

http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/kim-hasty-special-prom-posal-touches-hearts/article_b6de5e8c-9aa6-56a6-87cc-ed9324f08514.html

I hope you’ll share stories about special friendships.  I love to hear people sing the praises of today’s youth.  Don’t you?

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Comments are appreciated.  If you’re under 13 years old, please ask a trusted adult to post for you.

 

Virtual Entertainment At My Blog’s Birthday Party

“Virtual Entertainment At My Blog’s Birthday Party” by Linda Martin Andersen

We’re still partying here at “A Writer’s Playground!”  Three years of blog posts to celebrate.  What fun!  I appreciate that many of you have shared how you’ll be traveling.  If you’re just joining in, please choose a virtual mode of transportation that allows you to arrive in style–in a style related to your writing.  For example, I’m arriving on elephant’s back because my current writing includes an elephant.  Enjoy the ride!

And now for the birthday blog entertainment…

After reading Laura Purdie Salas’ blog on Friday, May 15, I decided to re-blog her post as entertainment for this virtual party.

• I can imagine Laura Purdie Salas arriving by train carrying an armload of picture books and asking each guest to choose one.  After reading, name another book title that is similar in some way.  Finally, share what these books have in common.  Laura calls these “Bookalikes–2 books with a connection.”  This is an activity fit for any age reader.
• I can also imagine Laura asking each guest to write a poem based on the book.  Write a poem that summarizes the book or write something the book inspires.  Write rhyme, non-rhyme, or free verse.  Laura calls these poems  “Poetryaction–a poem in reaction to a book.”
• Check out Laura’s recent post on train books and an example of Poetryaction and Bookalikes.  http://www.laurasalas.com/blog/for-teachers/all-aboard-pf/
• Here’s a second sample for more inspiration:  http://www.laurasalas.com/blog/for-teachers/prxn-small/
• Have fun reading, writing, and sharing!
• Please post in the comment section.  I’m looking forward to reading your Bookalikes, Poetryactions, and general comments.

Laura Purdie Salas, thank you for providing our entertainment.  You know how to make a virtual birthday blog party very special!

Readers, if you’d like a chance at a book giveaway, follow the rules posted here:

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/05/10/its-may-a-writers-playground-is-celebrating-3-years/

Please leave a comment.  Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Children 13 years old or older are invited to  comment.  See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

 

 

It’s May! A Writer’s Playground is Celebrating 3 Years

“It’s May!  A Writer’s Playground is Celebrating 3 Years” by Linda Martin Andersen

Just for fun, I’m hosting a virtual blog birthday party for the remainder of May 2015.   If you are a writer (13+years) and you’d like to attend, please do.

No RSVPs necessary.  Instead…

1.  In the comment section below, please describe your selected virtual mode of transportation and tell how it relates to your writing.  For example:  My name is Linda Martin Andersen and my current picture book manuscript includes some wild animals (stuffed); therefore, I will arrive at  the party on elephant’s back. 
2. If you have published books, please provide a link to your website or book list in the comment section.  Other guests can visit your sites and select topics for socializing with you.
3. Check back here throughout the month of May and comment with others who are attending the party.  For example:  I am guessing that Laura Purdie Salas might arrive at the party on a floating leaf.  Why?  Because one of her picture books is called, A Leaf Can.  If she chooses some other mode of transportation, I could chat with her about that. No need to feel like a wallflower at this party.  Too much to talk about.

Earlier this month, I interviewed Laura Purdie Salas.  See here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/05/02/an-interview-with-laura-purdie-salas-short-and-sweet-giveaway-too/

 I hope you’ll visit, if you missed it earlier.  The book giveaway is still available!  Check out the sample listing of Laura Purdie Salas’ book titles below.  I purchased one of them.  Which one? 

     4.  Choose one book title from this list.  Name your choice in the comment section here or on the earlier interview with Laura Purdie Salas.  Good luck. 

Titles which have been guessed are crossed off the list.   I am opening the contest to anyone interested, even if you’ve already guessed a title.  The first person to name the book, wins it.  Entry is due by May 31, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. (EST)   If no one has named the correct title by the deadline, I will conduct a random drawing for a winner.

Title #1:  Colors of Weather (Colors All Around)

Title #2:  A Leaf Can Be . . . 

Title #3:  Water Can Be . . .

Title #4:  A Rock Can Be…

Title #5:  BookSpeak!: Poems About Books

Title #6:  Stampede!: Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School

Title #7:  A Fuzzy-Fast Blur: Poems about Pets (Poetry)   

Title #8:  Whose Coat Is This?: A Look at How Workers Cover Up – Jackets, Smocks, and Robes (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)  

Title #9:  Whose Shoes Are These?: A Look at Workers’ Footwear – Slippers, Sneakers, and Boots (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)

Title #10:  Whose Gloves Are These?: A Look at Gloves Workers Wear – Leather, Cloth, and Rubber (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)    

Title #11:  Fairy Tale Garage Sale: Poems of After Ever After (30 Painless Classroom Poems) (Volume 3)     

Title #12:  C Is for Cake!: A Birthday Alphabet (Alphabet Fun) (A+ Books: Alphabet Fun)  

Title #13:  Always Got My Feet: Poems about Transportation (Poetry) 

Title #14:  Seed Sower, Hat Thrower: Poems about Weather (Poetry)

Title #15:  Tiny Dreams, Sprouting Tall: Poems about the United States (Poetry)

Title #16:  Why-Ku:  Poems of Wonder About the World (30 painless Classroom Poems)

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Thanks for celebrating with me!  Remember to leave requested information in the comment section ( See numbered sections:  1-4). I hope you enjoy the party as much as I know I will!

“Sharing a Plea for Anger” by Susan Vaught

 “Sharing A Plea for Anger” by Susan Vaught and posted by Linda Martin Andersen.

This blog post shows a helpful view of anger and a healthy response to it.

Enjoy:

https://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/a-plea-for-anger/

Comments?

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Children 13 years old or older are invited to  comment.

See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

An Interview With Laura Purdie Salas–Short and Sweet. Giveaway too.

 “An Interview With Laura Purdie Salas–Short and Sweet.  Giveaway too.” by Linda Martin Andersen

Every day in April, Laura Purdie Salas offered a tip for sharing poetry.  If you missed this collection, April posts are still available here:  http://www.laurasalas.com/blog/

Laura is a poet with over 100 published books.  I am excited that she agreed to an interview.  To see a sampling of Laura’s books, check here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Laura+Purdie+Salas

Short and Sweet Interview with…

Laura Purdie Salas, poet and author 

I asked Laura questions based on the book titles below.  Her responses appear in green. 

Welcome, Laura! I know you’re a poet and author.  I’d write an introduction in rhyme, if it were my strength.  Perhaps, I should at least open with some rhymes:  here, cheer, dear, fear, near…enough of that.  Take it away, Laura Purdie Salas!  We’re so happy to have you here.

Title #1:  Colors of Weather (Colors All Around)

Name an example of a color of weather.

Green sky when storms are brewing

Title #2:  A Leaf Can Be . . . 

a love note from a tree.

Title #3:  Water Can Be . . .

a shape-shifting wave.

Title #4:  A Rock Can Be…

a story-teller.

Title #5:  BookSpeak!: Poems About Books

Name an example of how a book speaks.

Mine say, “Forget the dishwasher…come finish me!”

Title #6:  Stampede!: Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School

Name one example of a “wild side of school.”

As a former 8^th-grade teacher, I have too many examples swimming around my head!

Title #7:  A Fuzzy-Fast Blur: Poems about Pets (Poetry)  

What is an example of a “fuzzy-fast blur?”

A hamster on the loose!

Title #8:  Whose Coat Is This?: A Look at How Workers Cover Up – Jackets, Smocks, and Robes (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)  

Name a community worker and his cover up.

Firefighter’s turnout gear

Title #9:  Whose Shoes Are These?: A Look at Workers’ Footwear – Slippers, Sneakers, and Boots (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)

Name a community worker and his footwear.

Librarian’s comfy shoes!

Title #10:  Whose Gloves Are These?: A Look at Gloves Workers Wear – Leather, Cloth, and Rubber (Whose Is It?: Community Workers)    

Name a community worker and the type gloves he wears.

Raptor rescuer’s leather gauntlets

Title #11:  Fairy Tale Garage Sale: Poems of After Ever After (30 Painless Classroom Poems) (Volume 3)  

Name a fairy tale character and something she might sell at a garage sale.   

Rapunzel’s conditioner—after she cuts her hair short!

Title #12:  C Is for Cake!: A Birthday Alphabet (Alphabet Fun) (A+ Books: Alphabet Fun)  

Choose an alphabet letter and its birthday match.

B is for Blushing—when everyone is singing to me

Title #13:  Always Got My Feet: Poems about Transportation (Poetry) 

Name a way to use feet for transportation.

Walk along Lake Superior to transport my mind to a wilder place

Title #14:  Seed Sower, Hat Thrower: Poems about Weather (Poetry)

What weather matches “seed sower, hat thrower?”

March wind!

Title #15:  Tiny Dreams, Sprouting Tall: Poems about the United States (Poetry)

What matches “tiny dreams, sprouting tall?”

A poem

Title #16:  Why-Ku:  Poems of Wonder About the World (30 painless Classroom Poems)

Name a “wonder about the world.”

(Inspired by a listener at a recent reading of A ROCK CAN BE…) I wonder if grouse and chickens ever eat too MANY pebbles, or if instinct tells them when to quit.

To celebrate “A Writer’s Playground’s” 3rd birthday, I’m giving away one of Laura Purdie Salas’ books to the first person who correctly guesses the title.   See the list above.   To personalize your gift, Laura Purdie Salas will provide a signed bookplate for the winner. Entry is due by May 31, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. (EST)  Please, only one entry per household.

Which book do you think I purchased to give away?   Please record your answer in the comment box below.  Include your email address also, if I do not have it.  It will be used for contest contact purposes.   Good luck!

Be on the lookout for a birthday celebration invitation coming soon!

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Children 13 years old or older are invited to  comment.  See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

This Month’s Top Ten Recipients: Add More Humor Award

 “This Month’s Top Ten Recipients:  Add More Humor Award” by Linda Martin Andersen

Everybody knows that Mother’s Day is May 10, 2015 and Memorial Day is May 25, 2015.  Very special days.  Don’t forget them.

This month, I am spotlighting ten humorous May Days.  Think funny this month.  What’s funny to you?  What does funny sound like?  What does funny look like?  Do you ever snort when you laugh?  Do you ever feel like your side will split? 

This Month’s Top Ten Recipients: Add More Humor Award (selected by me for this site only)

1. Mother Goose Day: 1  Can you name three funny Mother Goose rhymes?  What lines are funny to you and why?  Name a Mother Goose rhyme that shows another emotion.  Which one?
2. Free Comic Book Day: 2 When was the last time you read a comic book?  Read one or more today.  Do you read the newspaper comics?  Which is your favorite?  Which was your favorite comic three or more years ago?  Has it changed?  If so, why do you think that’s so? 
3. National Two Different Colored Shoes Day: 3  Jennifer Larson has a published book about lost soles.  See here:  http://www.authorjenniferlarson.com/   I like Jennifer’s search for lost soles.  You might too.  If you’ve never worn two different color shoes, try it today.  If you’ve done it before, you know it’s fun.  Do it again.
4. World Laughter Day: 3 If you were in charge of world laughter, how would you make the world a happier, funnier place?  How can you begin on a smaller scale?  Name a way to include more laughter in your own day.
5. Cartoonists Day: 5  Name a favorite cartoon or cartoonist.  What do you admire about this art or artist?  Where can you learn more about the cartoonist? Take time to research and share what you learned.
6. Great American Grump Out: 6 What is a grump?  Define a “Grump Out.”  How would you organize one?  Consider a Family Grump Out today or challenge a friend to accept the challenge with you.  Set rules participants agree with.  Discuss how it went at the end of the day.
7. Limerick Day: 12  Here are some examples of limericks:  http://www.kidzone.ws/poetry/limerick.htm  Happy reading.  Write one of your own.  Joy Acey shares limericks here:  http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/search?q=limerick
8. National Chicken Dance Day: 14 Can you do the Chicken Dance?  See here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWjeITmDmmo  What other dances make you laugh?
9. O. Henry Pun-off Day: 15 Who was O. Henry?  Read his biography and some short stories here:  http://americanliterature.com/author/o-henry/bio-books-stories   Enjoy kid puns here:  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/puns-for-kids.html
10. What You Think Upon Grows Day: 31  Imagine for a moment a garden in which  all your thoughts sprouted and bloomed.  What flowers would you be happy to share with a neighbor or friend?  Which would need weeding?  Is it possible to have a garden of perfect thoughts?  Why or why not?
    

Please leave a comment.  Thanks for visiting.  For more May celebrations visit http://www.brownielocks.com/may.html  Come again soon and bring a friend. 

Children 13 years old or older are invited to comment.  See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm