Nothing Says Joy in the Morning Like…

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Nothing Says Joy in the Morning Like…” by Linda Martin Andersen

Personal grief hit me hard in June.  It left me too sad to do some things I enjoy, such as making small home decorating changes.  Fortunately, my  creativity is returning.  This brings me great joy!

Yesterday, I decided to replace the coffee station in my kitchen.  I purchased a bamboo napkin holder and serving tray to hold my coffee maker and condiments.   This simple decorating change filled me with joy.  Now as I pour myself a cup of coffee, I’m reminded to start my day with joy.  I was also reminded of two Folgers’ coffee jingles:  “Nothing says morning like Folgers in your cup. ” Also:  “The best part of waking up in Folgers in your cup.”

These jingles influenced my writing and this blog title.  Writing and word play bring me joy.  Choosing to change my coffee station brought me two joys:  creative decorating and writing.

What caused this positive change?  Time for a moment of truth…I added too much water to my coffee pot which caused it to boil over and ruin my  tray.  Cause and effect.  That’s one accident I’m glad happened.  😉  It started positive wheels turning.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7LXSQ85jpw

These jingles influenced my writing.  Can you recognize their influence in my blog title?  Writing and word play bring me joy.

What brings you joy in the morning and throughout the day?

Bamboo Coffee Station. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen.

Writing Prompts:

1.  Look around your bedroom and locate things that bring you joy.  Write or tell about them.

2.  Look for things that bring you joy on your ride to school.  Write or tell about them.

3.  Begin a Joy Journal.  Record things that bring you joy throughout the day.

4.  Write an acronym for JOY.  Here is a site for word suggestions:  http://www.enchantedlearning.com/phonetic/y.shtml

Example of an acronym for  JOY:  J–Jump  O–orbit Y–yell

5.  Write a phrase acronym for JOY.  Example:  J–Jump  O–over  Y–yokes (burdens).  Discuss the meaning of this phrase with an adult.

6.  Do you know someone named Joy?  Tell ways this person brings joy to the world.  Example:  Joy Acey:  http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/2016/09/sharks-and-minnows.html

7.  Do you know a song about Joy?  Change some of the lyrics to include things that bring you joy.

8.  Complete this writing prompt:  Nothing says joy in the morning like…

9.  Here are two Folgers’ coffee jingles:  “Nothing says morning like Folgers in your cup. ” Also:  “The best part of waking up in Folgers in your cup.”  Use these jingles as writing prompts to create your own personal jingle or slogan.

10.  What is your definition of joy?  Expand your definition with personal examples.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

A Game Played with Erasers

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “A Game Played with Erasers” shared with permission from Renee at

https://godselfie.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/do-not-erase/

Posted by Linda Martin Andersen

 

Thanks, Renee for allowing me to share your post, “Do not Erase.”

https://godselfie.wordpress.com/2016/07/14/do-not-erase/

I loved learning of this simple eraser game and the players’ creativity.  I hope this post inspires you to play something similar.  Or perhaps this post will bring back memories of childhood games you loved.  Share some of your favorite games or playful memories here!  I look forward to hearing from you.

Writing Prompts:

1. Favorite Childhood Game
2. A Time You Made a Friend When Playing a Game
3. A Lesson Learned While Playing a Game.

Choose a writing prompt about playing games or create your own.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Z is for Zebra, Zig-zag, and Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Z is for Zebra, Zig-zag, and Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Z is for Zebra

Zebra in the children’s ward of the hospital. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Years ago, an adult family member was admitted to the hospital.  Typically, he likes to kid around. When he was assigned a hospital room, he ended up in the pediatric section. That was the only available room, he was told.  We all got a good laugh.   This zebra was painted on the ceiling in his room, along with other animals.  Have you ever seen a zebra in these colors?  Have you ever seen a zebra on ceiling tiles?  What zebra story can you share?

Z is for Zig-Zag

When was the last time you zig-zagged from one point to another.  If you haven’t done it in a while, or have forgotten how, ask a child to demonstrate.  Or when all else fails, watch a YouTube video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9z7otXJZI 

For a kid, zig zagging seems natural; however, this YouTube demonstration seems straight out of a learner’s manual.  Thank goodness when I learned to zig-zag, I had fun getting into the  groove, and gliding to and fro.  How about you?

Z is for Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound

Listen to this silly snoring sound:  http://soundbible.com/1683-Silly-Snoring.html

Here’s an original Sleep Command Game. 

Needed items:  Someone to lead the game of 3 or more family members or friends.  Watch/clock with a second hand.  Paper and pencil, and a large empty room or grassy yard.

1.  Invite your family to get down on the floor or in the grass to play a Sleep Command Game with you.
2. Record the time on the clock before you begin.
3. Give commands such as: Toss and turn.  Sigh–make it a deep sigh.  Turn from your back to your belly, and back over.  Stretch.  Snore.  Snore louder.  Snore even louder.   Sit up startled, etc.
4. When someone laughs, check and record the time.  How much time passed before someone laughed?
5.  Ask your family to play again and try to beat their recorded time for not laughing.  Compare the results.  Did they succeed?  Did the results turn out like you expected?  Tell about it.

Tell about a time you had the silly giggles.  Was it hard to stop giggling?  Why do you think that might be so?

A big thank you to the creators of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.  I made it to ‘Z end.

I might not have been the first one to cross the finish line, but I completed the race.  I met my goal, reached it, and had so much fun along the way!  Thanks to all those who played along with me.  It was also great to meet so many more bloggers.

What “Z” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

W is for Wisteria

Have you seen wisteria twisting and climbing trees in your area?  I told someone it’s as close to purple mountain majesty as we get in the Sandhills of North Carolina.  Wisteria always reminds me of one of my favorite authors…

Joyce Moyer Hostetter has a new middle grade historical novel that will be launched in October 2016.  It’s called Aim.  It is the prequel to Blue.  Comfort rounds out the trilogy.  Wisteria plays an important role in the setting of Joyce’s books.  So of course, she’s showing off their lovely blooms below.

  These Advance Readers Copies (ARC) arrived on Monday.  The launch day for Aim is Oct. 4, 2016.  Congratulations, Joyce!                                   

Why is Joyce modeling wisteria? 

Perhaps she is celebrating that Aim, the prequel, is coming soon!

To learn more about Joyce Moyer Hostetter’s books, check here:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.com/my-books/

Joyce’s blog:  The Three R’s–Reading, ‘Riting, and Research:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com/

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joyce Hostetter for another of her books, Healing Water, a book that includes leprosy.  This post probably received the most comments of any I’ve ever written.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/who-would-write-about-leprosy-joyce-moyer-hostetter-thats-who/

Joyce Hostetter and Carol Baldwin co-write a newsletter for teachers and parents.  Learn more about “Talking Story” here:  http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/p/talking-story.html

I hope you’ll check out Joyce Moyer Hostetter and her books!

W is for Wonder

When I hear “wonder,” I tend to think “head in the clouds.”

Copyright 2014. Jim Martin

 

What do you think of when you hear “wonder?”  I wonder what he/she’s thinking.  I wonder if I’ll ever reach my goal.  I wonder what it would be like to be…or to do… I hope you’ll share something that you wonder.

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is participating in a poetry writing challenge this month that she calls, “Wallow in Wonder.”  Here’s a post to enjoy.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/04/wallow-in-wonder-day-25-mama-kangaroos.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+amylv%2FGmZc+%28The+Poem+Farm%29

Visit Wonderopolis here:  http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-do-kangaroos-keep-in-their-pockets

W is for Writer’s Gifts

When friends give me gifts, they sometimes purchase something to inspire my writing.  Here’s one example:

Writing Muse. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Thanks to all who gift me with encouragement, love, friendship, and shared writing tips!  I love and appreciate my writing community.  It keep me going!

What “W” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

 

U is for Umbrella, Underline, and Underwear

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “U is for Umbrella, Underline, and Underwear” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

U is for Umbrella

Carter at Frisbee Camp by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016.

Judging from the picture, a granddog deserves the best and gets it.  Frisbee even in the rain!  Thanks to Jane, my sister-in-law, for permission to post this one.

What umbrella stories come to mind for you?  Have you ever lost an umbrella?  Maybe they’ll show up in Heaven along with missing socks and keys.  Oh my, what a Lost and Found table that will be.  For more on a missing sock story, read here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/s-is-for-sock-squirrel-and-sanctuary/

U is for Underline

Have you ever sent a handwritten note with a word underlined several times.  Did each underlined row decrease in  length until it resulted in a triangle image?  See below:

Absolutely!

__________

________

______

____

__

_

In my opinion, it is easier to accomplish this on paper than on computer. And personally, I don’t find creating on the computer to be nearly as much fun as putting pen to paper.  Too much math and thinking involved. The sample above seems too rigid, too perfect.  Spontaneity is missing.  Where’s the fun?  Have you noticed writing activities that are more fun on paper than on computer?  What about doodling along the margins?  Others?

U is for Underwear

And no, I’m not posting a picture of MY underwear.  You were hoping I would?  I certainly hope not.  I posted a photo of my feet earlier.  See here, if you really want to.  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/04/23/t-is-for-tractor-turkey-and-thinking-on-your-feet/

That was my limit; so I draw the line on posting photos of my underwear.  Actually I drew the line(s) above.  😉

In December 2014,  I gave away a copy of Laura Gehl’s book One Giant Pair of Underwear, illustrated by Tom Lightenheld.  And so I’m reposting it as an underwear  photo.  Way cuter photo too!

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/no-to-underwear-as-a-gift-yes-to-books-about-underwear-giveaway/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraGehl

What “U” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

T is for Tractor

Every fall, our family has an annual hayride held on farm property surrounding our home.  Our son drives his tractor that pulls a trailer lined with straw and filled with children’s laughter.  I have blogged about our hayride here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/our-annual-hayride-a-fall-family-tradition/

 

 T is for Turkey

Yesterday, I was considering what “T” words to spotlight when two wild turkeys crossed our backyard.  I wasn’t able to photograph them, but one thing I have learned to do is to credit great photographers when I meet them.  Check out Tim and Mary Livingston’s art and photos of turkeys.  You’ll love their blogs too.

https://theforesterartist.com/2015/03/20/get-your-strut-on-its-spring/

https://theforesterartist.com/2013/11/28/make-yourself-at-home-i-made-turkey/

Sneaking Bliss Blog with Mary A. Livingston:

Turkeys–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/11/26/whimsday-bliss-turkey-dinner-old-school-3/

And bears–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/07/31/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/

T is for Thinking on Your Feet

Feet by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/think+on+feet

I am not the most mechanically minded one in the family by any stretch of the imagination, but I take comfort in being able to think on my feet some times.  It feels good to be able to solve something when you haven’t plotted and planned in advance.  My reaction:  “I want to scream and shout and let it all out”– Scream and Shout  by Will.i.am and Brittney Spears:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtGl1dX5qI

Name a time when you were quick at thinking on your feet.   How did you react?  Internally?  Externally?

Thanks for playing along!

What “T” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

M is for Monkeys, Mamas, and Manuscripts

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “M is for Monkeys, Mamas, and Manuscripts” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Believe or not, monkeys, mamas, and manuscripts are connected in my mind.  I have two manuscripts out at this time.  One is about monkeys and other zoo animals.  The other is loosely based on a character who reminds me of my mama.

If you’re a writer, I challenge you to…

think of two or more “M” topics you have written about in manuscripts.  If that’s too restrictive, you chose what to share.

M is for Monkeys

Monkeys are fun.  Curious George, a famous monkey, was one of my children’s favorite book characters.   Maybe that’s one reason I chose to include monkeys in a manuscript.  Plus, I always loved the song/book “Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.”  Maybe you’d like to hear it too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSGxfOojzE8

When my friend, Joan Edwards, invited me to spend a weekend with her, she surprised me with a beanie monkey to keep me motivated while writing my zoo manuscript.   MOTIVATED–another “M” word.  Here’s the monkey’s photo.  I have him displayed on my mantle, among cork framed sculptures and looking down on my writing desk.  I appreciate Monkey cheering me on.

Monkey from Joan Edwards. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

 

M is for Mamas

My mother has always been very supportive of my writing.  She has read rough drafts for me and let me know where things needed clarifying.  I decided to write a story loosely based on her as a child.  I am waiting to hear back on that submission.  My mama’s not your typical Mama.  Proof is in the pictures.

Gayle Martin on a zero-turn mower. Copyright 2014. Linda Andersen

Gayle Martin on a mission trip to Haiti. She paints, she builds benches, etc.

M is for Manuscripts

I keep sending them, and they (publishers) keep sending them back.  Actually, I’m joshing/joking a little.  I have sold some magazine stories, articles, activities, and poems.  I’ve had teacher guides published too.  So, I’m not really complaining.  Rejections happen, just like life happens.

Who else has manuscripts out there that you’re waiting to hear back from?  Good luck!  So what are you doing in the meantime?  Writing something else, I hope.

What “M” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

K is for Kites, Kool-Aid, and a Kettle for Hot Tea

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “K” is for Kites, Kool-Aid, and a Kettle for Hot Tea”  by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

K is for Kites

• I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Each cover of their professional magazine, The Bulletin, is illustrated with a kite.  I don’t have permission to include a photo, so here’s an embroidered kite that hangs on my wall.

Embroidered Kite. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

 

My friend and poet, Joy Acey, has several poems about kites on her blog.  See here:

http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/search?q=kites

• When my children were little, they loved Curious George.  One of their favorite stories was Curious George Flies a Kite by Margret Rey and H.A. Ray.  I have an old copy of this book with a copyright of 1958.  For a partial reading of the book, listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhxhxQ3CJxw

• When was the last time you flew a kite?  Who were you with?  Did your kite soar, dip, or crash?  At the walking park near us, people can be seen flying kites.  Maybe I’ll get a photo to share for another time.

 

K is for Kool-Aid

Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Have you ever mixed a pitcher of Kool-Aid to serve?  Write or tell about that time.

Can you finish this tune? 

Kool-Aid, Kool-Aid tastes great…

K is for Kettle for Hot Tea

Do you or your family own a kettle for hot tea?  I used to but I don’t any more.  Do you drink hot tea?  Do you know the song “Polly Put the Kettle on?”  Listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdutyFg1Mj8

What “K” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

J is for Jack and Jill, Jack Rocks, and Jack-in-the Box

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “J is for Jack and Jill, Jack Rocks, and Jack-in-the-Box” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

J is for Jack and Jill (and other nursery rhymes)

Jack and Jill
Went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water,
Jack fell down
And broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after.
Up Jack got
And home did trot
As fast as he could caper,
Went to bed
To mend his head
With vinegar and brown paper. Author: Unknown

Is there still room in a child’s life for simple games, play, and toys?  I believe so.  Check out this website if you need a refresher on rhymes, fingerplays and songs:

http://www.nenpl.org/childrens/bibliographies/titles/rhymes.php

J is for Jack Rocks

Do you remember how to play?  Here’s a video to review the rules:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwmCInS2pIM

J is for Jack-in-the-box

Fun things are worth repeating even when we know the outcome.  A Jack-in-the-box works the same way every time and yet we keep cranking that handle.  Kids love it, except for those who are perhaps too young and scared by a clown or other object jumping out at them.  If you have a young child who doesn’t enjoy this toy, look for other old-fashioned toys to add to the nursery.  Do you know the tune that the toy plays?  Maybe newer versions have a different tune.  I’m not sure.  Are you?

Here’s a riddle just for you:

Riddle:  What do Jack and Jill, Jack rocks, Jack-in-the-box, and a noisy blue bird all have in common?

Answer: “J” as in Blue Jay.

Just for fun: 

My in-laws chose names beginning with “J” for all five of their children.  They include Jo Alice, John, Jill, Jeff, and James (Jimbo).

What “J” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Easter in the Hospital

 

  A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing
prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those
young at heart.  “Easter in the Hospital” by Linda Martin Andersen

The Youth at our church will soon prepare Easter baskets for children in the hospital.  Donated items are being collected to fill baskets.  Last year, the youth group filled 30 baskets.  This year they hope to meet or possibly surpass that goal.  A fun-filled afternoon is planned for Palm Sunday following a covered dish meal.  This good will gesture will bring joy to many sick children away from home.

Being in the hospital is difficult any time of year.  Hospital stays are hard on the patient as well as the family.  Even grown-ups look for entertainment during long hours there, if it’s just a trip to the snack machine or a walk around the halls.  The last time I stayed with a hospitalized family member, I observed that disposable medication cups reminded me of break-apart plastic eggs.   I started saving some and I now I’d like to share my project with you.  Check the photo below to find the two med cup eggs pictured here.  Not exactly egg shaped and they’re held together with bandage wrap tape, but an idea was born out of a need for creativity and humor during a stressful time.

Find the Med Cup Eggs. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Another simple medicine cup Easter craft would be to transform these into miniature baskets.  Perhaps a pipe cleaner could be used for a handle or wired craft ribbon.  I hope you never find yourself celebrating Easter from a hospital bed, but find a way to have some fun if you do.

Our grandsons came to visit at the hospital and proved that creative play can exist, no matter where you are.  They wadded up colored newspaper ads and tossed them at the waste basket.  Sometimes they’d toss to the ceiling and dunk it into the trashcan below.  Sometimes, balls whirled across the room, almost like a snowball fight.  A trashcan target was placed on either side of the room.  Later, when I told my niece about the boys’ playfulness, she spoke her wise wisdom of 16 years, “Boys can make a ball out of anything.  Even a string. ”  LOVED it!

Writing Prompts:

1. Have you ever been hospitalized?  Name things that helped cheer you up.
2. What do you think makes the best gifts for someone in the hospital?  Why?
3. Tell about a time you cheered up someone who was sick.
4. Tell about a time someone surprised you with something very nice.
5. When you were worried about someone who was sick, what helped you stay calm?
6. How can you  shine where you are?
7. What do you see around you that can bring joy in some small way?
8. Name some simple joys you can bring to others.
9. What do you think:  Can boys make a ball out of anything?
10. What will you do this Easter season that you’d like to share with others?

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment about Easter or hospital stays.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!