February–How do you pronounce it?

“February–How do you pronounce it?” by Linda Martin Andersen Think of February, and you’ll probably think of Valentine’s Day and love.  What is love?  Ask 10 people and you’ll probably get 10 different answers.  But that’s not all, we can’t even decide how to pronounce the month of love–February.  Oh my! According to  Merriam-Webster.com, two pronunciations are listed for February: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/February I found several different pronunciations for February on You Tube sites. One thing I can say for sure, there are lots of things to celebrate in February.  I hope you’ll plan fun things to do on many different days.

Microsoft Clipart

February is…

• American Heart Month–Just recently, a friend told me that someone she knew had received a pacemaker.  Do you know anyone with one?  Or someone who has had heart bypass surgery?  A heart transplant?  What heart healthy tips do you know and follow?
• Bake for Family Fun Month–What do you and your family cook/bake together?  Ask friends what they prepare together.  Try something new. 
• Dog Training Education Month–Has one of your pets attended obedience school?  What did he learn? What did you learn?
• International Expect Success Month–My parents always expected success in my schooling.  What are some ways this is shown?
• Library Lovers Month–Check out a stack of library books. Choose a picture book author you haven’t read and binge on their words.  No need to worry about calories either!
• Love The Bus Month–I used to drive a school bus when I was a high school student.  Would you want to be a bus driver?  What would be something good about it?  Not so good? 
• National Bird Feeding Month–What kind of birds are seen in your area this time of year? 
• National Black History Month–Check a library’s display and find a book on this topic that you haven’t read.  Read it and share what you learn with someone.  Attend special planned events in your area. 
• National Cherry Month–I displayed artificial cherries in a container for a table centerpiece before I even knew this was national cherry month.  Eat cherry products this month.  What will you choose to eat that contains cherries?
• National Children’s Dental Health Month–Is it time for a new toothbrush, dental floss, mouth rinse, etc?  Do you need to make an appointment with the dentist.  Don’t delay!
• National Haiku Writing Month–Thanks to all who write and post poems! 
• National Hot Breakfast Month–My grandson made pancakes for his mom.  Now that’s sweet.  What hot breakfast has someone made for you?
• National Mend A Broken Heart Month–How would you suggest mending a broken heart?  Whatever you do, don’t send all the kings’ horses and all the kings’ men.  We all know that doesn’t work. 
• National Time Management Month–Do you often say, “I didn’t have enough time?”  Is there anything that can be done about it?  What time management skills are your strengths? What skills need improvement?  Who or what can help?
• National Women Inventors Month–Can you name three women inventors in a minute?  Ask a friend the same thing.  If the answer is “No,” research.  Set a goal to learn about at least three woman inventors and what they invented. Which one inspires you and why?
• Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month–What are seeds of greatness?   What seeds of greatness are you growing?
• Youth Leadership Month–Name a youth leader you admire.  Tell why?

 

 Special Weeks in February

• Boy Scout Anniversary Week: 1-7 Thank a Boy Scout and any troop leader for their dedication to the scouting program.
• Children’s Authors & Illustrators Week: 1-7 (First Full Week) Buy or check out books by an author you haven’t read or an illustrator you don’t know.  Look for their website, with parent permission.
• National School Counseling Week: 2-6 Do you have a school counselor?  Introduce yourself to this person if you haven’t already.  Ask about her job or thank the counselor for what she does.  Can you name one or more of her duties?
• Random Acts of Kindness Week: 9-15  Think of some kind act you can do for several people.  Challenge yourself by choosing someone other than a friend.
• International Friendship Week: 9-13  Think about the character traits of your friends?  Do they all have one or more in common?  What traits are these? 
• National Pancake Week: 15-21  What’s your favorite variety? How could you decorate pancakes for a friend or a family member? 
• Texas Cowboy Poetry Week: 27-28  What is cowboy poetry?  Have you ever read any?  Do you have to live in Texas to write cowboy poetry? 

 

Special Days in February

• G.I. Joe Day: 1  Who is G.I. Joe?  Why do you think he was popular?  Is he still popular?  How do you know?
• Popcorn Day: 1  What is your favorite brand of microwave popcorn?  Have you ever tried an experiment to see which brand pops the most kernels?  It makes a fun science project. 
• Robinson Crusoe Day: 1  If you could meet Robinson Crusoe, what would you invite him to do and why?  Do you think he’d enjoy his day?
• Super Bowl XLIX: 1  Can you read this numeral?  What kind of numeral is it?  What others do you know?
• Groundhog Day: 2  Which would you rather see:  a groundhog or a sled dog?  Where might you find each one?
• Sled Dog Day: 2  Name ways sled dogs are used.  Have you ever seen a sled dog or watched a television program about sled dogs?
• World Play Your Ukulele Day: 2  What does a ukulele look like?  Have you heard one played?  Where could you hear one?
• World Wetlands Day: 2 Have you ever been in an area declared as a wetlands?  What does that mean?
• Weatherman’s [Weatherperson’s] Day: 5  Does your family watch the weather, read forecasts in the newspaper or online?  When has the weatherman’s forecast helped you plan for your day?
• Canadian Maple Syrup Day: 6 Check your syrup.  Is it Maple Syrup?  Is it Canadian Maple Syrup?  What is your favorite way to eat syrup? 
• National Doodle Day: 6 What do you like to doodle?  What do you doodle?  Do you doodle while you take notes in class?  Why or why not?
• Bubble Gum Day: 6 Ask your friends to name their favorite flavors of bubble gum.  Favorite brands too.  Do you prefer chewing gum or bubble gum?  Why?
• Girl Scout Cookie Day: 6 What is your favorite flavor Girl Scout cookie?  Have you ever given these as a gift? 
• Give Kids A Smile Day: 6  Adults:  Can you make a child smile?  Kids:  Can you make an adult smile?  Why do we sometimes try to hold in a smile?
• Ice Cream For Breakfast Day: 7  If you were going to have ice cream for breakfast, what breakfast food flavor would you like to have?
• Ballet Day: 7  Name a favorite ballerina book.  What animal would you like to see star as a ballerina in a book?  Draw the scene you are imagining.
• Autism Sunday: 8 Do you know anyone who has autism?  Name things that are difficult for this person.  Have you ever helped another student in class?
• Take Your Child To The Library Day: 7  When was the last time you went to the public library?  What is your favorite section there?  How many books do you usually check out?
• National Stop Bullying Day: 9 Do you think there is more or less bullying today?  Why?  What do you think would help stop bullying?
• Read in the Bathtub Day: 9 What’s better than bubbles in the tub?  Books of course!  That is, if the tub is dry or you’re extra careful one!  What type books do you think would be just right for reading in the bathtub?  Why?
• Extraterrestrial Visitor Day: 10 Can you imagine yourself as a friend to an extraterrestrial?  What do you think you might both enjoy? 
• Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day: 11  What do you think this expression means? Ask an adult.  Think of it when you pour your milk.
• Get Out Your Guitar Day: 11  Can you play guitar?  Do you wish you could play in a band?  What instrument would you like to play?  Have you ever taken lessons?
• National Shut-in Visitation Day: 11  Who is a shut-in?  Do you think all people in nursing homes are shut-ins?  Why or why not?
• Lincoln’s Birthday: 12 Describe Abraham Lincoln to someone and see if the person can name him from your clues.  Which clue do you think was best?
• Paul Bunyan Day: 12 (Born Feb. 12, 1834 in Bangor, ME) Read a book about Paul Bunyan  today.    Describe the setting for his stories.  Why do you think Paul Bunyan tales are still told today?
• Blame Someone Else Day: 13 Name a time when someone else blamed you for something you didn’t do?  Can you also name a time when you blamed someone else for something you did?  Why do you think people do this?
• National Donor Day: 14  My husband is a lung transplant recipient.  Do you know what that means?  Do you know about organ donation?
• Valentine’s Day: 14  Smile every time you wish someone Happy Valentine’s Day.  Will you make cards or give gifts today?
• World Whale Day: 14 What does it mean to make today “a whale of a day?”  Do you have favorite whale books or stories?  Share them today.
• National Hippo Day: 15 Why do you think we call a hippopotamus a “hippo?”  What does it mean to say someone looks like a hippo?  Is that a compliment or an insult?  Why?
• Presidents Day: 16  How can you celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln today?  Other presidents?  Perhaps you’d like to research one of them. 
• My Way Day: 17  If you could have your way all day today, what would that look like?  Would it make you happy?  Would it make others happy too?
• World Thinking Day: 22 What can you think on today about our world?  Are there any changes you are willing to make?  What are they?
• George Washington’s Birthday: 22  Where do you see this person’s picture?  What comes to mind when you hear his name?
• Inconvenience Yourself Day: 25 Why would anyone be willing to inconvenience themselves?  Name a way you are willing to do this today.
• For Pete’s Sake Day: 26  What do you think “for Pete’s sake” means?  Ask an adult.  Have you ever heard it said?  Why do you think someone said this instead of something else?
• National Tooth Fairy Day: 28  What is the most money the tooth fairy ever left you?  Do you have any loose teeth?  Tell about a time someone helped you pull a loose tooth. 

What special things will you choose to do this month?  Please leave a comment below.  Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Children 13 years old or older may leave a comment. Read more about the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA) See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

October’s Activities–This Month’s Calendar Events

“October 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.

What do you think of when you hear “October?”  My guess is that Halloween would be the number one response.  Why wait until the last day of the month to celebrate?  Check here for additional special days, weeks, and month-long celebrations. 

Special Days in October:

• International Day of Older Persons:  1  How would you define an older person?  Name one older person you admire who lives in your area.  Name one person you admire who lives in another country.  How do you know this person?  Do these people know you admire them?  How do they know?
• Techie’s Day:  1  What is a “techie?”  Are you one?  Would you want to be?  Why or why not?  How do you think a “techie” spends a typical day?
• Balloons Around the World Day:  2  Brainstorm things with the balloon in their name.  Research balloon floats, how to make balloon animals, hot air balloons, balloon surgery, etc.
• World Farm Animals Day:  2  What farmer’s name comes to mind when you think of an animal farm?  What are the first three animals that come to mind?  Have you ever lived on a farm?  What kind of farm work do you think would be the dirtiest job? 
• Blessing of the Animals Day (aka Blessing of the Pets Day, World Pet Day):  4  Do you know an animal that has been blessed at church?  What kind of animal?
• World Smile Day:  4  Smile.  Pass it on.  Smile.  Pass it on.  Smile.  Pass it on.  Keep going!
• World Card Making Day:  5  When was the last time you made a card?  Who did you give it to?
• World Teachers Day:  5  What is your favorite subject in school?  What is your least favorite class?  Who was your favorite teacher for each?  Give these teachers a big “Thank You!”
• Intergeneration Day:  6  What does intergeneration mean?  Give an example.
• Child Health Day:  7  Where could you go and what could you do this day to improve your health?
• You Matter To Me Day:  7  Name three people you would say this to.  Why do these people matter?  Tell them.
• National Face Your Fears Day:  8  Name a fear you have.  Find at least one book that addresses this fear.  Read it.  Did you find this reading helpful?  Why or why not?  Would you be willing to try this with another fear? 
• International Newspaper Carrier Day:  20  Does your family subscribe to a local paper?  Do you ever read it?  What section do you choose to read?
• International Day of the Girl:  11  Name a girl you admire and tell why.  What positive qualities does this girl have?
• Columbus Day:  12  What year was his discovery?  What were the name of his ships?
• Spider Man Day:  14  What do you admire about Spider Man?  What positive qualities does he have?
• I Love Lucy Day:  15  Do you find these programs funny?  What makes some of the scenes funny?
• National Grouch Day:  15  Who are some famous grouch characters in movies, books, television, and real life.  What causes the characters to be grouchy?
• Dictionary Day:  16  Survey family and friends.  Ask:  How old is your dictionary?  How often do you use it?  Do you use an online dictionary?  How often?
• National Fossil Day:  16  Research fossils.  Consider visiting a museum with fossils.  Have fossils been found in your area?  What kind?  Read a nonfiction book about fossils.  What do we call someone who hunts for fossils?  Read about one of them.  Read a fiction book about fossils. 
•                                                                              
• Wear Something Gaudy Day:  17   What does gaudy mean?  Where did you look it up?  Have you ever heard someone describe an outfit as gaudy?  Did you agree or disagree?  Why?
• Information Overload Day:  20  What does it mean to have information overload?  Do you think a computer can experience this? Have you ever experienced it?  Write what a person might say who is experiencing this.
• Celebration of The Mind Day:  21  What would be a great way to celebrate this day?  Name three things you are glad that you remember.  What does this expression mean:  Mind over matter? 
• International Stuttering Awareness Day:  22  Research the cause of stuttering, what sounds are often stuttered, and ways to overcome stuttering.  People who pick on/bully a person who stutters might do this.  What?  How do people usually react to someone being picked on?  What will you do the next time you witness this?
• United Nations Day:  24  What does it mean to be united?  Name an example of something good this organization has accomplished.  http://www.un.org/en/
• International Bandanna Day:  25  What is a bandanna?  Who wears them?  Name two places on a body these are usually worn.  What gangs are known for wearing colors?  What colors?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerchief  What is a Psalm 91 bandana?  Do you know?  Who might wear one?
• Make a Difference Day:  26  How have you made a difference?  What else would you like to do to make a difference?  Who would say you have made a difference?  Who would you like to thank for making a difference in your life? 
• National Forgiveness Day:  26  What is your definition of forgiveness?  Who do you need to forgive?  Who will you ask to forgive you?
• National Chocolates Day:  28  Make a list of your favorite chocolates.  Who manufactures the kind of candy you like?  Research and see what other products they make. 
• St. Jude’s Day:  28  What is St. Jude’s mission?  Do you know anyone who has spent time there?  Why?  Who founded St. Jude? 
• http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD
• Internet Day:  29  Name three wise uses of the internet.  Name three uses that are not wise.  What are some illegal uses of the internet?  Do you know anyone abusing the internet?  What can you do about it?
• Visit a Cemetery Day:  29  Have you ever visited a family member’s grave?  Was a special message engraved?  Was there a marker?  A tombstone?  What is the difference?  Have you ever placed flowers on a grave?  Was the cemetery a private one, a church one, or a city owned one?  Is there vandalism in cemeteries in your area?  What has been done about it?  What else can be done?
• Halloween:  31 Do you participate in Trick-or-Treat?  Do you wear a costume?  Do you hand out candy?  Do you decorate your home and/or yard for Halloween? Do you go to costume parties?
• National Knock-Knock Jokes Day:  31  Find copies of joke books.  Ask a friend to join you.  Take turns looking for knock-knock jokes and sharing them.  Have fun!
• National Magic Day:  31  Do you know any magic tricks?  Check out books on magic tricks or books about magicians.  If you found a magic lamp, what would you wish for?

Special Weeks: 

• Universal Children’s Week:  1-7 Name famous children in movies or TV.  Name children who have made a difference in sports or mission work, etc.  Name children you know who you admire?  Why? 
• World Space Week:  4-10  Brainstorm space words.  Research at least one of them.  What movie, TV show, or book comes to mind when you think “space?” Perhaps you could have a “Space” family night.  Each family member selects a favorite DVD or TV program to watch.  Space documentaries could be viewed too.
• Fire Prevention Week:  6-12  My last post was about chimney safety and fire prevention.  Check here if you missed it.  I hope you’ll try writing a riddle of your own.  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/what-if-firefighters-teamed-up-with-santa-for-national-chimney-safety-week/
• Great Books Week:  6-12 Name a great children’s book you would recommend to someone your age.  What was a great one from when you were a very young child?  Have a discussion with friends at the lunch table or on the playground about a favorite book.  Ask about theirs.
• Mystery Series Week:  6-12  Do you read mysteries? Name some famous ones.   Look for them at the library.  Ask a friend for a suggestion.  Ask a librarian. 
• Astronomy Week:  7-13  What astronomy questions come to mind?  For example, About how many stars are there?  Research your question. Did you find the answer?  If not, who can you ask for help?
• Kids’ Goal Setting Week:  7-11  What goals do you have set for yourself?  Would you like to add others?  What steps will you take to reach your goals.  Talk to your parents about goal setting. 
• World Rainforest Week:  7-13  Read about the rainforest.  Watch a documentary.  What animals live there?  Are any endangered?  What would you like to know?  Research it.
• Earth Science Week:  13-19  Brainstorm earth science topics.  Which would you like to learn more about?  Do it.
• National School Lunch Week:  14-18  Do you eat school lunch?  Which is your favorite?  What is one of your favorite items served?  Do people who bring their lunch sit together at your school or may they sit anywhere?  What food would you like to see served more often?  Less often?  Name children’s books that show cafeteria ladies or cafeteria scenes.
•                                                                                  
• National Character Counts Week:  20-26  Brainstorm a list of character traits.  What do you think is the most important character trait?  Why? 
• National Forest Products Week:  20-26  What are national forest products?  List the ones you know.  Research to learn more products.  Why are some forests preserved as National Parks?  Name one.
• National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:  20-26  What is lead poisoning?  Is this still a threat?  In what ways?  Research.
• Red Ribbon Week:  20-26  What is Red Ribbon Week?  Why is it celebrated?  Does you school celebrate?  How?
• National School Bus Safety Week:  21-25  Check here for a link to North Carolina Bus Safety information.  Enjoy tips and games:  http://www.ncbussafety.org/ncbussafety.html  Research to learn about bus safety in your area.

October is…

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month Think Pink!  Have you ever participated in a walk to raise funds for cancer research?  What other ways can you show support?
• Bullying Prevention Month  Who can you talk with about bully prevention or bully problems?  What programs are in place at your school to keep you safe?
• Blindness Awareness Month  What eye diseases cause impaired vision or blindness?  Have you ever known a child who had to have large print materials for school?  Do you know any adults who need large print?  Do you know anyone with a service dog?  Did you know that many public libraries carry machines that enlarge printed material?  What other tools are available?
• Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month  What is bilingual?  Do you know someone who is bilingual?  What books can you name that are intended for the bilingual market?   
• Children’s Magazine Month  When you get a chance to browse in the library, which is your favorite children’s magazine?  What do you enjoy most about it?  Do you receive any magazine subscriptions?  If so, which ones?  What would you recommend for someone younger than you?  Why?  Talk magazine talk with a friend this month.
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month  What is Down Syndrome?  Do you know someone with this?  Does the person attend regular classes or Special Education Classes?  Does the person live at home or in a Group Home?  What questions do you have about Down Syndrome?  What  more would you like to learn about Down Syndrome? 
• Dyslexia Awareness Month What is dyslexia?  Do you know anyone who has this?  How does it affect his/her learning?    
•  National Popcorn Poppin’ Month  Serve popcorn with a movie.  Do you pop your own?  What flavor do you prefer?  Have you ever seen popcorn growing?  Research to learn more. 
• National Reading Group Month Does your school have reading groups, whole class reading, book clubs, independent reading and tests on books read?  What do you read for fun?  How could you increase the amount of reading you do?
• National Roller Skating Month  Do you roller skate?  Is there a night each month for beginners?  Consider a family skate night.
• Photographer Appreciation Month Who is a photographer in your family?  Would it be possible to have this person teach you a few tips? 
• Pizza Month  How could you celebrate this month without eating pizza every day? 
• Positive Attitude Month Name a way to turn a “frown upside down.”
• Squirrel Awareness Month Watch squirrels closely this month.  What new fact did you learn?  Research for more.
• Tackling Hunger Month  How would you tackle hunger?  Is that being done?  Research to see what else is being done.  Read about “Stop Hunger Now.” http://www.stophungernow.org/
• Talk About Prescriptions Month Check with your parents about the proper use of prescription drugs. 
• Vegetarian Month  What is a vegetarian?  Are you one?  Who do you know who is? How does a vegetarian get the protein needed in a diet?

What will you celebrate this month?  What will you research?  What will you read about?  I look forward to reading your comments.

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

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

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Please come again soon and bring a friend. 

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen