Top Ten Day Maker

“Top Ten Day Maker” by Linda Martin Andersen

Poster making program compliments of Quozio.com

 

Recently, I wished a friend a Top Ten Day. 

What would you consider a Top Ten Day?

It dawned on me that I should live each day as if it is a Top Ten Day.

Better yet, I should be a Top Ten Day Maker–for others.

What could I do for others that would make their day? If we all lived that way, we’d be Top Ten Day Makers.

What would that look like?  What would our world look like?

Name one thing someone did for you recently that made your day.

Name one thing you did for someone else hoping to make their day?  Did you spend any money?  Is that essential?

January 24 is National Compliment Day.  Mark your calendars.  Please pay someone a sincere compliment on that day.  Who will it be?  Better yet, Be a Top Ten Day Maker.  You have time to plan ahead.  I hope that helps!

I’d love to hear your comments.  Thanks for visiting. 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

It’s July–What Outings Are on Your Calendar?

“It’s July–What Outings Are on Your Calendar?” 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 “July” bring to mind? In the USA: fireworks, and all things red, white, and blue to celebrate the Fourth of July.  It also means days at the pool, lake, or beach.  Summer camps, Vacation Bible School, and time out of school.  Family reunions and family vacations.  Ice cream, watermelon, and fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden or a local produce stand.  Hot, humid days, sunburns, and time in the SUN.

Make a list of outdoor events you’d like to attend.  Discuss them with your family.  Volunteer to help with planning and preparation. 

Special Days in July:

• U.S. Postage Stamp Day:  1  For those who live in the U.S, visit your local post office today or some time this month.  Wish them Happy U.S. Postage Stamp Day.  Do you collect stamps?  Do you have favorites?  Ask to see a brochure of stamps for sale.  Why not buy a sheet, a book, or a roll of stamps?
• I Forgot Day:  2  Find a book about a character who forgets things.   Here’s one suggestion:  I Just Forgot (Critter Series) by Mercer Mayer
• World UFO Day:  2  What is a UFO?  Research a UFO sighting.  Do you think UFOs exist?  Why or why not?
• Compliment Your Mirror Day:  3  What is a compliment?  Give an example.  What does it mean to compliment your mirror?  Give an example.  When you see your mom look in the mirror, give her a compliment. 
• Fourth of July or Independence Day:  4  What is your favorite way to celebrate this day?  Have you been to a fireworks show?  Does your family grill out for the Fourth?  What foods do you serve?  Do you usually stay at home or go on vacation for this holiday?  Research early Fourth of July celebrations.  Did they have fireworks?
• Global Forgiveness Day:  7  What is forgiveness?  Do you know the expression “forgive and forget?”  What does it mean to you?  When I read the name of this celebration, I thought of more than one meaning for global.  Global can mean worldwide or all of something.  Have you ever forgiven part of what someone did to you and not all of it?   Tell about it.
• Tell the Truth Day:  7  What book character comes to mind?  Tell about a time when you were honest, even though  you knew you would get in trouble.
• International Town Criers Day:  8  What is a town crier?  What did he usually hold in his hand?  Why?  What words did he cry out to get your attention?  Why did he want people to hear his message?
• Slurpee Day:  11  How many different locations can you name where you have bought a slurpee?  What is the difference between a slurpee, an icee, ice cone, and shaved ice?  Which do you prefer?  Why?  Have you ever made your own?  Search for recipes.
• Collector Car Appreciation Day:  12  I know three car collectors.  Do you know any?  Have you ever been to a car show?  Did you talk to any of the owners?  Once, I passed by a house with a special glass showroom for collector cars.  What stories can you share about collector cars?  Here’s a photo of one I’ve ridden in. 

1929 Model A ride to celebrate my first magazine publication. Copyright 2012. Linda Andersen

• National French Fries Day:  13  Survey your friends and discover which fast food fries they prefer.  Ask which style they choose at home:  wrinkle cut, home fries, or skinny fries.  Find out how many eat homemade fries at home.  Ask if they deep fat fry or bake in the oven.  Chart your results.  Ask who eats fries with ketchup.  Consider gathering friends for a get-together where everyone brings his/her own fries.
• Gummi Worm Day:  15  What does it mean to “worm” something out of someone?  What does it mean to “worm” out of something?  http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/worm+out+of
• Do you know who created gummi candy?  Research to find out.  Name ways to have fun with gummi worms.  Here are some food suggestions: 
• Have you ever eaten a “dirt” cake?  Would you like to make one?  Gummi worms are optional.  http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/dirt-cake
• Here’s a link to a YouTube video showing how to make homemade gummi worms (sugar free)  Good for Type 1 diabetic kids (T1 Kids)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMqOMExjo8
• National Get Out of the Doghouse Day:  15  What does this expression mean:  get out of the doghouse?  Name comic strip characters who get in the doghouse.  Do you know book characters who do also.  Name them. 
• Celebration of the Horse Day:  20-21  Name favorite horse movies and books.  Brainstorm words you think of when you hear the word “horse.”   Find nonfiction books at the library about horses.  Use these resources to add to your brainstorm list.  Think of a horse project you can try such as interviewing someone who stables horses or make a collage about horses, etc.  Name famous horses and tell why they are remembered.  If you were to ride a horse, what kind would you like to ride and why?
• National Lollipop Day:  20  Name businesses that give away suckers to children.  Is a sucker different from a lollipop?  If so, how?  What flavor is your favorite?  Which is one you do not like?
• Cousins Day:  24  Do you have cousins?  Are they first cousins, second cousins, or some other category?  Who can explain the family tree to you?  Have you ever made one of your own?
• Tell am Old Joke Day:  24  What is one of the oldest jokes or riddles you know?  Change it somehow. Make it an original idea or borrow from another expression.  Tell it to a friend.  For example:  Why did the chicken cross the road?  “To see if the grass was greener on the other side.”
• National Dance Day:  27  Have you ever taken a dance class?  Which kind?  Tell a story about it to someone and have them share their experiences with you.  Ask them to teach you a dance step and you teach them one.
• Walk on Stilts Day:  27 Have you ever seen someone walk on stilts?  Where were you?  What people walk on stilts for their job?  Research and see.  Not all are entertainers.
• Aunties Day:  28  Name your aunts.  Name something you like about each one.  Find a way to let them know on this day.  Read a book with an aunt as character.  Yuri’s Brush with Magic by Maureen Wartski features an aunt from Japan who visits North Carolina. 

                                    Truman’s Aunt Farm by James Kim Rattigan is about a birthday gift from Aunt Fran.  What other titles do you know and recommend? 

• Rain Day:  29 Look for poems or stories that include rain.  Watch a documentary on TV or DVD about the tropical rain forest or other locations with high rainfall.  Watch a documentary about people who work in the rain or in areas that are swampy such as “swamp loggers.”  Research tropical storms, hurricanes, or flash floods.  Name ways to keep storm drains clean.  What other ideas come to mind?
• Paperback book Day:  30  How big is your paperback collection? Is it getting larger or smaller?  Why?  What do you do with copies you have read?  Consider swapping with friends or donating to a public library. 

Special Weeks in July:

• National Farriers Week:  7-13  What is a farrier?  What does he/she do?  Research about farriers.  Find books, videos, DVDs about the subject.
• National Ventriloquism Week:  17-21  Name a ventriloquist.  What was his/her dummy’s name?  Was the routine funny?  If so, who got to tell the punch line most times?  Why do you think so?
• National Scrabble Week:  21-24  Do you have a Scrabble game?  If so, who would you like to invite to play with you?  Or consider asking a friend who owns this game to teach you to play.  Why not have a family game night?  Invite friends to bring a favorite game board and enjoy a game night together.
• National Zoo Keeper Week:  21-27  What is a zookeeper’s job?  Revisit the interview with Melissa Barr at this blog last summer:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/meet-melissa-barr-a-zookeeper-at-north-carolina-zoological-park/  If we all call out Melissa Barr’s name, maybe she’ll join us again this summer!  Come on, shout it:  MELISSA BARR!
• World Lumberjack Championships:  25-27  What is a lumberjack?  Is that the same as a forester?  Research to see.  Check the link here to learn about competitions at the championship:  http://www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com/lumberjack-events.php

July is…

• Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days (7/3 to 8/15) Do you have air conditioning in your home?  Have you  ever had your air conditioner to break down?  How did you keep cool?  Have you ever stayed overnight somewhere with no air conditioning?  Tell about it.  Research air conditioning and its inventor.
• Family Reunion Month  Have you ever been to a family reunion?  Did everyone bring a covered dish or was a meal catered?  Were games played?  What did you enjoy most about your experience?  Would you like for reunions to continue?  What can you do to make that possible? 
• National Grilling Month  What comes to mind when you hear the word “grill?”  Does your family own a grill?  What is your favorite grilled food?  Tell about a time you went to a cookout.  
• National Ice Cream Month  What is your favorite flavor ice cream?  I read that the national flavor is “vanilla.”  If you nominated a favorite flavor, what would it be and why?  Survey friends to find out their responses.
• National Recreation and Parks Month  Name three parks or recreation centers you have visited.  Recall a memory you have of each one.  Would you recommend this location to a friend.  Ask a friend which ones he/she would recommend to you.  Create a flyer about favorite sites and post them around town or pass them out in your class in school.
• National Wheelchair Beautification Month  Who do you know who uses a wheelchair? Give a gift to beautify the ride this month.  Items to consider:  flag, silk flower, ribbons, streamers, and a sign. 
• National Blueberries Month Did you know that blueberries are very good for you?  Do you know why?  Consider going to pick some at a blueberry farm.  It would make a great outing.  Maybe you can make muffins or other desserts with blueberries.
• National Hot Dog Month  What day of the month do you think more hotdogs will be eaten this month?  Why?  Will you eat some that day?  What places do you think of when someone mentions hotdogs?  Why?  How do you like yours prepared?  With what toppings?

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

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

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

January 2013 Activities

“January 2013 Activities” 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 “January” bring to mind?  New Year’s Resolutions, winter wonderlands, snow days with snowmen and snowball fights, icicles, frozen ponds, ice skating, coats, hats, scarves, mittens,and gloves.  Warm fires and hot chocolate.  What else?  Check the lists below and expand your thoughts about January.

Special Days in January:

Copyright Law Day: 1  What are some examples of copyright violation?  Have you ever been unsure whether something was a copyright violation?  What did you do?  How could you check?  Who could you ask? 

Ellis Island Day: 1  Where is Ellis Island?  Why is it famous?  Do you know of ancestors in your family who passed through there?  Do you know why they came to America?  Do you know when?

Global Family Day:  1  A day of peace and sharing.  Families often share food with the needy.  What way can you and your family celebrate with peace and sharing?

New Year’s Day:  1  What traditions does your family observe on January 1–New Year’s Day?  Do you eat certain foods for good luck?  What foods do you eat?  Research New Year’s traditions in other countries.  Is New Year’s on a different day?

National Motivation and Inspiration Day:  2  Does setting goals or celebrating victories motivate you?  What inspires you?  Does someone you know encourage you to keep going?  Do you have a strong personal drive to reach your goals even when nobody is urging you on?  Can motivation and inspiration be the same? Why or why not?

Drinking Straw Day:  3  Have you ever used a silly straw, a flexible straw that bends, a straw from a fast food restaurant?  What color straws have you used?  Have you ever made bubbles with a straw?  Have you ever used one as a pea shooter or to blow food around on your plate?  Time to confess.  Nobody’s perfect.  We’ve all been at least a “little bad” before.  Finish these expressions about “straw.” 1. _______ or final straw  2. Straw that broke the _______’s back.  3. _______or clutch at straws.

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day:  3  When I was a child, all the grandchildren got a box of chocolate covered cherries and a couple of dollars taped on top as a present from a grandmother.  Have you ever gotten chocolate covered cherries?  Have you ever given them?  As a teacher, I received boxes from students occasionally.  Do you like chocolate covered cherries or are they too sweet for you?  What would you expect this day to be like? 

Tom Thumb Day:  4  What country is this fairy tale from?  How long ago was it written?  What details can you tell about Tom Thumb’s clothing and his size?  Was he popular or unpopular?  Why?  Look for a copy of this story.

World Braille Day:  4  Name places you have seen words in braille.  Do you know anyone who reads braille?  Research and locate at least one school that teaches braille.  Research organizations that help serve the blind.  Name books written about a character who is blind.  Can you name a nursery rhyme with blind characters?

Three Kings Day:  6  What holiday is this associated with?  Why?  What is another name for these kings?  Locate their story.  Where did you find it?

Harlem Globetrotter’s Day:  7  Have you ever been to a Harlem Globetrotter’s basketball game?  If not, I’d recommend it.  Perhaps you’ve watched them on television.  What tricks do you remember?  If you’d like to see some videos of their plays check here:  http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/   What’s their theme song?

Bubble Bath Day:  8  Have you ever taken a bubble bath?  Draw a cartoon with one bubble talking to another.  What might they say?  Would you be willing to share your conversation below?

Rubber Duckie Day:  13  Do you know the Rubber Duckie song?  Have you ever floated rubber ducks in bath water?  Have you ever played Pick Up Ducks at the fair or carnivals?  Have you ever been to a Rubber Duckie charity race down a river?  How else could you enjoy a rubber duckie?

Dress Up Your Pet Day:  14  Have you ever dressed up a pet?  If so, what type pet and how was it dressed?  How about at Halloween?  See Tracy Campbell’s blog post that’s a tribute for a dragon dog (Halloween) here:  http://tracycampbell.net/blog/?p=2217  Be sure to check out Tracy’s art for sale too. 

Appreciate a Dragon Day:  16  Name a book with a dragon character that you’ve read.  I’d like to recommend Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.  Tell about a favorite dragon scene. Have you ever tried to draw a dragon?  Look for dragon images or check out drawing books to help, if needed.  What would you take with you if you had to slay a dragon?  Who would win–you or the dragon?  How?

Cable Car Day:  17  Have you ever ridden in a cable car?  Where were you?  What city do you think of when someone mentions cable car?  Do you know any rice advertisements that have included a cable car?  Pinpoint a cable car location on a map or globe.

Kid Inventors’ Day:  17  This date was Benjamin Franklin’s birthday.  He was an inventor, even as a boy.  At 12, he invented swim fins for his hands.  What would you like to invent and why?  Research kid inventors. 

Winnie the Pooh Day:  18  Where is the setting for Winnie the Pooh stories?  Who is the boy who is a friend of Pooh?  How many other characters can you name from the series?  Which is your favorite?  Which one are you most like?  Which one are you least like?  Would your recognize the music for the theme song without the words?  Name an expression Pooh says.

Thesaurus Day:  18  Have you ever used a thesaurus online?  Do you own a hard copy of one?  When might a thesaurus be helpful.  If you have one, turn to an entry and see what it says.  What would you tell others about it?

Popcorn Day:  19  Have you ever seen popcorn grow?  What do you know about it?  Will any kind of corn pop or only certain ones?  Research and share what you learn.  Which do you think is more popular:  popcorn or potato chips?  Research to find out.  Baseball games, Cracker Jacks, and a song have a special connection to popcorn.  Do you know the song?

Inauguration Day:  21  Will you watch the inauguration?  If so, is it a school assignment or something of interest to you? Name a special inauguration event/happening.  How do you think this one will be remembered?

Martin Luther King Day:  21  Will you attend any special festivities for this day?  If so, what kind?  What fiction books have you read about the years of Civil Rights marches?  What nonfiction ones have you read?  I recently read We’ve Got a Job by Cynthia Y. Levinson.  I’d recommend it.

National Pie Day:  23  Can you name a kind of pie for most letters in the alphabet?  Which is your favorite?  Do you want it topped with ice cream, whipped topping, or plain?  Have you ever seen someone get a pie in the face?  Where were you?  Could you tell us about it in the comment section below?

Belly Laugh Day:  24  When have you had a belly laugh?  Who do you think is more likely to bring one on:  a friend, a comedy act, a silly movie, a pie in the face, or a funny face?  Others?  Finish these expressions:  1.  Laughter is the best _______ 2.   Laughed so hard you nearly _______ a gut?  (What does this mean?)  3. Laughed so hard I almost _______my pants. 4.  Laughed until I _______ (tears).

National Compliment Day:  24  What was one of the nicest compliments you ever received?  What was one of the nicest ones you ever gave?  Do you think you give or receive more compliments?  Do you ever pass on compliments you hear others make?  Why or why not? 

A Room of One’s Own Day:  25  Have you ever had a room of your own?  If you could re-decorate with a hefty budget what would you change about your room?  If you must share a room, think of a way to make it more “your own” without taking over.  What would you change?

Holocaust Memorial Day:  27  Name books you have read about the Holocaust.  What other titles would you like to read?  Have you visited a Holocaust memorial?  Is a traveling one coming to your area?  The Anne Frank exhibit will be in my hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina from March 18-April 21, 2013.  http://www.visitfayettevillenc.com/blog/liberty-point-blog/2012/10/23/fayetteville-is-the-east-coast-destination-for-national-traveling-anne-frank-exhibits/ Other events are coordinated with this special exhibit.  Check and see if your area is holding similar events.

National Puzzle Day:  29  Do you love puzzles?  Which type?  Crossword, word search, jigsaws, others?  How many jigsaw puzzle pieces do you prefer?  Have you ever put a puzzle together online?  Check this out:  http://thejigsawpuzzles.com/Puzzle-of-the-Day/Bern-Switzerland-jigsaw-puzzle

Seeing Eye Dog Day:  29  Do you know anyone with a seeing eye dog?  Do you know anyone who trains service dogs?  Do you know of other services for the blind such as reading to them?  The Lions Club provides services in my hometown.  What about yours?

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day:  31  How could you inspire your heart with art?  Do you visit art museums regularly?  What about exhibits at colleges in your area or local festivals.  Artists have blogs and websites that you might enjoy visiting.  What about receiving a poem a day from a poet?  I subscribe to Joy Acey’s blog post. You might like to also.   See here:  http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/  Search for art that inspires your heart.

Special Weeks in January:

New Year’s Resolution Week: 1-4:  Will you make at least one?  I resolve to…

Universal Letter Writing Week:  8-14:  Write a letter.  Will you write a business letter or a friendly letter?  Look for a template.  Maybe you have one on your computer programs or you can Google a sample.

National Vocation Awareness Week: 14-20:  What career would you like to learn more about?  Research it or interview someone who holds that job. 

Hunt for Happiness Week: 20-26:  Finish this expression:  1. _______ (gems) hunt  2. _______(employment) hunt 3.  _______ _______(Spring holiday) hunt (outdoors).  Give examples of how to hunt for happiness.

No Name Calling Week: 21-25:  Why do you think we call others names?  What could we do instead?  Do you have a brother or sister?  How long do you think the two of you could get along?  Would you be willing to test yourself?  What could you do to reward yourself, if you do not call names for a set period of time?

World Leprosy Week: 27-2/2:  Do you know what leprosy is?  Do you know how you get it?  Do you know how to get well?  Name countries where this disease has been found recently.  Name a book which mentions leprosy. 

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week:  28-2/2:  If you’d like to read a book of cowboy poetry, I recommend you take a look at this one:  Cowboys by David L. Harrison and illustrated by Dan Barr.  List three cowboy words you would include in a poem of your own.

US National Snow Sculpting Week: 1/30-2/3:  Have you ever made snow sculptures? What shape would you attempt?   See photographs from Colorado here:  http://www.gobreck.com/events/international-snow-sculpture-championships/2012-image-gallery  What other states have snow sculpture competitions?  What other countries?

January is…

• Be Kind to Food Servers Month.  Consider making cards for school cafeteria workers.  Make a card for a favorite waitress or waiter. 
• Book Blitz Month.  How many books can you read this month for pleasure?  Consider reading the same title as a good friend and discuss it afterwards. 
• Get Organized Month.  Name one organizing goal you can set for yourself or one project you can accomplish this month.
• International Brain Teaser Month.  What do you think of when you hear brain teaser?  Check out this link at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:  http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/riddles/index.htm
• National Child-Centered Divorce Awareness Month.  Do you have a friend whose parents are going through a divorce?  Are your parents?  What can you do for someone who is sad about a divorce in their family?  Have you ever read tips in a health book? Ask a librarian for suggested books on this topic. 
• National Clean Up Your Computer Month.  Do you know how to defrag your computer?  Ask a parent or teacher to show you how.  Do you know how to create folders?  Do you know how to empty your trash bin?  What other ways can you clean up your computer? 
• National Hot Tea Month.  What country to do think of when hot tea is mentioned?  Do you know any hot tea etiquette from Victorian Days?  Here is a site that discusses Victorian rules of etiquette for different occasions.  http://www.logicmgmt.com/1876/etiquette/atteas.htm
• National Mentoring Month.  What is a mentor?  Have you ever had someone mentor you?  What mentoring experiences have you had?
• National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  Does this exist today?  Discuss this topic with an adult.  Ask for safety tips you should know.
• National Poverty in America Awareness Month.  What examples of poverty in America have you seen?  In what ways can you help those in poverty or those who are homeless?  In what ways do you help?
• National Skating Month.  What kinds of skating can you name?  What kinds have you tried?  Consider a different type this month.
• National Soup Month.  Brainstorm different types of soup.  How many letters of the alphabet did you name?  Have you ever eaten alphabet soup.  What words did you spell in your bowl?
• Self-Love Month.  What ways can you show self-love?  Define narcissist.  What is the difference in these two?
• Shape Up US Month.  What do you think this month is about?  Is it about about getting physically fit or taking care of things that need to be done?  Could it be both? 

*Thank you Brownie Locks.com for January celebration information.  For more January observances check out:  http://www.brownielocks.com/january.htm

Let’s talk:  Choose one or more of the conversation starters above and leave a comment. 

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

Coming soon:  A guest blog by Joyce Hostetter, children’s book author.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen