It’s Not Fair

“It’s Not Fair” by Linda Martin Andersen

 

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

When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Through blog posts at “A Writer’s Playground,” I continue to spread the word about good character. 

This month, like the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC, I present the character trait of FAIRNESS, defined as “playing by the rules, taking turns, sharing and listening.”  To promote this trait, I selected a delightful picture book written by Darcy Pattison and illustrated by Steven Salerno.  It’s entitled 19 Girls and Me.

http://www.amazon.com/19-Girls-Me-Darcy-Pattison/dp/B0043RTBPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362799861&sr=8-1&keywords=19+Girls+and+Me

When you think of fairness, a nagging saying probably echoes in your mind:  “It’s not fair.”  Children say it.  Adults probably think it, but most won’t admit they do.  Here are some children’s books titles that include this expression:  It’s Not Fair by Charlotte Zolotow, It’s Not Fair!  by Anita Harper and It’s Not Fair! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld.  Check these books out for more on this saying.

This month I chose to spotlight a book about fairness that does not include the words “it’s not fair.”  In 19 Girls and Me, Darcy’s Pattison’s main character, John Hercules Po, is assigned to a kindergarten classroom full of girls.   John Hercules Po’s older brother tells him that the girls will turn him into a sissy, but John has a different plan.

19 Girls and Me is delightful.  It isn’t predictable.  The children’s imaginations are at play.  The end result is a win, win, situation.

Adults, the next time you hear someone say, “That’s not fair,” I hope you’ll remember to pull a copy of this book from a shelf and read how John Hercules Po and the 19 girls in his classroom chose to  handle their “unfair” situation in a positive way.   19 Girls and Me becomes an interactive reading by encouraging listeners to act out the scenes as they are read.  The audience can also call “Lunch” when it’s time.

Ask students to identify their favorite day of the week from the story.  Ask what happened that day on the playground?  Name something that surprised you in the story.  How did you expect the story to end?  How did John describe his classmates at the end of the book?  How do you feel about that?

Girls, have you ever been called a tomboy?  Boys, have you ever been called a sissy?  What do those words mean?  I’ve heard these called “fighting words.”  What do you think that means?  

If you’re a children’s author, I recommend checking out Darcy Pattison’s blog and upcoming novel revision retreats.  http://www.darcypattison.com/

March 24-30 is Tsunami Awareness Week–

and in observance of this, I’d like to suggest checking out another title by Darcy Pattison: Wisdom, the Midway Albatross, the oldest known bird in the world and one that has survived tsunamis and other natural disasters. 

http://www.darcypattison.com/dpbooks/wisdom-the-midway-albatross/

Check for other books by Darcy Pattison at her website.

Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen

C-A-R-I-N-G–Character Trait of December

“C-A-R-I-N-G–Character Trait of December” 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.

December–a month that encourages giving and caring.

When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Now, I have found another way to spread the word about good character.  I volunteer once a month for Story Time at a home school bookstore in my area. Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com.  

This month, like the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC, I planned to present the character trait of CARING which is defined as “being kind, helpful, and generous to everyone.”

At Story Time, I was scheduled to read The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, written and illustrated by David Saltzman.  I had to cancel Story Time due to my husband being hospitalized.  I hope you’ll locate a copy of this book and share it with a special child in your life.  The author wrote this book while being treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Unfortunately, he did not survive.  The Jester & Pharley Phund was established to continue to spread the message of caring. “While we wait for tomorrow’s cures, The Jester & Pharley Phund gives children hope and laughter as they battle cancer and other serious illnesses today.”   http://www.thejester.org/

Another example of caring  is a tribute to a good friend’s twin sister who died of cancer.  Even during her illness, she continued to reach out to others and show her care for them.  Caroline Harsant Whitley, nicknamed Care, is honored by her family and friends in a program called Care’s Coasters.  See more here.  www.carescoasters.com.

I’d love to hear ways you show caring.  Please leave a comment below.  Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen

I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y–Character Trait of November

“I-N-T-E-G-R-I-T-Y–Character Trait of November” 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.

November–a month for more than talk about turkeys…

When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Now, I have found another way to spread the word about good character.  I volunteer once a month for story time at a home school bookstore in my area. Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com.  

This month, like the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC, I presented the character trait of INTEGRITY.   It’s defined as “Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. 

At Story Time, I read The Empty Pot by Demi.  A discussion of honesty and integrity followed, along with an optional art activity.    I hope you’ll locate a copy of this book and share it with a special child in your life.  Consider planting a seed in a pot after the reading.  It will lead to  future discussions about Ping’s actions and personal examples of  integrity.

 

If you are interested in learning about other book titles by this author, visit this site:  http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Demi/707558/books

I’d love to hear ways you show integrity.  Please leave a comment below.  Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Coming soon:  Two guests bloggers: One is a storyteller and author.  The other is a pilot and author. I hope you’ll meet them.

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen

Red Ribbon Week Celebrated. R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y Character Trait of October

“Red Ribbon Week Celebrated.  R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y Character Trait of October” 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.

Currently, I volunteer once a month for Story Time at Pilgrim’s Journey Home School Bookstore.  Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com.  My goal is to share stories that promote character traits following the same sequence as the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC. 

This month, Story Time at Pilgrim’s Journey Home School Bookstore celebrated Red Ribbon Week and honored drug-free families and communities.  I chose to read The Red Ribbon—A Story of Hope by John Lasne and Brains on Fire.  Years ago, I obtained permission from the author to create an interactive book-based activity.  It is one of my favorite readings because the kids have so much fun moving about. You may purchase copies of the book at http://tinyurl.com/8t424rb (Barnes and Noble) and also at Amazon. 

October’s character trait is “Responsibility.”  According to the definition used by the Cumberland County Schools of NC, responsibility means “to be dependable and accountable for one’s actions.”  I’d love to hear actions you take that show you are dependable and accountable for your actions.  For example:  I clean my room every Saturday.  Please leave a comment below.  Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Coming in November:  Activities for Kids, visiting storytellers, authors, and a pilot.  Story Time will feature the character trait, Integrity.  Hope to see you then.

During November, I’ll be participating in Picture Book Idea Month.  (PiBoIdMo)

To learn more about this writing challenge, visit www.taralazar.com.

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen

R-E-S-P-E-C-T–Character Trait of September

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T–Character Trait of September” 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.

When I was an elementary School Counselor in Cumberland County, NC, students studied character traits each month. Presently, I am a part-time tutor.  I am also a writer who loves picture books.  Mix it all together, and you’ll understand why I introduced classroom rules and procedures to tutoring groups by reading a picture book about “respect.” 

Now, I have found another way to spread the word about good character.  I volunteer once a month for story time at a home school bookstore in my area. Check it out at www.thepilgrimsjourney.com.  I plan to present character traits in the same sequence as the Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville, NC.  See below:

 Character Traits–

September—Respect    

October—Responsibility

November—Integrity

December—Caring

January—Self-Discipline

February—Trustworthiness

March—Fairness

April—Citizenship

May—Celebrate (successes)

Pilgrim’s Journey Home School Bookstore graciously welcomed me as a volunteer story time presenter. Look for a home school bookstore in your area. Attend programs or buy good books.  Home school bookstores are great additions to the neighborhood.

September’s character trait is “Respect.”  This month, I read Do Unto Otters–A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller.  She is the author and illustrator.  If you’d like to know more about Laurie, please check out her publisher’s site at http://us.macmillan.com/dountootters/LaurieKeller and look for a link to Laurie’s website.  It offers other books, games and DVDs.  There are printable activities too such as coloring pages, word searches, and comprehension questions.  Check here: http://www.lauriekeller.com/schoolstuff_otters.html. 

I hope you’ll locate a copy of Do Unto Otters and read it .  Ask your parents if you may write Laurie Keller an email on her site and let her know your favorite part of the book.  Authors love to hear from their readers.  Maybe you’ll find other book titles listed that interest you. 

Enjoy the rest of the month and show respect to persons, places and things.   Yes, that’s the definition of a noun.  Brainstorm persons you respect, places you respect, and things you respect.  What ways to do show respect?  Looks like we’ve been combining more than counseling, teaching, and writing.  We even got in a little grammar.  Isn’t learning great?

I’d love to hear ways you show respect.  Please leave a comment below.  Thank you for joining us at “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.

Coming in October:  Activities for Kids, two guests, a signed book giveaway, and story time about Red Ribbon Week and Responsibility.  Hope to see you then.

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen