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

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

July 2012 Activities

“July 2012 Activities” by Linda Martin Andersen

  “A Writer’s Playground”

A place to find word play, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.

Think:  What does the word “July” bring to mind?

• Fourth of July, fireworks, picnics, and family reunions.
• Swims in the pool, lake or ocean. 
• And no school. 
• Time to read whatever you like.  If you are interested in nonfiction, David L. Harrison and Cheryl Nathan’s book is sure to spark attention.  It compares volcanoes to fireworks.  Visit David L. Harrison at  http://www.davidlharrison.com/.  Check out his blog too.  There’s a page for kids to publish their poems.  See the illustrator’s site at http://www.cherylnathan.com/books.html .

Vocanoes–Nature’s Incredible Fireworks by David L. Harrison51gTrbuepXL__SS500_

What else happens in July?  Choose one of the conversation starters below and leave a comment.

Special Days in July:

• I Forgot Day: 2 (Name a time you forgot something.  What did you do about it?)
• Made in USA Day: 2 (Divide the room in half.  Check labels on one side of the room and have a friend check the other side.  Set a timer for three minutes.  The winner is the one who locates the most USA products.)
• World UFO Day: 2 (Watch old movies about UFOs.  Share titles you liked with a friend.)
• Fourth of July or Independence Day: 4  (Read books that mention the Fourth of July or Independence Day.  Suggested Middle Grade title:  Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood.  See http://augustascattergood.com/books/bk_glory.html)  Historical fiction centered around segregation of a public pool in Mississippi in 1964.  Apple Pie Fourth of July (Chinese American girl) and Declaration of Interdependence (poems) by Janet S. Wong.  See http://www.janetwong.com/books/index.cfm
• Global Forgiveness Day: 7 (Who do you need to forgive?  Send them a card.  Who do you need to ask to forgive you?  Send them a card.)
• Tell the Truth Day: 7 (What is that promise made on the witness stand at a trial?  Watch a movie about a court trial.)
• Chocolate Day: 7 (Plan a menu for the day.  Serve chocolate at each meal.  Help prepare the chocolate dishes.  Be sure to eat some.  Share with a friend.)
• Gummi Worm Day: 15 (Eat gummi worms while reading books about worms such as Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin at http://www.doreencronin.com/www.doreencronin.com/Home.html  and illustrated by Harry Bliss.  See http://www.harrybliss.com/main_content.html  Write a diary entry pretending you’re a gummi worm.  Look for Wiggle and Waggle (chapter book)by Caroline Arnold.  See www.carolinearnold.com  It is illustrated by Mary Peterson.  See http://www.marypeterson.com/  Check out the worm facts in the back of the book.)
• National Lollipop Day: 20 (List as many lollipop flavors as you can.  Assign a flavor to each friend and tell why you chose that one.)
• Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day: 21 (When have you used these words in a sentence?  Write down what you said and then toss the paper away.  Example:  I could have made a home run, if I hadn’t stopped at third.)
• Paperback Book Day: 30.  (Fill your backpack with paperback books.  Pull one out and reread it.  What’s your favorite paperback?  Recommend it to someone.  Swap  with a friend)
• Tell an Old Joke Day: 24 (Here’s one for you:  What are 3 good reasons to be a teacher?Answer:  June, July, and August.  Ask a friend to join you in  reading and sharing old jokes. Favorite first words of your conversation:  “Here’s one for you.” or “Do you know this one?”  Make up jokes or riddles of your own.) 

Special Weeks in July:

• Dog Days (3-11): (Do you know why this week got this name?  What does it mean?  Name three things you do to stay cool during Dog Days.  Ask friends for their ideas.)
• National Zoo Keepers Week (15-21): (When was the last time you visited a zoo?  What was your favorite animal doing when you visited his area?  What would you like to ask a zookeeper?  Be sure to visit “A Writer’s Playground” during National Zoo Keepers Week for your chance to ask a zookeeper a question.)
• National Ventriloquism Week: (18-21) (Find a ventriloquism act to watch in person or see one on television or a movie.)
• World Lumberjack Championship: 27-29.  (Research.  Can you name a real lumberjack and one from a folktale? What was his/her record?)

July is…

• Cell Phone Courtesy Month (Describe a sign you’ve seen in a public place reminding customers to use cell phone courtesy)
• Family Reunion Month (Do you know all your cousins, aunts, uncles?  Could you help plan a reunion?  What about a skype reunion?)
• National Grilling Month (What is your favorite grilled food?  Does your family grill inside, outside, with gas, charcoal,  or wood?  Who does the grilling at your house?)
• National Ice Cream Month (Have you ever churned ice cream?  What flavor of homemade ice cream is your favorite?)

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

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.

*Resources:  http//vertex42.com (calendar) and http://www.brownielocks.com/july.html (calendar observances)

Coming next:  Meet Melissa Barr,a zookeeper from the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.  Celebrate National Zookeeper Week (July 15-21)

Copyright © 2012 Linda Martin Andersen