Good Fences Make…

“Good Fences Make..” 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.

Copyright 2014 Linda Andersen

I recently saw this beautiful azalea hedge/fence blooming in our apartment complex. When I walked past it, I thought of a line from Mending Walls by Robert Frost:  “Good fences make good neighbours.”  This statement is a proverb.

What is a proverb?  What are some other examples?

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/mend-fences.html

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-proverbs.html

After this experience, I started to notice other fences in the area.  On a daily drive, I’ve been watching a lady putting up a privacy fence.  I decided to write several different endings to “Good fences make…” based on the lady’s yard project and my thoughts about it.  I hope you enjoy them.  What are other ways you’d complete the statement “Good fences make…?

Building good fences makes… strong muscles.

The lady building the fence dug post holes with a manual post hole digger and added cement that she mixed by hand, a little at a time.  Building strong muscles.  Probably some sore ones too.

Building good fences makes…a time for solitude.  After all, it’s not a project many volunteer to help do!

The lady building the fence works alone for hours.  Maybe she prefers it that way.  Maybe solitude is what she’s seeking as much as a new fence.

Good fences (privacy) make…a personal paradise.

The lady building the fence has added trees inside the fenced area.  I wonder if she will include a garden swing to share with someone special.  Will she sip lemonade under her future shade?

Good fences make…a place for the dog. 

The lady building the fence may have a pet.  I’m imagining a dog running in the new pen once it’s finished.

What are other ways you’d end the statement? “Good fences make…”  Please share your ideas.

This writing exercise has me wondering about this lady who works so hard.  I could write a character sketch about her and then a story.  I hope this exercise gets you motivated to write too.

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

Children 13 years old or older may leave a comment–Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA)  See:  http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm

Copyright © 2014 Linda Martin Andersen

September Activities–This Month’s Calendar Events

“September 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.

Think:  What does the word “September” bring to mind?  The start of another school year.  Thoughts of Fall.  Summer coming to an end.  What about those back-to-school writing assignments:  What I Did Over Summer Vacation. 

I recently read Chicken Boy by Frances O’Roark Dowell, which I won by commenting on Carol Baldwin’s blog. http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/ In the book, Tobin McCauley, has a writing assignment–to write an autobiography.  He turns it in late and it isn’t typed, but he does complete the assignment.  Where is this leading?  I decided to be like Tobin.  I’d post this month’s activities, even though they are a few days late.  Tobin had “one grade dropped due to lateness.”  That only seemed fair.  So readers, I’ll understand if you feel the need to do the same.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out Chicken Boy and Frances O’Roark Dowell, the author.

http://www.francesdowell.com/biography/     Just for fun, check out “Chicken Boy–The Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles.”http://www.chickenboy.com/

Special Days in August:

• National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day: 1 What does it mean to say, “There was no rhyme nor reason for it?” Have you ever said this? Do you remember what was happening?
• Labor Day: 2 Why do we celebrate this day? Name three types of labor you do.
• National Lazy Mom’s Day: 6 What would Mom really like to do but won’t? Tell her about this holiday and ask how she’d like to celebrate “being lazy.” Can you help make it happen?
• Grandma Moses Day: 7 Who was Grandma Moses? Why is she famous? How is she like your grandma? How is she different?
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5rkcPJUk14
• International Drive Your Studebaker Day: 8 What is a Studebaker? Research “Studebaker.” What did you learn? Why do you think this is a recognized holiday? How would you suggest celebrating?  http://www.studebakermuseum.org/p/about/history/
• http://www.studebakerhistory.com/dnn/Advertising/tabid/56/Default.aspx (advertising)
• International Literacy Day: 8 What does your hometown do to promote literacy? Is there a walk for literacy? Is there a charity that would like gently-used children’s books? What other things could be done?
• National Grandparent’s Day: 8 Do you have grandparents you can honor today? If not, do you have another family member you’d like to recognize in some kind way? Perhaps you could do something unexpected like sending a care package, if your parents give permission. Give something you helped grow or make.
• Swap Ideas Day: 10 Fall is right around the corner. What ideas do you have for celebrating? Swap ideas with someone. Have fun!
• Odd Day: 11 Find books  with “odd” in the title. One suggestion: Odd Velvet by Mary E. Whitcomb

• Patriot Day: 11 What is a patriot? In what war did Patriots fight in America? Look for books about this topic. http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/patriot-day  Patriot Day is now set aside to remember the terrorist attack on 911. 
• Remember Freedom Day: 11 What does “freedom” mean to you? Use the letters in “freedom” to write an acrostic poem. For example: F—founders of a new country, R–…
• Video Games Day: 12 What is your favorite video game? Do you earn points or advance to higher levels? Do you have a strategy tip you could share?
• Blame Someone Else Day: 13 Who gets blamed at your house? Do you?  How do you handle getting blamed? Do you blame someone else? What works best?
• Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day: 13 What is your favorite thing to cook? What could you cook today? Who could help you?  What do you cook well?  What would you like to learn to cook?  Check out cookbooks for kids. 
• Ronald Dahl Day: 13 When I hear this author’s name, I think:  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  James and the Giant Peach.  Have you read books by Ronald Dahl? Why not read another one. If you haven’t read any, ask someone who for a recommendation. What could you do to celebrate this day?http://www.biography.com/people/roald-dahl-9264648
• Stand Up to Cancer Day: 13 What do you think it means to “stand up to cancer?” What things do you stand up to? What do you stand up for? How do you decide?
• Felt Hat Day: 15 What is felt? What type hats are made of felt? Research and see. What else is made of felt? Have you ever seen a felt board? What is it used for?http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_felt_hat_day.html
• Mayflower Day: 16 What is your best guess for selecting the name “Mayflower.” What would you have suggested, if asked? What do you think of when you hear “Mayflower?”
• National Respect Day: 18 What does “respect” mean to you?  Make a chart of people, places, and things you respect. How do you show respect for each one? Do you think it’s possible to respect someone you do not like? Why or why not?
• Talk Like a Pirate Day: 19 Ayyy, Matey.  Make a list of pirate talk.  Include special vocabulary. Now, can you imitate a pirate without using pirate words? For example: Do not tell someone to walk the plank. See if anyone can guess that you’re “being a pirate.”
• World’s Alzheimer’s Day: 21 What are some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Look for statistics about alzheimer’s. Research ways to care for people with this disease. Find out about current medical treatments.http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_1973.asp
• Dear Diary Day: 22 If you wanted to tell someone about your day, who would it be? What if that person isn’t available? Write your thoughts and address them to “Dear Diary.” The next day, try doing the same thing. Perhaps you’ll continue to keep a diary.
• Ice Cream Cone Day: 22 Treat yourself to an ice cream cone today. Treat someone else if you can. Ask friends to meet for an ice cream cone. Tell them it’s “Dutch Treat.” If you or your friends don’t know the meaning of “Dutch Treat,” research the term.
• National Good Neighbor Day: 28 What are some ways your neighbors help you or others in your family? What are some ways you can help your neighbors? (children—check with your parents first)
• National Museum Day: 28 How many museums can you name in your area? Select another state and research museums there. Which would you recommend? What is a House Museum? Which ones have you visited?
• R.E.A.D. in America Day: 28 Who can you read to today? A friend, a parent, your dog? Choose a new book to read or finish one you have begun. What is your favorite: humor, mystery, adventure, poetry, science fiction, nonfiction, or other? Recommend a good book to someone. http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm

Special Weeks:

• National Nutrition Week: 1-7 In honor of this week, check each of your meals and snacks before eating. Is there something you could substitute that would be healthier? What healthy habit could you add?
• Pollution Prevention Week: 15-21 What are some ways to prevent pollution? What pollution prevention habits do you follow? Create a poster that encourages pollution prevention. Where can you display it?  What books have you read that encourage responsible care of the environment?  Ask friends what they have read.
• Constitution Week: 17-23 Where can you see a copy of the Constitution? Where can you find information about its meaning? How can you celebrate this week? Who will you celebrate with?
• Deaf Awareness Week: 22-29 Have you ever met an interpreter? Have you been in class with a deaf student? Research schools for the deaf. Locate information about sign language. Learn to sign letters or words. Share what you learn with someone.
• National Dog Week: 22-28 Do you own a dog? Who do you know that does? Ask your parents if you may plan a dog parade with neighbors or friends. Write a dog story. Ask friends to share pictures of their dogs and tell their favorite dog stories. Share your own stories.
• National Keep Kids Creative Week: 22-28 What do you enjoy creating? Try creating with three of something: Find three or more disposable items and create something. Or find three full page glossy magazine pictures. Cut them in strips. Create a mural. Create something else using threes.
• Sea Otter Awareness Week: 22-28 Have you ever seen a sea otter? A river otter? How are they alike? How are they different? What books can you find about otters?  In September 2012, I spotlighted a book by Laurie Keller called Do Unto Otters–A Book About Manners.  Check here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1140&action=edit
•  Chimney Safety Week: 30—10/6 Research chimney safety. What occupation shares safety tips on this topic? Does your home have a chimney? How do you make sure it is safe? What is a chimney sweep? What video or movie includes a chimney sweep?

September is…

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month Do you know anyone with ADHD or ADD (without hyperactivity)? Research symptoms. How do you think this disorder would interfere with school assignments, friendships, and family time? Which disorder do you think would be easier to live with and why?
• Backpack Safety America Month Read backpack safety tips. Check your backpack. Do you need to make changes? What are other safety tips for a new school year?
• Be Kind to Editors & Writers Month Who is an editor or writer you know? Share kindness with one by sending a card or comment by email (with parent permission). Recommend a favorite book to a friend. That is a kindness an editor and/or writer would appreciate.
• Children’s Good Manners Month Who or what taught you good manners? Good books? Recommend one. Who taught you to hold a door, say please and thank you, share, etc? Thank that person today.
• Fall Hat Month If you were a hat designer, what would you create for Fall? Write up a description or draw a design.  Check out Twelve Hats for Lena by Karen Katz or other hat books.  See the author’s website here:  http://www.karenkatz.com/picturebook.html
• 
• International or National Guide Dogs Month Have you ever seen someone come into a public place with a guide dog? Name two or more reasons why the person might have one? What are some rules to remember if you see someone with a guide dog? Research guide dogs and their training.
• Library Card Sign-up Month Do you have a public library card? If not, ask your parent if you can sign up for one. How many books do you check out on average? Ask your friends if they have library cards. If not, encourage them to sign up for one.
• National Honey Month What do you eat honey on? Have you ever taken a spoonful of honey when you had a cold? What type honey do you find on grocery shelves? Do you know a beekeeper? Have you ever seen honey gathered? Is there a place to watch it being gathered in your area? Research to learn more about bees, bee hives, queen bees, worker bees, beekeepers, etc.
• National Rice Month What is a rice paddy? Have you ever seen one? Where can they be found in the world? Look at a rice display in a grocery store. What varieties do you see? Which is your favorite? Have you ever cooked rice? What is meant by gummy rice? What brand of rice does your family buy? Why? Research to learn more about rice.  Check out this video to learn more:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT6gjb48_N0
• National Wilderness Month Name places you consider a wilderness. What do you like to do there? What is a national wilderness? Research national wilderness locations. Have you visited any on the list? Choose one to study further. What would you like to do there? Is there one close to your home that you might visit? Ask your parents.
• Self-Improvement Month What do you see as your personal strengths? What do you need to improve? How can you do that? Set a goal and check your progress or ask someone else to help. Choose someone who will keep you encouraged and cheer you on.

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

I hope you’ll leave a comment before you go.  Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Please come again soon and bring a friend. 

Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen