J is for Jack and Jill, Jack Rocks, and Jack-in-the Box

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “J is for Jack and Jill, Jack Rocks, and Jack-in-the-Box” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

J is for Jack and Jill (and other nursery rhymes)

Jack and Jill
Went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water,
Jack fell down
And broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after.
Up Jack got
And home did trot
As fast as he could caper,
Went to bed
To mend his head
With vinegar and brown paper. Author: Unknown

Is there still room in a child’s life for simple games, play, and toys?  I believe so.  Check out this website if you need a refresher on rhymes, fingerplays and songs:

http://www.nenpl.org/childrens/bibliographies/titles/rhymes.php

J is for Jack Rocks

Do you remember how to play?  Here’s a video to review the rules:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwmCInS2pIM

J is for Jack-in-the-box

Fun things are worth repeating even when we know the outcome.  A Jack-in-the-box works the same way every time and yet we keep cranking that handle.  Kids love it, except for those who are perhaps too young and scared by a clown or other object jumping out at them.  If you have a young child who doesn’t enjoy this toy, look for other old-fashioned toys to add to the nursery.  Do you know the tune that the toy plays?  Maybe newer versions have a different tune.  I’m not sure.  Are you?

Here’s a riddle just for you:

Riddle:  What do Jack and Jill, Jack rocks, Jack-in-the-box, and a noisy blue bird all have in common?

Answer: “J” as in Blue Jay.

Just for fun: 

My in-laws chose names beginning with “J” for all five of their children.  They include Jo Alice, John, Jill, Jeff, and James (Jimbo).

What “J” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

C is for Cotton, Concentrator, and Christmas Card Bowl

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “C is for Cotton, Concentrators, and Christmas Card Bowl” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

An ABC Find:

First Presbyterian Church. Copyright 2012. Linda Martin Andersen

Yesterday, I discovered an ABC Find.  While driving, I turned from  Ann Street onto Bow Street, where our church sits on the corner. I like that the word “church” completed the ABC find.  I never noticed this ABC Find until participating in the 2016 A-Z Blog Challenge;  yet I’ve passed by these street signs all my life.

C is for Cotton

 I live near cotton fields.  I tease that it’s as close to snow-covered fields as southerners usually get.  Squint and see if you can imagine snow.

Riddle:  What do you call a cotton-picking good friend?

Answer: A cotton harvester.

Fall 2012. Close up. Copyright Linda Andersen

Fall 2012. Copyright Linda Andersen

 

C is for Concentrator

  Two of my family members now require oxygen and concentrators provide it for home use.  This model comes with a top attachment that refills small portable cylinders, often referred to as tanks.  “E” cylinders, larger ones, are most often delivered by medical suppliers.  Patients place these on carts for portable use.  Smaller tanks are sometimes carried on the patient’s shoulder.  Do you know anyone who requires supplemental oxygen?  I’m thankful concentrators are a medical option available for patients who want to remain in their homes.

C is for Christmas Card Bowl

Years ago, when shopping in an antique/vintage shop, I spotted some reduced Christmas merchandise.  I fell in love with a set of bowls made from Christmas cards and stitched together.  Have you ever recycled cards?  What did you make?

Christmas Card Bowls. Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen

What “C” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

How is Story Revision Like Fall Leaves and Women’s Hair Color?

  “How is Story Revision Like Fall Leaves and Women’s Hair Color?” by Linda Martin Andersen

Question:  How is story revision like fall leaves and women’s hair color?”

Answer:  They change.

That’s my riddle for today.  Here’s what inspired it:

I love to write for children.  I’m currently working on a picture book manuscript.  Fellow writers critiqued my story and I revised and sent it back for another round of critiques.  I recently told a friend, “I’m already thinking on my next changes.  I added that my stories change as often as some women’s hair color.”  I hope that brought a smile to her and to you too.

I used to work with a lady who dyed her hair frequently.  If I had been asked to describe her, I’m not sure I would have known what color hair to name.  Today, people may choose to color their hair blue or bright red.  Why?  For FUN!

Why do tourist go to see the leaves change colors?  They’re beautiful.  And it’s FUN!

Let’s make story revision FUN too!

I look forward to your comments.  Riddles are welcome too.  Thanks for stopping in.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. Thank you! 

For more calendar fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thanks so much.