“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”
“Just Jot It January #25–Prestidigitation” by Linda Martin Andersen
I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit. I can’t participate every day this month, but I will join in when I can.
I decided to create a theme to write about: I chose “celebrate.”
When I saw prestidigitation was the suggested writing prompt for today, I thought no way. Then I learned it means “slight of hand” or “magic.” Okay, I can accept that challenge. In picture books, repetition and use of threes produces “magic.”
So today, I celebrate the magic of threes.
Look for the use of threes in what you see and read today. Can you name children’s books with three characters in the title such as The Three Little Pigs. Or a refrain repeated three times perhaps in a hymn or in a story. Or a nursery rhyme with three descriptions building on a core topic such as peas. Do you remember “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxEcIGcxwt8
My friend, Gretchen, recently suggested that I add one more line to a refrain in a story I’m writing. Yes, why didn’t I think of that? Now, it feels magical to me. It feels complete. Each line is spoken by one of the three main characters. So, today I celebrate the magic of threes. I encourage you to do the same.
Writing Prompts:
- When have you experienced the “magic of threes?” Tell more.
- Think in threes. Set three goals. Perhaps you could create one for yourself, one to help someone else, and one to help a larger group.
- Why do you think children’s literature often contains the “magic of threes?”
Visit http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/25/just-jot-it-january-25th-prestidigitation/ to read and comment on other participants’ posts.
http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/ for details about Just Jot It January.
Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear what you’re celebrating today. Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. For more fun, sign up to follow my blog. Thank you!