Submitted by: Barbara Colvin
(Ideas taken from Mailbox magazine Aug./Sept. 1994)
August
Friendship day is observed on Aug. 1. What are the qualities of a good friend? In what ways are you a good friend?
International Clown Week is held the first week in August. How do you think teachers feel when kids "clown around"? When is it appropriate to clown around? When is it inappropriate?
On Aug. 15, 1965, Frank Mitchell became the first African-American to serve as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives. What would you like to be the "first" to accomplish?
On National Relaxation Day (Aug. 15), people are supposed to totally relax. How do you relax? Describe a totally relaxing day.
On Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led the famous March on Washington to promote civil rights. What do you think still needs to be done to make equal rights a reality for everyone? How can you help?
September
September is National Piano Month. How do you feel about parents making a child take music lessons?
September is Cable TV Month. How would your family survive without television for a whole month?
George Eastman patented the Kodak camera on Sept. 4, 1888. You've been asked to take one photo that will tell the story of life in America today. What would you photograph? Why?
Candy man Milton Hershey was born on Sept. 13, 1847. If you could create a product that would bear your name, what would it be? Why would you create this product?
Mickey Mouse was introduced in a Disney cartoon on Sept. 19, 1928. Are you more like Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck? Explain your answer.
The birthday of the ice-cream cone is celebrated on Sept.
22. If someone described you by naming an ice-cream flavor, what flavor would he
or she name? Explain your answer.
April
April is Listening Awareness Month. Describe a time when you wish you had listened better than you did.
April Fools' Day is celebrated on April 1. What's the difference between a harmless prank and a harmful one? Describe a time when someone played a harmful prank on you. How did you feel?
Helen Keller was blind and deaf. On April 5, 1887, her teacher (Anne Sullivan) held Helen's hand under running water and used her fingers to spell "water." At last, Helen made the connection that what her teacher was spelling was the word for water. If you had to give up your sight or hearing for one year, which wuld you give up? Why?
Leonardo da Vinci-- born on April 15, 1452-- is known for two of the most famous pieces of art ever created: the "Last Supper" and the "Mona Lisa." Why do you tink the Mona Lisa has such a mysterious smile?
April is National Humor Month. April 23-29 is Reading is Fun Week.
What's the funniest book you have ever read? What was so
funny about it?
May
May 2-6 is Cartoon Art Appreciation Week. What is your favorite cartoon?
Why? If you could make one change in theis cartoon, what would it be?
If we all gave up wearing socks for one day, there would be less laundry-- which would help the environment! Now you know everything there is to know about No Socks Day (May 8). Title a paragraph No __________ Day." Describe your new holiday, giving reasons why you think it is needed.
The first Tuesday of the first full week in May is National Teacher Day. If your teacher were chosen "Teacher of the Year" and you were asked tospeak at a ceremony honoring him or her, what would you say?
Steveland Morris Hardaway--known as Stevie Wonder-- was born on May 13, 1951. In 1986, Stevie and some friends recorded the song "That's What Friends are For." Complete this topic sentence: "Friends are for..." Then add more sentences for a complete paragraph.
The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day. What mother-- besides your own-- do you admire the most?
February
February is Afro-American History Month, a time to spotlight the achievements of African Americans. If you were to write the biography of a famous African American, whom would you choose? What quality of accomplishment of this person do you most admire?
The first American paper money was issued by Massachusetts on Feb. 3, 1690. should kids your age be rewarded with money for gettin good grades? Explain your answer.
Rosa Lee Parks, a civil rights leader, was born on Feb. 4, 1913. Would you be willing to go to jail for protesting something that you thought was wrong, like Rosa Parks did? Explain your answer.
Baseball heroes Hank Aaron (born Feb. 5, 1934) and Babe Ruth (born Feb. 6, 1895) both set home-run records. Who do you think should be paid more: a teacher or a professional baseball player? Explain your answer.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, famous for her Little House books, was born on Feb. 7, 1867. If you could live in another period of American history, which one would you choose? Why?
Feb. 14 is Read To Your Child Day. If you could choose only one book to share with a younger child, what would it be? Why?
March
National Noodle Month is celebrated each year In March. "Use your noodle" and decide on one thing you can do to help your classroom run more smoothly.
On March 17, we wear a bit of the green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Suppose you caught a leprechaun, and he led you to a pot of gold. What would you do with the gold?
March 26 is Make UP Your Own Holiday Day. It's a special day that you may name for whatever you wish! Describe the holiday that you will create.
October
How long would it take you to get organized? Get Orgainized Week is October 2-8. What are some things you could do to become better organized?
National Newspaper Week is October 9-15, while National Pet Peeve Week is celebrated from October 10-15. Write a letter to the editor of our local paper. Describe your pet peeve and what you'd like to see done about it.
October 15 is National Grouch Day. List ten things that are sure to make your parents grouchy.
October 18 is Alaska Day. Imagine yourself in Alaska on a
winter day; then complete this sentence as humorously as you can: "It was
so cold that ...."
November
If you could interview your favorite author on Nov. 1, National Authors' Day, what questions would you ask?
Hug-A-Bear Sunday is observed on Nov. 6. Why do you think stuffed animals are so popular, even with adults?
James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was born on Nov. 6, 1861. Do you think that professional basketball players and other famous athletes should be careful about their behavior, since so many kids look up to them as role models? Or should they be able to live their lives without worrying about how their actions might influence other people? Give your opinion.
Nov. 22 is National Stop the Violence Day. What would you say to someone who said, "Video games are too violent and are contributing to the increase in violence in our country"?
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in Nov. What are some things you are thankful DIDN'T happen this year?