Category: writing

How to Celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day

Today, April 17th is International Bat Appreciation Day. Myths and urban legends often give bats a bad reputation. Bats are actually interesting creatures. A single bat can feast on a meal of 100 mosquitoes in just an hour’s time.

Celebrating Bat Appreciation Day

So how do you celebrate a day dedicated to a bat? Consider the ideas below.

  • Go to the Library or Local Book Store: Finding books about bats will help you learn about the species, behavior, habitat, and more.
  • Watch a Documentary about Bats: Check out Netflix, YouTube or other streaming resources for a program about bats. National Geographic and PBS are generally two top resources for nature documentaries.
  • Go to Your Local Zoo: Behind the protective glass, many zoos have different bats for viewing. The zoo or local wildlife rehabilitation center may have programs for viewing bats up close.
  • Write a Child’s Story Focused on a Bat: Do you need help getting started? A quick writing prompt is “the lonely little bat” or “the bat found a new home”. If you are having a problem with writing out a story, ask your child to make one up. Younger children may require your help in writing down the words. The quick story can easily turn into a lasting memory.
  • Do Bat-Themed Crafts: An easy craft is a collage. Simply cut out a bat shape on a piece of black construction paper. Allow your child to glue different materials to the bat. For example, add googly eyes, sequins, pompoms, yarn pieces, etc. Painting or using chalk on the construction paper bat is another way. Ask your child about the bat masterpiece.

The best way to celebrate Bat Appreciation Day is by having fun. Learn about the bats. Engage in a bat-themed family activity. Just remember, allow professionals to handle bats if you find one in your home or business.

5 Tips to Encourage Your Young Writer

Today, April 10th is National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Does your child make up stories? Encouraging your child’s imagination may result in a career in writing. But using your imagination works in every field. The process allows you to think outside the box for a better solution to a pressing problem.

Tips to Encourage a Young Writer

Promoting writing is easy. Simply think, read, write, and repeat. Do you need help encouraging your young writer? Consider the following tips.

  1. Create a Writing Space

Setting up a writing space is a great way to encourage your young writer. Set up a desk in your child’s room or other location in your home. If you do not have a desk, an unused table in the corner is just as good. Old desks and small tables are available at many thrift stores for low prices. Younger children can use an old coffee table or end table for a writer space. Promoting writing is the purpose of a writing area.

  1. Purchase Writing Supplies

Your local dollar store is ideal for purchasing writing supplies at a low cost. If you are uncertain the type of supplies to purchase, take a look at the following list.

  • Journals/Diaries
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Gel Pens
  • Markers
  • Composition Notebooks
  • Spiral Notebook Paper
  • Paperclips
  • Notecards
  • Stapler/Staples
  • Stickers

The smallest items can create the largest impact on your child’s imagination.

  1. Encourage Journal Writing

Keeping a journal goes beyond recounting the day’s events. A journal provides your child with a chance to write about the world.  Encourage your young writer to express feelings, descriptions, and scenes. The information may become a great resource down the road.

  1. Books

Age appropriate books are a valuable resource for every writer. Books may be digital. But, often a book on your desk is a great way to find the answer. Digital brings you directly to the content. A book allows your child to research and search through pages.

  • Writing Books
  • Writing Prompt Books
  • Thesaurus
  • Dictionary
  • Nature Books
  • Fantasy Books
  • Other Books of Interest
  1. Library Card

A library is a wealth of information.

  • Your young writer can search for books of interest.
  • Find new topics.
  • Meet others who share similar interests.
  • Receive guidance from the librarian.
  • Attend library sponsored groups, book clubs, and field trips.
  • Check out media including DVDs, recordings, music, documentaries, and other educational based material.

A little encouragement in any child’s interest may spark a lifetime path of knowledge.

Journal Writing Prompts for April

Writing in a journal is a creative endeavor. Each passage provides you with a chance to express your own personal feelings and wishes. April’s warmer weather is a new beginning toward sunnier days after a long winter. Each day provides you with a chance to connect with your inner self.

  1. 5 goals for the month of April
  2. If you could change one aspect of your life, what would it be? What steps do you need to take to make this change a reality?
  3. What is your favorite movie (or book)? Why?
  4. What new skill would you like to learn? How do you achieve it?
  5. How would you like others to describe you?
  6. What is your favorite smell? Why?
  7. What was your first job? Describe your typical workday.
  8. If you could write, email or call anyone in the world, past or present, who would you pick? Why?
  9. Start a bucket list. Make one for your family and yourself.
  10. What are five things that currently bring you joy?
  11. What is your favorite inspirational quote? Why does the quote inspire you so much?
  12. What was your typical Friday night as a teenager?
  13. Write a letter to yourself. Describe your accomplishments. Be positive.
  14. What new activity would you like to try this summer for yourself or your family? Why?
  15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
  16. What brings you peace?
  17. What was your favorite pet as a child? Why?
  18. What are you planning for your Easter weekend with your family or friends?
  19. Write your childhood memories of Good Friday and the Easter weekend. What one is your favorite?
  20. Describe coloring Easter eggs with your family. What did you talk about? Do you have a favorite moment from the activity?
  21. Did your Easter Sunday go according to plan? Why or why not?
  22. Today is Earth Day. How do you plan to celebrate? What can you do to help the Earth?
  23. Write about 3 of your friends. How did you meet? Do you still stay in contact?
  24. How would you describe your first date?
  25. Who was your favorite teacher in grade school, junior high, and high school? Why do these teachers stand out over the others?
  26. What annoys you about your family, your life, or the world?
  27. Write about your favorite family outing as a child?
  28. What are your feelings on this Sunday?
  29. Write about the world’s current events. How do they make you feel?
  30. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in May?

Have fun writing in April. Remember a journal does not need to be fancy. A composition book or a spiral notebook is perfect for containing your thoughts.

March Journal Writing Prompts

Are you currently thinking about starting a journal? Do you need a little inspiration to help you get started? Keeping a journal is an effective tool to learn about yourself, express your emotions, and keep detailed memories of the day’s events.

Writing Prompts for March

  1. What would you like to accomplish this month?
  2. Describe your current view include as many details as possible.
  3. What is your worst habit? Are you taking steps to change the habit? What do you plan to do?
  4. What do you think makes a good friendship? Who is your best friend? Who was your best  friend?
  5. List 10 things you would tell your younger self. List 10 things you would like to tell your future self.
  6. What is your inspiration?
  7. Write goals for the future include 3 months from now, 6 months, a year, five years, etc.
  8. What hobby would you like to try? Why? What do you need to start?
  9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
  10. Could you live without the use of the Internet or cell phone? Why or why not?
  11. What would you like to learn how to do? Why?
  12. Write down a funny memory from this past week? Who was involved? Why did you find the situation funny?
  13. Do you have a current worry? Why does it bother you? What can you do to ease your worries?
  14. What holiday do you enjoy most? Why?
  15. Describe a recent dream. Who was in the dream? What do you think the dream means?
  16. Describe a normal day for you. Using the same day, write from your pet’s point of view.
  17. What does St. Patrick’s Day mean to you? Are you celebrating? What are you doing?
  18. Write down your favorite childhood memory. Why does this event mean so much to you?
  19. Write a letter to give to your children their 18th birthday or graduation day. Or write a letter to give to yourself in 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years.
  20. Celebrate the first day of spring by writing a bucket list for the season.
  21. Describe a movie or book character that inspires you.
  22. Describe your idea for perfect weekend? Is the goal achievable? Why or why not?
  23. Do you prefer to watch the sunrise or sunset? Why?
  24. What is your favorite time of day? Why?
  25. List 15 things that bring you joy.
  26. What is your vision for the future? Remember to include yourself, your significant other, your children or pets in your plan.
  27. How did or do you view yourself as a student, employee, a parent or other role in your life?
  28. If you could meet one famous person from the past, who would you pick? Why?
  29. What era would you have liked to live in? Why?
  30. Describe a book or movie recommendation. Why did you like your choice?
  31. What are you looking forward to in April? Why?