Hey, Bunny Friends!
I thought I’d try something a little different this month and let April celebrations serve as my inspiration. In this love letter I offer you lots of ideas for fun activities related to 14 different April occasions. Nothing is more heart-warming than memory-making with those children we love! I’m hoping something in this letter connects with your heart and brings some love into your world — so please read on! — Mary

APRIL 1 - APRIL FOOLS DAY

I dug back into my archives to find one of our most enjoyable April Fools Days in memory. These are photos of my paper scrapbook from 2006, so the quality might be compromised. I was relatively new to the Granny job back then. The caper participants were my two oldest grandkids, Jaspir and Ada, both in their twenties now. First, we needed some nutrition to help our brains concoct a diabolical plot to perpetrate on their parents (my daughter Maggie and her husband Dan). First, I tried my best to teach the kids a gangster pose and realized there was too much sweet goodness in their hearts to do it much less pull pranks. Since I know their mom would get mad at me if I got them a little drunk to wear them down, instead I took them to the store and enticed them with a host of funny tricks they could play on their parents. Giggles abounded!

Okay, I admit, I was a little too successful. I made them wear a leg of my panty hose over their heads so no one would recognize them. It’s related to a new thing Granny taught them: “D is for Deniability.” They loved it and insisted we all wear the panty hose into the store while we shopped. We bought 25 tricks from the bugs frozen in pretend ice cubes to fake dog poop. By the time we were done, Jaspir was M.C. Hamper, and Ada was Angel J, and I was Queen G-tifah. Here they are below intimidating their grandfather, our event photographer. Little Gangsters, right?

Of all the tricks, the best was one we invented: two baggies filled with chopped ham. All we needed was a dog or two. The friskier the better. Their beagle Lu was the perfect accomplice. As mom and dad slept snuggled in their beds on April Fools morning, two unknown perps entered their bedroom and quietly sprinkled chopped ham all over the bed, saving just enough to entice the dog into the room. One gentle toss of meat on to the bed and utter mayhem ensued. Sleepy parents thought the dog went nuts and was attacking them. It worked sooooooooo good it has stood the test of time as one of the top pranks in our family - especially by kids! And we share, so take this gem of an idea and make some mischief. Works by kids and on kids. Don’t forget the panty-hose. Don’t you love a great prank?

APRIL 7 • JACKIE CHAN’S BIRTHDAY

I admit every few weeks an irresistible urge for Chinese food overtakes me. To assure I am never disappointed, when I plan our month’s activities, I put in one or two celebrations, usually “Kung Fu Night” where we watch a martial arts movie, and/or “Chinese and Chess” where we have a tournament. The common feature in both events is my thinly veiled excuse to serve Chinese food. April is an exception, though. We celebrate the birthdays of the great Jackie Chan (April 7) and the venerable Buddha (April 8). With a little planning, I can cook once for Jackie and serve leftovers for Buddha.

INVITATIONS: If you want to create your own Jackie Chan birthday party for the kids in your life (or if you’re a kid at heart like Keith and me) here’s some ideas. 
Tell your guests to wear cowboy attire, or at least have bandanas for neckerchiefs available. This will be a “movie night” party, so it would be great as a sleepover too!

If so, mention jammies.

THE MOVIE: Keith and I will be watching the movie “Shanghai Noon.” on Disney+. A quick online search can help you find it streaming somewhere, I bet. The sequel. “Shanghai Knights” is also perfectly suited. Both are American-made films, not dubbed, and have only a few sub-titles. It is rated PG-13, mostly for the gun violence. There’s nothing worse in the movie than is in just about every PG-rated movie, a few potty jokes that probably will tickle your kids or go over their heads. Jackie Chan’s character picks the cowboy name “John Wayne” in the movie, so you might have to explain who John Wayne is to your kids.


MOVIE TREAT: Prep some bags of popcorn for the movie. I love making little graphics so would add labels that say “Kung Fu Popcorn.”


ACTIVITIES: We never allowed our kids to play with guns thinking that would give them a healthy respect for firearms and make them less violent. This didn’t work at all! Everything became a gun: bananas, spatulas, flashlights, pieces of 2x4 wood. And we had two daughters even! (1) That said, your kids might love it if you set up a “Wild West” target practice game if it fits your world view and toy box supplies. You’ll need nerf guns and maybe cowboy hats. Kids can practice their aim and compete for prizes. (2) My other favorite activity is a karate-inspired dance-off. Kids can merge their best karate moves with their best dance moves. The song just has to be “Kung Fu Fighting” by CeeLo Green and Jack Black! (3) You might even want to have a mini-class and teach them to bow to their “master” and instruct them in a few karate moves. Or, even better, have them teach you.



CRAFT: Inexpensive cowboy hats are available at party stores if you want to offer a craft. Kids can each take a plain hat and personalize it using stickers, markers, glitter glue, etc. If you don’t have access to hats, you can do the same with karate headbands using fabric strips and markers.



MENU: You could lean toward traditional “cowboy” food like hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, etc. Or you could veer east for the Chinese food. Kids are fussy eaters so choose accordingly. Our celebration will definitely be Chinese food - take-out! Either way, be sure to have lots of Fortune Cookies and a birthday cake for Jackie. I’ll be going for a cowboy design on the cake. I’ll also stab it with a few chop sticks.

APRIL 8 • BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

Aside from the delicious Chinese food leftovers, I think a lovely way to honor Buddha’s birthday would be to teach children how to meditate and/or be more mindful. It can help them develop important skills for emotional regulation, focus, and overall well-being. Meditation offers numerous benefits for children's mental, emotional, and physical health:

1. STRESS REDUCTION: Meditation can help children manage stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calmness.

2. IMPROVED FOCUS & ATTENTION: Regular meditation practice can enhance children's ability to concentrate and stay focused, which can benefit their academic performance.

3. EMOTIONAL REGULATION: Meditation teaches children to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, helping them respond more calmly to challenging situations.

4. ENHANCEDD SELF-AWARENESS: Through meditation, children can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions, and their reactions to various stimuli.

5. BETTER SLEEP: Meditation can improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing racing thoughts, leading to more restful sleep.

How to Teach Children to Meditate

1. SET THE STAGE: Choose a quiet, comfortable space for meditation without distractions. Consider using cushions or mats for seating.

2. INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT: Explain meditation to children in simple terms, such as "quiet time for the mind" or "mindful breathing." Emphasize that it's okay for thoughts to come and go.

3. PRACTICE MINDFUL BREATHING: Start with a basic breathing exercise. Have children sit comfortably with their eyes closed and focus on their breath. Encourage them to notice the sensation of breathing in and out. Use prompts like "breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out gently through your mouth."

4. USE GUIDED VISUALIZATION: Guide children through simple visualizations, such as imagining themselves in a peaceful place like a beach. Encourage them to use all their senses to immerse themselves in the visualization.

5. EXPLORE SENSORY MEDITATION: Engage children's senses by incorporating sensory experiences into meditation, such as listening to calming music or sounds, feeling different textures, or focusing on the taste of a small piece of food like a raisin.

6. EXPLORE MOVEMENT MEDITATION: Incorporate gentle movement into meditation, such as yoga or tai chi-inspired movements. Encourage children to focus on the sensations in their bodies as they move.

7. PRACTICE GRATITUDE & LOVING KINDNESS: Guide children in expressing gratitude for things in their lives or sending loving-kindness wishes to themselves and others. This fosters positive emotions and empathy.

8. KEEP IT SHORT & SIMPLE: Start with short meditation sessions, gradually increasing the duration as children become more comfortable with the practice. Aim for a few minutes initially, longer as they progress.

9. BE PATIEND & SUPPORTIVE: Meditation can be challenging for children, especially at first. Encourage them to be patient with themselves and reassure them that it's normal for thoughts to wander during meditation.

10. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Model mindfulness and meditation in your own life. Children are more likely to adopt the practice if they see adults engaging in it regularly.

If children can experience the benefits of mindfulness from a young age, it lays the foundation for a lifetime of mental and emotional resilience.

APRIL 8 • SOLAR ECLIPSE

It’s coming on April 8th! The last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. until 2044. So you don’t want your kids to miss it! That’s 20 years, friends. In my imaginary parenting manual, that definitely constitutes permission to pull the kids out of school! Although we are not in the path of totality,” Wisconsin will still experience a partial solar eclipse, with some areas seeing close to 90% coverage at the peak. That is just awesome! I’ll be praying for clear skies.

MILWAUKEE: The eclipse will take place from around 12:52 p.m. and 3:21 p.m. — peaking around 2:08 p.m. when the moon covers the sun by 89.4%.
MADISON: The peak is about 2:06 p.m. and will see about 86.8% coverage.
GREEN BAY: Coverage will get to around 84.6% at 2:09 p.m.

You can also join in on viewing parties. Just click HERE for a list of some of the places that will be hosting events.

You can watch the eclipse live online or on television via countless outlets. Just google solar eclipse and your location. You will likely get a long list of hits.

Life is never boring. There is always the sky.

APRIL 12 • NATIONAL GRILLED
CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Don’t miss you chance on April 12th to be waited on as the kids play restaurant for National Grilled Cheese Day. Keep them busy making menus, setting the table, taking orders, cooking food, and, of course, cleaning up. It’s Mom’s night off! And if the kids aren’t quite old enough to cook on the stove, celebrate on April 2nd. It’s National Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Day!

Since kids seem to learn everything online these days, here’s a short video (2.27 min.), called “Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe for Kids” from E-HOW. Have your kids click HERE to watch.

APRIL 15 • WORLD ART DAY

World Art Day is a celebration of creativity, culture, and the profound impact of art on society. It's a day to honor the diversity of artistic expression and inspire individuals, young and old, to engage with art in all its forms. It’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire kids to unleash their creativity and explore the world of art: discover new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Here’s some ideas to get the party started…

10 IDEAS TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE WORLD ART DAY

1. OUTDOOR SKETCHING: Take kids outdoors with sketch pads and pencils to capture the beauty of nature. Encourage them to sketch trees, flowers, or landscapes.

2. COLLABORATIVE MURALS: Provide large sheets of paper or cardboard and let kids work together to create a collaborative mural. Each child can contribute their own drawings or paintings to the masterpiece.

3. SIDEWALK CHALK ART: Head outside with sidewalk chalk and let kids unleash their creativity on the pavement. Encourage them to create colorful drawings or hopscotch designs.

4. POTTERY PAINTING: Visit a local pottery studio where kids can paint their own pottery pieces. From mugs to figurines, let them express themselves through paint and design.

5. FOUND OBJECT SCULPTURES: Gather recycled materials and found objects such as cardboard tubes, bottle caps, and paper clips. Challenge kids to use these materials to create imaginative sculptures.

6. HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH: Whip up a batch of homemade playdough using flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Let kids sculpt and mold their own creations.

7. STORYBOOK ILLUSTRATION: Choose a favorite story or nursery rhyme and have kids create illustrations to accompany the text. Encourage them to bring the story to life through their artwork.

8. NATURE COLLAGE: Take a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, and twigs. Use these natural materials to create collages or pressed flower artwork.

9. SHADOW PUPPET THEATER: Create shadow puppets using cardstock or stiff paper. Set up a makeshift theater using a sheet and flashlight, then put on a puppet show with kids' creations.

10. ART APPRECIATION DAY: Visit a local art museum or gallery to expose kids to famous works of art. Encourage them to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the pieces they see.
    
    And if all this sounds too ambitious, let the kids suggest something.

APRIL 15 • LEONARDO’S BIRTHDAY

Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy. I think he is a fitting centerpiece for any celebration of World Art Day. For kids, he serves as a powerful role model. His curiosity, creativity, and pursuit of knowledge exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning. The ability to think outside the box and envision possibilities beyond conventional boundaries was his forte!

He is best known for his paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His attention to detail, mastery of light and shadow, and innovative techniques revolutionized the art world and continue to inspire artists today. I will be writing more about him and his art in the monthly Artists We Love series.

Aside from his artistic genius, Leonardo was also a visionary inventor and scientist. He conceptualized flying machines, tanks, and submarines centuries ahead of their time. His notebooks are filled with sketches and ideas that reveal his fascination with nature, anatomy, and engineering.

This little book, Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself, could spark all sorts of wonderful things for a child’s mind. Here’s the Amazon blurb. It ”introduces “the life, world, and incredible mind of Leonardo da Vinci through hands-on building projects that explore his invention ideas. Most of Leonardo's inventions were never made in his lifetime. They remained sketches in his famous notebooks. Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself shows you how to bring these ideas to life using common household supplies. Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project combine with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies and trivia about the real-life models for each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look into the amazing mind of one the world’s greatest inventors.” It sells for $12.99 Kindle or $13.75 Paperback. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.

APRIL 22 • EARTH DAY

If it’s April 22nd, Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is an important annual event that serves as a reminder to take action to protect the environment. It has since grown to become a global celebration of environmental awareness and protection. By participating in Earth Day activities like planting a tree, reducing waste, and supporting local farmers, we can all make a positive impact on the planet. It's up to each of us to take responsibility for our actions and strive to live in a way that supports a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come. You can use Earth Day as a way to work together with the kids you love to protect our planet, especially the land and waters and plants and creatures who share a little part of the Earth with you. Here’s some ideas to pick from.

TEN IDEAS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

1. PLANT A TREE: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and release oxygen, making them essential for a healthy planet. Planting a tree is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and contribute to a greener future.

2. CLEAN UP LITTER: Litter not only looks unsightly but can also harm wildlife and pollute our waterways. Organize a cleanup or go for a walk and pick up litter along the way.

3. GO MEATLESS FOR A DAY: The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Try going meatless for a day or two each week to reduce your carbon footprint.

4. START A COMPOST BIN: Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Start a compost bin in your backyard (Some people use a worm bin to compost indoors but you might think that’s too gross to have in the house. (I think my brothers secretly had a worm bin in their bedroom. It would explain a lot).

5. USE ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS: Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and our health. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

6. TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS: Water is a precious resource, and many people use more water than they need to when taking a shower. Try taking shorter showers to conserve water and reduce your water bill.

7. PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN: Growing your own vegetables is a fun and rewarding way to reduce your environmental footprint. It reduces the need for transportation and packaging, and you know exactly where your food comes from. This might be difficult with all the critters who want to eat your plants, so be sure to use fencing or high containers).

8. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, BIKE, OR WALK: Reduce your carbon footprint by using alternative modes of transportation.

9. PARTICIPATE IN A VIRTUAL EARTH DAY EVENT: Many organizations offer virtual events like webinars, concerts, and environmental challenges.

10. DONATE TO ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: Support environmental organizations working to protect the planet by making a donation. This is a good time because on Earth Day, there are donors who will match the gift you give. Here are some good organizations: The Nature Conservancy, Green Peace, Union of Concerned Scientists, or Sierra Club.

    Don’t forget to share your Earth Day activities on social media and encourage your friends to take action to protect the environment.

APRIL 26 • AUDUBON’S BIRTHDAY

I think any celebration about Audubon shouldn’t be about the man, but about the birds he loved and painted. A paragraph or two on his life should do. I transposed a little biography a few years ago to make a hand-out for one of our Artesian Nature Coalition activities. It’s reprinted from the Audubon Society’s website. You can grab my copy by clicking HERE

Basically, Audubon made significant contributions to the study and conservation of birds. Through his observations and fieldwork, he advanced our understanding of bird behavior, habitats, and migration patterns. He recognized the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting endangered species long before such concepts were widespread. His skill as an artist allowed him to depict birds with accuracy and detail, setting a new standard for scientific illustration. His dedication helped to popularize ornithology and foster a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of bird species.

Audubon's legacy lives on through the National Audubon Society, founded in his honor, which continues to champion bird conservation efforts and promote environmental stewardship.

Audubon made significant contributions to the study and conservation of birds. Through his observations and fieldwork, he advanced our understanding of bird behavior, habitats, and migration patterns. He recognized the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting endangered species long before such concepts were widespread. His skill as an artist allowed him to depict birds with accuracy and detail, setting a new standard for scientific illustration. His dedication helped to popularize ornithology and foster a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of bird species.

Here’s my granddaughter caressing The Birds of America at one of our Artesian Nature Coalition meetings where we learned a lot about Audubon. It is his master work and remains one of the most celebrated and influential ornithological books ever created. It’s a lynchhpin in every respectable library’s collection so you should have no problem snagging one to page through with your young birders.

Of course, there must be birthday cake, but there is truly only one activity you need for an Audubon birthday party: Making bird art! Here is another granddaughter at a different Artesian Nature Coalition meeting connecting with her inner Audubon. But if you insist, there are lots of other ideas on our Artesian Nature Coalition site online. Click HERE to visit.

APRIL 29 • POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY

The entire month of April is National Poetry Month, a great time to encourage your kids to write a poem. No day will be easier for that fun than Poem in Your Pocket Day. It’s one of those niche holidays that no one’s heard of even though it’s existed for over twenty years now.

The thought is “if you have a poem in your pocket, you’ll never feel lonely.” I don’t celebrate it that way. I write a special poem for the day. Print off copies. Keep them in my pocket. Hand them to strangers and friends all day long. Make a special effort to get them to grandkids with a treat. That sounds like fun, right? It is! You can’t imagine how delighted people are to get a little poem. So work with your child if you can and give them this gift of joy-making.

If pocket poems aren’t a good fit for your kids, consider moving your event to April 17, the International Haiku Day. It can deliver easier fun, especially if you host a Family Haiku Contest. A haiku is three lines:

First line: 5 syllables
Second line: 7 syllables
Third line: 5 syallables

APRIL 28 • ASTRONOMY DAY

International Astronomy Day is a celebration of the universe and the wonders of space. Astronomy Day is a fantastic opportunity to foster a love for space and science in children. Here are some fun ideas to inspire your Astronomy Day celebration:

1. STARGAZING PARTY: Head outdoors away from city lights and gaze at the stars. Use a telescope or binoculars to observe planets, constellations, and even distant galaxies.

2. CONSTELLATION ART: Use black paper and glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers to recreate constellations. Discuss the stories behind each constellation as you create.

3. SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL: Use craft materials like clay, foam balls, or even fruits to construct a scale model of the solar system. Discuss the relative sizes and distances of the planets.

4. MOON PHASE COOKIES: Bake cookies and use frosting to depict the different phases of the moon. This tasty activity is both educational and delicious!

5. DIY ROCKET LAUNCH: Build simple rockets using paper, straws, and tape. Launch them outdoors and discuss the principles of propulsion.

6. STAR CHART: Use a star chart or an astronomy app to identify stars and constellations visible in the night sky. Encourage kids to mark the ones they recognize.

7. DESIGN SPACECRAFT: Provide craft materials like cardboard, foil, and recycled materials for kids to design their own spacecraft (or UAP). Encourage creativity and discussion about space exploration.

8. PLANETARIUM VISIT: Visit a local planetarium for an immersive journey through the cosmos. Many planetariums offer special programs for children.

9. READ SPACE BOOKS: Explore children's books about space and astronomy. Choose both fiction and non-fiction titles to cater to different interests.

10. ATTEND A STAR PARTY: Check local astronomy clubs or science centers for organized star parties where kids can interact with astronomers, view celestial objects through telescopes, and participate in educational activities.
    
    For additional ideas, you might want to check out the most recent issue of our Worth It! newsletter dedicated to our love of the cosmos. Click HERE to read it.

ARTIST WE LOVE • VAN GOGH

If you missed the new Artists We Love newsletter, it’s devoted to Vincent van Gogh and his captivating paintings. You can read it by clicking right HERE! The issue is filled with a host of fun art activities inspired by Vincent that would be great fun to add to your April magic.

• • • GRANNY BUNNY ARCHIVE • • •
If you’re looking for other ideas in the back issues of these
Granny Bunny love letters, grab a cup of your favorite beverage,
sit back, and relax - then click HERE to find them all.