Hey, Americans!
AI got the colors of the eagle a little skewed, but let’s admit it, America is a little skewed too - but nothing that more love can’t cure. So let’s make some! This month, the celebrations continue. My goal is to have a full year of holidays, so get ready for a new batch. In this love letter, you’ll find ideas for occasions in the month of July — from International Joke Day to Barbie in a Blender Day. I’m hoping something in this love letter gets you excited enough to plan some special fun for the kids you love. Let’s save America even if it’s just one child at a time! — Mary

Photo: AI generated

JULY 1 • INTERNATIONAL JOKE DAY

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE

What is more fun than laughing with the people you love? Make a “humorous memory” with these five suggestions for how to celebrate International Joke Day.

1. GO TO A COMEDY CLUB

International Joke Day can offer an opportunity to visit a local comedy club. Be sure it will be family-friendly content! Many comedy clubs put on comedy shows on a daily or weekly basis, and pricing is often affordable (if not free). Some comedy clubs may offer open mic nights, where aspiring comedians can try out their sets, and some also feature well-known comedians performing their stand-up routines. Comedy clubs often sell food and drinks, so you may not only enjoy some laughs, but also have a nice meal. 

2. THE JOKE GAME

Search the internet for lists of jokes on a topics that your family would appreciate (e.g., dinosaur jokes, golfing jokes, Barbie jokes, cooking jokes). Print them off, cut them out so each joke is on its own little bit of paper. Fold them and place in a big bucket or bowl. Take turns telling jokes until you giggle and laugh so hard you cry. Use fake voices.

3. WATCH A COMEDY MOVIE

A fitting way to celebrate is by watching a comedy movie. Comedies can come in many different packages, so there’s sure to be one that tickles your family’s funny-bone. Research indicates that watching comedies can improve mental health and boost empathy.

4. CREATE YOUR OWN STAND-UP ROUTINE

For the more ambitious and creative, International Joke Day can be an apt occasion to solidify your stand-up routine. You may wish to spend the day implementing your final edits or trying out a few jokes with friends or family. Once you’re happy with your routine, have a Comedy Club Night with your audience right at home.

5. KNOCK-KNOCK

I have an embarrassingly large collection of knock-knock jokes which I am willing to share for the greater good — or should I say greater “joke.” If you’re interested, answer this email and let me know. I’ll send you a copy.

JOKES FOR KID COMEDIANS

(They get slightly more sophisticated as you go)

1. Why did the teddy bear say "no" to dessert?

   • Because he was already stuffed!

2. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping?

   • A dino-snore!

3. Why did the banana go to the doctor?

   • Because it wasn’t peeling well!

4. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?

   • Nacho cheese!

5. Why did the scarecrow win an award?

   • Because he was outstanding in his field!

6. What do you get if you cross a vampire with a snowman?

   • Frostbite!

7. What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back?

   • A stick!

8. Why are ghosts bad at lying?

   • Because you can see right through them!

9. Why did the math book look sad?

   • Because it had too many problems.

10. What do you call a dog magician?

    • A labracadabrador!

11. Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

    • Because they make up everything!

12. What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?

    • A carrot!

13. Why don’t skeletons fight each other?

    • They don’t have the guts!

14. How does a penguin build its house?

    • Igloos it together!

15. What do you call fake spaghetti?

    • An impasta!

16. Why did the bicycle fall over?

    • Because it was two-tired!

17. What did one wall say to the other wall?

    • I'll meet you at the corner.

18. What do you call a fish with no eyes?

    • Fsh.

19. Why did the golfer bring an extra pair of pants?

    • In case he got a hole in one!

20. What do you call a bear with no teeth?

    • A gummy bear!

21. Why don’t some couples go to the gym?

    • Because some relationships don’t work out.

22. Did you hear about the mathematician who’s afraid of negative numbers?

    • He will stop at nothing to avoid them.

23. Why did the scarecrow get promoted?

    • Because he was outstanding in his field.

24. What’s the best thing about Switzerland?

    • I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.

25. How does a penguin build its house?

    • Igloos it together.

26. Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

    • Because they make up everything!

27. What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle?

    • Attire.

28. What do you call fake spaghetti?

    • An impasta.

29. Why don’t skeletons fight each other?

    • They don’t have the guts.

30. Why did the coffee file a police report?

    • It got mugged.

REASONS TO CELEBRATE JOKE DAY

International Joke Day can provide an opportunity to laugh and connect with others through jokes. While this may just seem like a simple means of connecting, laughter and humor can have significant benefits for mental and physical health as well. The benefits of laughing include the following:

INCREASE ORGAN STIMULATION
(that’s kind of a mommy & daddy joke, kids)

Seriously, when you laugh, you tend to inhale more oxygen than usual, which can, in turn, stimulate major organs like your heart, brain, and lungs, as well as your muscles. Extra oxygen can lead to increased endorphins released in the brain, potentially contributing to a more positive mood.

SOOTH TENSION

Laughing can increase muscle relaxation and stimulate blood circulation, leading to relief from tension and other physical manifestations of stress. 

IMPROVE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Chronic negative thoughts can produce chemicals in the body that raise cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. The more stressed your body is, the less effective your immune system may be at fighting off illnesses. In contrast, when you’re having more positive thoughts or laughing often, your body can release neuropeptides that fight stress.

RELIEVE PAIN

Most of us have likely heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It turns out there may be some truth to the adage: Laughing can reduce pain by prompting the body to produce its own natural painkillers.

IMPROVE MOOD

People can experience low moods for a variety of reasons, from having a rough day to living with a chronic mental illness like depression. Laughing regularly can decrease feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, and it can also improve mood and self-esteem.

INCREASE OVERALL SATISFACTION

Laughing can help you connect with people and cope with difficult situations more effectively. The benefits of humor can be similar to the benefits of laughter, with positive mental and physical health effects. Humor can also act as a positive coping mechanism. Studies show that people can utilize humor to buffer stressful events and stay positive through hard times.

NEXT TIME A STRANGER TALKS TO YOU WHEN YOU’RE ALONE, JUST STARE AT THEM WITH A LOOK OF SHOCK AND WHISPER
”YOU CAN SEE ME?”

JULY 4 • INDEPENDENCE DAY

For international readers, the USA Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It’s a day of patriotism, family gatherings, and celebrating American freedom and history. The day marks the anniversary of the United States declaring independence from Britain. This historic event is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and various festivities that honor the nation’s history and heritage. For domestic readers: let’s make it memorable for our families and friends, but especially the kids!

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY

1. PATRIOTIC CRAFTS: Create patriotic crafts such as American flags, red, white, and blue decorations, or fireworks art using various materials. These activities stimulate creativity and help children express their patriotism. For 490 awesome Independence Day craft ideas for kids, click HERE

2. HISTORY LESSON: Share the story of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. Use engaging resources like books, videos, and reenactments to make the history lesson exciting and memorable. Parents magazine put together this very helpful article: 17 Fun Fourth of July Facts for Kids to Explain the History of the Holiday. To read it, click HERE

3. COOKOUT AND PICNIC: Host a family cookout or picnic with traditional American foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and apple pie. Involve kids in the cooking process and discuss the significance of the holiday while enjoying the meal together. Here’s a recipe that is easy and yummy (my two favorite words when it comes to cooking).

RED WHITE AND BLUE CHEESECAKE SALAD

INGREDIENTS
3.4 oz. vanilla or cheesecake flavored instant pudding
8 oz. cream cheese-softened to room temperature
8 oz. whipped topping
1 c. milk - whole or 2% work well
1 c. strawberries (fresh)
1 c. blueberries (avoid frozen)
1 c. raspberries (avoid frozen)
10 oz. mini marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, whipped topping, cream cheese, and milk until smooth.
2. Add marshmallows to cheesecake dressing and stir to evenly mix.
3. Gently mix the berries (one type at a time), into the cheesecake mixture. Mix slowly and gently trying not to break apart berries.
4. Cover and place in the fridge to chill for an hour. Can be made 48 hours in advance. Store in fridge till ready to serve.

4. FIREWORKS DISPLAY: Most people attend a local fireworks display or create a safe, small-scale version at home with sparklers and glow sticks. This exciting activity is a traditional way to celebrate and marvel at the spectacle of the holiday but PLEEEZ BE CAREFUL! The Travel Wisconsin wwebsite picked these cities as offering the best fireworks displays in the state:
NORTHERN WISCONSIN: Green Bay, Egg Harbor, and LaPointe
CENTRAL WISCONSIN: Stevens Point, LaCrosse
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN: Kenosha, Madison, Wisconsin Dells

5. PATRIOTIC SONGS AND GAMES: Sing patriotic songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.” Organize fun games such as a flag relay race or a patriotic scavenger hunt. And don’t forget, this day is the perfect time for the old fashioned sack races. Just sayin’ Also, Spotify has a red-white+blue playlist of 40 patriotic songs from classic rock, country, and patriotic genres. Click HERE

Independence Day is a festive celebration of American history and patriotism. It’s also a chance to help the children you love learn about and appreciate the significance of our nation and our freedom.

JULY 12 • PAPER BAG DAY

Paper Bag Day celebrates the invention of the humble paper bag, an everyday item with significant environmental impact. It’s a wonderful opportunity to delve into the history of paper bags, while fostering creativity and environmental awareness in children.

Paper bags were invented in 1852 by Francis Wolle, a schoolteacher who created a machine to mass-produce them. The paper bag became a staple in households and businesses due to its practicality and friendliness to the environment. Over the years, its design has evolved, but its purpose remains the same: to provide a reusable, biodegradable alternative to plastic bags, thus reducing plastic waste and helping protect our environment.

FIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE PAPER BAG DAY

1. HISTORY OF THE PAPER BAG: Share the story of the paper bag’s invention and its impact on daily life. Explain how using paper bags helps reduce plastic waste and protects our planet.

2. PAPER BAG CRAFTS: Provide a variety of paper bags, markers, scissors, glue, and decorative items. Encourage the kids to create puppets, masks, or gift bags. Ask them to explain their creations and the ideas behind them, fostering creativity and storytelling skills. You’ll notice a lot of ideas pictured right here in this holiday’s block.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Teach children about the environmental benefits of using paper bags over plastic ones. Discuss topics like biodegradability and recycling. (Boring but necessary). Maybe give them an M&M for every minute they listen to you.

4. PAPER BAG ETIQUETTE: Show the proper ways to use, fold, and store paper bags. Teach them how to pack a lunch or groceries efficiently using paper bags. This activity promotes organizational skills and helps them appreciate the value of everyday items.

5. STORYTIME WITH PAPER BAGS: Create story props or puppets out of paper bags for a storytelling session. Let the kids choose their favorite stories and help them make characters or scenes. This enhances their creativity and comprehension skills.

Celebrate Paper Bag Day while promoting creativity and environmental awareness. The two most important lessons are to appreciate the simple yet significant contributions of everyday items like the paper bag, and to realize you can celebrate absolutely anything!

TO ACCESS ALL THESE COOL PAPER BAG CRAFT IDEAS
CLICK HERE

JULY 14 • BASTILLE DAY

If you didn‘t get enough fireworks on the Fourth of July, there’s Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, right around the corner. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. This event symbolized the end of the monarchy’s absolute power and the rise of the people's quest for freedom and democracy. Bastille Day has since become a national holiday in France, celebrated with parades, fireworks, and various cultural activities.This day is perfect for teaching children about French history, culture, and the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE BASTILLE DAY

1. HISTORY LESSON: Any historical event is a great chance for a history lesson. Share the story of the storming of the Bastille prison that started the French Revolution. Explain the significance of liberty and equality, and why humans value it so highly. Or here’s a nicely done animated video. Click HERE

2. FRENCH CRAFTS: Provide art supplies for kids to create French tricolor flags they can mount on dowels or wrapping paper rolls. Help them make posters or banners that say liberté (liberty) or égalité (equality). Here’s a quick easy explanation of the French flag’s symbolism you can share with the kids. Click HERE

3. FRENCH REVOLUTION ROLE-PLAY: Voila! Historical context and props are ready. Now it’s time to get some caps and battle props (if you have some in the toy box). Then organize a role-playing activity where kids can act out the storming of the Bastille where parent prison guards will lose to the peasant kids as they yell “Viva la France.” Before the storming, have the kids take turns standing on a “soap box” to rile up the crowds. This approach helps children grasp and empathize with historical concepts and practice public speaking. It also makes a fabulous memory. Don’t forget your camera.

4. FRENCH CUISINE: Introduce children to French cuisine by making simple dishes together and having a picnic on a blanket (by a lake, pond or river in a park if possible). Our menu suggestions are chicken salad on croissants or crepes; pomme frites (french fries or potato chips); grapes, fancy cheese, alcohol-free champagne; and macarons or chocolate eclairs. Teach them how to make a chef’s kiss and say “très bon.” For a refresher on a chef’s kiss click HERE

5. PLEINE-AIRE PAINTING: Grab some paper, watercolors, brushes, and easels or clipboards (picnic tables if you don’t have a hard surface). Also bring paper towel, hand wipes, and little paper cups for water. En plein-aire basically means outdoors. It was popularized by the French Impressionists. A picnic in the park should offer loads of subject matter. If this seems too daunting, move to pencils or crayons and a sketch pad. But it’s France and just begs for some art making.

JULY 16 • WORLD SNAKE DAY

World Snake Day is dedicated to celebrating and learning about snakes, creatures that often evoke fear but play a crucial role in ecosystems. It’s a wonderful opportunity to educate children about these fascinating reptiles and foster respect for wildlife.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE WORLD SNAKE DAY

1. SNAKE FACTS: Share interesting facts about different snake species, their habitats, and their roles in the ecosystem. Use books, videos, and interactive apps to make learning engaging and informative. National Geographic has some great snake resources for kids. Be sure to check out Awesome 8: Super Snakes - click HERE Another fun one is Moment of Wow: Snakes which has some wonderful snakes. Click HERE

2. SNAKE CRAFTS: Hands-on activities can help kids appreciate the beauty and diversity of snakes while stimulating creativity. You could have them make snake-themed crafts such as paper plate snakes, beaded snake bracelets, or clay models. Click HERE for 10 Sassy Snake Crafts for Kids from Artsy Craftsy Mom.

Our Snake Day party was quite the event. We started with some after-school nourishment and then started right in on our baking project. The girls wanted to make snake cookies, so our craft media of choice was sugar cookie dough. I had it ready for sculpting and lots of decorating and frosting options queued up. Our efforts were cursed by a jealous, evil witch. It was horrendous. Our snakes swelled up into blobs when we baked them and the little ones crumbled apart.

Below, you can see the snake cookies the witch made to show off and further humiliate us. The whole ordeal was quite the story which you can read in the June edition of the Slender Stalk love letter. Just click HERE and scroll to the bottom.

3. FEAR THE SNAKE GAME: After the baking fiasco, we moved on to a game I invented we called Fear the Snake. One person hides the snakes in the yard while the other dons their snake hunting shirt and selects her snake snatching tongs. The timer is set. Everyone is nervous. The contestant must capture at least six deadly snakes before the time is up WITHOUT DYING in order to win a prize. We hug and kiss good-bye just in case the worst should happen.

Lilly amazed us with her snake-catcher tong techniques. Sometimes the hardest snakes to find are hiding in plain sight. The scariest is reaching into the plants and bushes where you might get bit and need to have someone suck out the venom. That happened at our last snake party and I almost died. Our champions both prevailed despite some daunting hiding spots. We applaud their courage, speed, and tong techniques. Once again, our yard is safe for field mice.

4. VIRTUAL SNAKE TOUR: Take a virtual tour of a reptile house or wildlife sanctuary. Many zoos offer online tours where children can see various snake species and learn about their behaviors and conservation efforts.

5. OUTDOOR EXPLORATION: If possible, take a guided nature walk to observe snakes in their natural habitat. Ensure it’s done safely and wear high shoes or boots. This real-world experience fosters a deeper understanding and respect for these creatures.

Through fun and informative activities, you can cultivate children’s respect for wildlife and an appreciation for the diversity of nature. The cookies taste good too!

JULY 17 • YELLOW PIG DAY

Yellow Pig Day is a whimsical celebration of the number 17 and all things mathematical, initiated by mathematicians Michael Spivak and David Kelly. The "yellow pig" became a quirky mascot, symbolizing the playful and imaginative side of mathematics. Seventeen is the most interesting number, and mathematicians will tell you it is, of course, the number of eyelashes on a yellow pig. This day encourages appreciation and enjoyment of mathematical concepts. It’s a delightful opportunity to make math fun and intriguing for older kids.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE YELLOW PIG DAY

1. LEARN ABOUT THE NUMBER 17: Here is an excerpt from a lecture that one of the founders of this day, David Kelly, gave on July 17, 1995.

• The modern Italians foolishly think that 17 is unlucky, and they are very superstitious concerning it. For instance, Air Italia has no 17th row, and Italian buildings do not have a seventeenth floor. Part of the reason that Italians do not like 17 is that XVII rearranged spells vixi, which means "I am dead."

• The Bible says the great flood started on the 17th day of the month, and the ark landed on the 17th day of a different month on Mt Ararat (elevation approximately 17000 feet).

• Plutarch records "The Pythagoreans also have a horror for the number 17, for 17 lies exactly halfway between 16, which is a square, and the number 18, which is the double of a square, these two, 16 and 18, being the only two numbers representing areas for which the perimeter equals the area".

• The ancient Greek architects also knew the sanctity of the number 17, and put 17 columns on the long side of the Parthenon.

• The 17th century was a time of great importance in history. Shakespeare wrote plays. His 17th was Much Ado about Nothing, and Hamlet was king for 17 years. The 17th century also marked the height of Haiku poetry (17 syllables) in Japan.

• A hypercube must be cut along 17 faces to unfold into a three-dimensional cross.

• The White House has 17 bathrooms. There are 17 miles of corridors in the Pentagon.

• The world's largest pie was 17 feet in diameter.

• Ohio was the 17th state admitted to the Union, the first one not admitted in the 1700s, has 17 exits on its turnpike, and boasts a town called Seventeen. (Really, I've been there.)

• There are 17 species of penguins, and among penguins, the divorce rate is 17%. Penguins are the fastest swimming birds, and can swim with bursts of over 17mph.

• In The Glass Menagerie (17 letters) by Tennessee Williams (17 letters), Amanda had 17 gentleman callers in one day. At age 17, Jack London wrote the first of his 17 books.

• Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, was one of 17 children and moved to Philadelphia at age 17. There were 17 women among the 117 colonists who settled at Roanoke, and more than 17% of them disappeared.

• The average giraffe's tounge is 17 inches long. There are 17 muscles in a horse's ear. A camel can go 17 days without water. A three-toed sloth moves up to 17/100 of a mph.

• It takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown. The average person breathes 17 times per minute and turns in their sleep once every 17 minutes. The average teenage male has a sexually related thought every 17 seconds.

• On Yellow Pigs Day (July 17) in 1717, Handel's Water Music was first performed. On Yellow Pigs Day in 1901, the Wright brothers began testing. Wilbur (some pig) did all of the flying for the 17 glides. The Apollo-Soyuz handshake was on a Yellow Pigs Day, and there were 17 Apollo missions. On Yellow Pigs Day in 1969, seven polar bears in the Chicago Zoo broke out and swam through a moat to raid a refreshment stand.

• There are almost 17 ounces in a pound.

• Leonardo DaVinci painted more than 17 paintings.

• 17 is the only prime number exactly equal to 17.

2. MATH CRAFTS: Provide supplies for children to create math-related crafts, such as geometric shapes, number patterns, or a Yellow Pig mascot. Encourage them to explore mathematical concepts through their creations and explain the math behind their crafts. If you are looking for coloring pages of cute pigs, Google’s got ya covered: click HERE

3. NUMBER 17 SCAVENGER HUNT: Organize a scavenger hunt where kids find objects or solve puzzles related to the number 17. Create clues and challenges that incorporate mathematical problems or fun facts about 17, making learning interactive and exciting.

4. MATH PUZZLES: Provide a variety of math puzzles and brain teasers for children to solve. Focus on problems involving the number 17 or other interesting mathematical phenomena. Encourage teamwork and discussions on different strategies for finding solutions. Give “17” and pig-related prizes like the merchandise below.

5. SING YELLOW PIG DAY CAROLS : You may have to hunt a little, but these songs are scattered throughout the internet. Here’s songbook I think is especially cute. Click HERE Here’s a carol to get you started. It is sung to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

SOME JULY SEVENTEENTH
Some july seventeenth
when pigs fly
we’ll see patches of yellow
scattered across the sky

Some “f” over the reals
satisfy
f of x plus f of y
is f-of-x plus y

someday I’ll find another g
besides f of t is k t or zer-o
and then I will compose the two
and get solutions that are new
they’ll appear-o

Some groups they are abelian
they commute
but some have commutators
whose actions are not moot

The action on the complex plane
by matrices is so in-sanely dum-ber
than even that of conjugation
whose equivalence relation pairs the num-bers

Some july seventeenth
when pigs fly
we’ll see patches of yellow
scattered across the sky

No matter how you add it up, Yellow Pig Day is a charming celebration that makes mathematics enjoyable for kids. By incorporating history, crafts, games, and puzzles, with a healthy dose of the absurd, we can foster a love for math and an appreciation for its fascinating concepts.

JULY 21 - NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY

National Ice Cream Day is a delightful celebration of one of the world’s favorite treats. It’s a perfect day to indulge in ice cream and engage in fun, ice-cream-themed activities with those kids who are screaming for a cone. The day was established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan to recognize the popularity of ice cream in the United States. It is always celebrated on the third Sunday of July, and it’s all about enjoying and appreciating the delicious treat that brings joy to me always - and statistics say probably you too.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY

1. ICE CREAM TASTING PARTY: Organize an ice cream tasting party with a variety of flavors and toppings. Encourage kids to try new flavors and mix their own combinations. This activity is a sensory delight and introduces them to different tastes and textures.

2. MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM: Teach children how to make their own ice cream at home. Use simple recipes and let them choose their favorite ingredients. Who is not fascinated by the science behind ice cream making?

3. ICE CREAM CRAFTS: Create ice cream-themed crafts such as paper cone art, ice cream scoop collages, or clay models. Artistic activity stimulates creativity and provides a keepsake to remember the day.

4. ICE CREAM TRIVIA: Host an ice cream trivia quiz with fun facts about ice cream’s history, production, and different varieties worldwide. This like should help you out. Click HERE

5. ICE CREAM PARLOR ROLE-PLAY: Set up a pretend ice cream parlor where children can play as customers and servers. Provide play money, menus, and toppings for a fun, imaginative play session that teaches social skills and basic math.

National Ice Cream Day is a joyous occasion so be sure to make some sweet memories for the kids you love!

JULY 26 • DOG PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

National Dog Photography Day is a pawsitively adorable celebration dedicated to capturing the beauty, joy, and personality of our beloved canine companions. This day is perfect for indulging in the fun of photography while spending quality time with your furry friends. The celebration of this day was created by pet photographer Kerry Jordan in 2018. As a professional in the field, she wanted to dedicate a day to celebrating dogs and the art of photographing them. This special day aims to encourage dog owners to capture precious moments with their pets, share them with others, and appreciate the joy dogs bring into our lives.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE DOG PHOTOGRAPHY DAY

1. PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS: Teach your kids the basics of photography using a smartphone or a simple camera. Explain concepts like lighting, angles, and composition. Then, let them practice taking pictures of your dog in various settings and poses. Although this activity is educational and fun, it also fosters creativity and technical skills.

2. PHOTO CARD DRAW GAME: Create a list of fun and creative photo prompts. For example, "capture a picture of your dog playing with a toy," "a close-up of their paws," or "your dog wearing a hat." Write one prompt on an index card until you have a sizable pack. You can fiddle with how you distribute the photo assignments: (1) deal them out until they’re gone, (2) Draw one, Do It, Draw Another, (3) Everybody gets 10 cards with the same prompts, etc. You can send virtual cards to family and friends and get everyone in on the act.

3. DOGGY PHOTO BOOTH: Set up a DIY photo booth with props like hats, bow ties, and sunglasses. Let the kids dress up the dog and take pictures, if the dog allows. This is sure to generate lots of laughter and adorable photos, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

4. PHOTO ALBUM CRAFT: After taking lots of pictures, print them out and create a scrapbook or photo album dedicated to your dog. Provide art supplies like stickers, markers, and decorative paper so children can personalize each page. This craft project allows them to showcase their photography. I also made a list of writing prompts for my grandson to help him write little stories about his dog. Contact me and I’ll send you a copy. It helps develop their storytelling skills.

5. SHARE AND DISPLAY: Encourage children to share their favorite photos, if they are old enough, on social media with a fun caption. Alternatively, you can create a gallery wall at home to display the best shots. Sharing and displaying their work gives kids a sense of accomplishment and pride.

I love the idea of National Dog Photography Day. My family has a lot of love for their dogs and a lot of love for the art of photography. It’s a big hit in my book and creates cherished memories that last a lifetime!

JULY 27 • BARBIE IN A BLENDER DAY

Barbie in the Blender Day is a quirky and unconventional celebration encouraging creativity, individuality, and the reimagining of traditional rules. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore the concepts of art, self-expression, and critical thinking.

Barbie in the Blender Day began as a playful response to the rigid expectations associated with the iconic Barbie doll. It encourages people to think outside the box, challenge stereotypes, and embrace creativity. This day is all about fun, imagination, and celebrating uniqueness.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE BARBIE IN THE BLENDER DAY

ARTISTIC REIMAGINING: Provide a collection of old Barbies and craft supplies. Encourage children to redesign and repurpose the dolls into new creations. Whether it’s turning Barbie into a superhero, a mythical creature, or an abstract art piece, this activity fosters creativity and imagination.

STORYTELLING WITH A TWIST: Ask children to create their own stories featuring Barbie in unusual scenarios. Perhaps Barbie is an astronaut exploring a distant planet, or she’s a detective solving a mystery. This encourages creative writing and storytelling skills.

BLENDER PHOTO SHOOT: Get out those cameras and smart phones and pose a Barbie with or in a blender in some crazy way that will amuse and delight. Share the results. Don’t forget a group photo with all your participants.

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION: Use a smartphone or tablet to create a stop-motion animation with Barbie dolls. Let children come up with a script, set up scenes, and move the dolls frame by frame to tell a unique story. This activity combines technology, creativity, and patience.

RECYCLED BARBIE SCULPTURES: Use broken or old Barbie parts to create recycled art sculptures. This not only promotes environmental awareness but also encourages children to see beauty and potential in discarded items.

Barbie in the Blender Day is a fun and imaginative experience that encourages creativity and self-expression.

Photo credit: Concho Valley Home Page

JULY 31 • HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY

Harry Potter’s Birthday is a magical celebration of J.K. Rowling's beloved character. This day offers an enchanting opportunity to dive into the world of witchcraft and wizardry, sparking imagination and a love for reading in children.

Harry’s birthday is celebrated on July 31st. Since the release of the first book in 1997, Harry Potter has captivated the hearts of millions, making this day a joyous occasion for fans around the world!

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY

1. WIZARDING WORLD CRAFTS: Create wands, house banners, and spell books using craft supplies. Let children choose their house and design their own magical accessories, fostering creativity and a sense of belonging to the wizarding world.

2. MAGICAL FEAST: Host a Harry Potter-themed feast with foods from the series, like pumpkin pasties or treacle tart. Encourage kids to help prepare and bring a dish to the festivities. For our feast, we mostly make regular food with a twist and name it some Harry-inspired title like Hogwarts Ham sandwiches or butterbeer brownies. Use those props you made in the craft activity above to decorate for your feast. Don’t forget the birthday cake!

3. MOVIE NIGHT: If a feast sounds like too much work, how about making some big bowls of Potter Popcorn and other Harry-inspired treats for a movie night. This allows children to break out the Potter shirts, jammies, and blankets for a good cuddle during the scary parts. Movies really allow you to immerse yourself in these magical stories. Don’t forget the birthday cake! Here are the movies in sequence:

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE, 2001
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, 2002
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, 2004
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, 2005
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, 2007
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, 2009
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1, 2010
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2, 2011

POTION-MAKING CLASS: Let Professor Granny and Profesor Paw set up a potion-making station with safe, edible ingredients like colored juices, soda, and candy. Let kids mix and name their own “potions” and explain their magical effects. You can combine this with a little advertising and branding activity as well. It’s always more fun when the grown-ups play too! Don’t forget the birthday cake!

HOGWARTS ONLINE: I made a Harry Potter fan site for my granddaughter because she was as enamored with Hogwarts as I was. It coincided with the pandemic, and I think she was young enough to believe she was attending the school online, just like her regular school was online. Now the site is waiting on the sidelines for great-grandchildren, but I will make it publicly available on my website for the month of July in case you want to get more ideas for wizarding activities. To visit Hogwarts Online, just click HERE

AND THAT WRAPS UP THIS ISSUE!

• • • 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.