Hey, Bunny Friends!

To keep things interesting, I used AI to help me create some of the content of this newsletter as I continue experimenting with its wonders. I also played with some of the AI prompting practices I’ve learned to create the header images. This month I am offering you more ideas to help you delight the children you love. As you’ll read, October offers some very unique opportunities to make some magical memories. I’m hoping something in this love letter tickles your imagination and leads you to making some fun for the kids in your life. I’ve always maintained you can’t have too many celebrations. I hope you fill your October with lots of pumpkin spice and love! — Mary

OCTOBER 3 - POETRY DAY

National Poetry Day aims to encourage everyone, especially children, to enjoy, discover, and share poetry. You’ll have to write with a British accent though, because the nation in “National” refers to the United Kingdom. (Don’t worry! I will never let nationalism get in the way of a single poetry celebration). Each year, a theme is chosen to inspire creativity, whether through writing, reading, or performing poetry. This year we celebrate the power of words and the beauty of language using the theme “counting.” I feel a math poem percolating.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE POETRY DAY

1. POETRY IN THE PARK: Take the kids to a local park, but instead of a regular walk, make it a poetry hunt! Have them pick up leaves, rocks, or sticks, then use these items as inspiration for writing short poems. You can also write the poems on the items or attach small notes to them and leave them in the park for others to find.

2. POETRY SLAM SNACK TIME: Combine poetry with snacks by organizing a mini poetry slam. Children can create their own “snack poetry,” where each line of their poem relates to a different snack they enjoy. At the end of the slam, they get to enjoy the snacks they've written about! Or, even better, make the slam about “counting” poems and give an abacus for a prize!

3. CHALK THE WALK: Grab some colorful sidewalk chalk and turn your driveway or sidewalk into a giant poetry canvas. Encourage kids to write short poems or even just single words that reflect the theme of the day. It’s a fun way to share poetry with neighbors and passersby.

4. POETRY IN MOTION: Let kids express their poems through dance or movement. After writing a poem, combines physical activity with literary creativity by challenging them to create a dance or series of movements that represent the emotions or story in their poem. Beware of the child who wants to write about ninjas!

5. CREATE A POETRY ZINE: Introduce kids to the art of magazine making. Kids can create a small, handmade booklet featuring their poems, along with drawings, cutouts, and other creative elements. This activity is perfect for encouraging self-expression and results in a beautiful keepsake.

National Poetry Day is a wonderful opportunity to ignite a love for poetry in children, and to give them a chance to experience the joy of words in fun and unusual ways. Here’s a nice selection of poems and free resources related to counting and Poetry Day. Click HERE

OCTOBER 4 • BODY LANGUAGE DAY

This is a bit of a challenge to celebrate. I did my best for ya! National Body Language Day was established to recognize the importance of non-verbal communication in our daily interactions. Although body language is often overlooked, it plays a crucial role in how we convey feelings, build relationships, and understand others. This day encourages everyone, especially kids, to become more aware of their own body language and how they can use it positively.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE BODY LANGUAGE DAY

1. EMOTION CHARADES: Play a game of charades focused solely on emotions. Children can take turns acting out different feelings using only body language—no words allowed. This activity helps them understand how body language conveys emotions and is a fun way to practice empathy.

2. MIRROR GAME: Pair up children and have them play a mirroring game. One child acts as the "leader" and makes various facial expressions or body movements, while the other child mirrors them exactly. This exercise builds awareness of body language and encourages cooperation.

3. BODY LANGUAGE STORYTELLING: Challenge children to tell a short story using only their bodies—no speaking! They can use gestures, facial expressions, and movements to convey the plot, while the audience tries to guess what’s happening. It’s a creative way to explore storytelling and communication. If your kids are too young to come up with their own stories, give them clues like: You find a balloon, blow it up, tie it to a string, walk around with it, and then it pops.

4. EMOTION STATUES: Children take turns posing someone whose name they draw at random. The posed child can’t use facial expressions. Others guess the emotion based solely on body language. Examples: confident, shy, scared, etc.

5. SILENT DANCE PARTY: Host a dance party where everyone dances without music, relying only on body movements to express themselves. This activity emphasizes the expressive power of body language and is sure to generate lots of giggles.

National Body Language Day is a chance to explore the unspoken side of communication. It’s a great chance for kids to better understand and use this important aspect of human interaction. If you feel like you need to brush up on body language before you try to teach it to your kids, this resource will be helpful to you. Click HERE

OCTOBER 5 • CARD MAKING DAY

World Card Making Day is dedicated to the art of creating and sending handmade cards. The day encourages creativity and personal expression through crafting, as well as fostering connections by sending thoughtful, handmade messages to loved ones.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE CARD MAKING DAY

1. NATURE-INSPIRED CARDS: Take a nature walk and collect items like leaves, flowers, and small branches. Use these natural elements to create unique, textured cards. Press the flowers or leaves and glue them onto the card, creating a beautiful, nature-inspired design. (Send one to your granny).

2. POP-UP CARDS: Teach children the fun of making pop-up cards. They can draw and cut out small images or messages, then fold and glue them inside the card so they “pop up” when opened. This adds an element of surprise and delight to the card. Here’s a link to a video for kids on how to make a very cool rainbow pop-up card. Click HERE

3. CARD MAKING MARATHON: Set up a card-making station with various materials like stamps, stickers, glitter, and colored paper. Challenge the kids to make as many cards as possible in a set time, then mail them to family and friends or donate them to a local nursing home or hospital.

4. STORY CARDS : Instead of a traditional greeting, have children create cards that tell a short story. They can illustrate the story on the front and back of the card, turning it into a mini-book that’s fun to read and share.

5. INTERACTIVE CARDS: Create cards with interactive elements like pull tabs, spinning wheels, or scratch-off sections. This brings a playful, hands-on aspect to the cards and makes them more engaging for the lucky receiver.

World Card Making Day is a perfect opportunity to combine creativity with kindness. Kids can enjoy the art of card making and the joy of brightening someone’s day. If you’re short on card ideas, check out Tinker Lab’s 40 cards for kids to make. Click HERE

OCTOBER 8 • ADA LOVELACE DAY

Ada Lovelace Day honors this extraordinary 19th-century mathematician who is often considered the first computer programmer. The day celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), encouraging young girls to pursue careers in these fields.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE ADA LOVELACE DAY

1. INVENTORS WORKSHOP: Set up an “inventor’s workshop” where kids can create simple machines or gadgets using household items. Encourage them to think like Ada Lovelace and come up with their own inventions, no matter how quirky or imaginative.

2. CODE A STORY: Introduce children to basic coding by having them “code” a story. They can create a simple sequence of commands that tells a story, either using a coding app designed for kids or by drawing out the sequence on paper. Or you could click the orange link at the bottom of this Ada Lovelace article.

3. STEM SCAVENGER HUNT: Organize a STEM-themed scavenger hunt where children search for items related to science, technology, engineering, and math. Each item can be paired with a fun fact about Ada Lovelace or other pioneering women in STEM. Here’s a great little bio of Ada from National Geographic for kids with some portraits that were painted of her, and a photo of the Analytic Engine she programmed. Click HERE

4. MATH ART: Combine art and mathematics by having children create geometric patterns or designs. They can use rulers, compasses, or even simple shapes cut out of paper. This activity celebrates the beauty of mathematics and encourages creative thinking.

5. ADA LOVELACE DRESS-UP PARTY: Host a dress-up day where children can dress as Ada Lovelace or another famous woman in STEM. Ada was a countess in the 1800’s and wore some fabulous clothes! Include a short presentation or story time about Ada’s life and contributions to inspire the kids. Maybe write some “counting” poems for one of the activities.

Ada Lovelace Day is a celebration of women in STEM, and it’s a fantastic way to inspire young minds. Through activities like coding stories, creating inventions, and dressing up as Ada Lovelace, children can engage with science and technology in a fun and imaginative way. If you’re willing to make a longer-term commitment, check out this online free coding platform for kids created by Google called BrightChamps. Click HERE

OCTOBER 12 • SAVINGS DAY

National Savings Day was established to encourage people of all ages to develop better saving habits. The day emphasizes the importance of saving money, whether for short-term goals, like buying a special toy, or long-term ones, like a college fund. By promoting financial literacy and responsible spending, National Savings Day helps both adults and children understand the value of being financially prepared for the future.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE SAVINGS DAY

1. CREATE A SAVINGS JAR WITH A TWIST: Have children decorate their own savings jars, but with a fun twist—divide the jar into sections labeled with specific goals (e.g., "New Bike," "Charity," "Rainy Day Fund"). This teaches them to prioritize and allocate their savings for different purposes, making the concept of budgeting more tangible.

2. SAVINGS SCAVENGER HUNT: Organize a scavenger hunt where the “treasure” is hidden around the house or yard, but to find it, kids must solve money-related clues or complete small tasks that teach financial lessons. For example, depending on their age and skills, they might have to count out the correct change, match coins to their values, or calculate interest owed.

3. DIY PIGGY BANK WORKSHOP: Instead of using a traditional piggy bank, let children create their own from recycled materials. They can design it to look like anything they want—maybe a rocket or a favorite animal. This activity makes saving money feel personal and fun, and they’ll be proud to use something they’ve made themselves.

4. SAVINGS GOAL VISION BOARD: Have kids create a vision board with pictures or drawings of items or experiences they want to save for. This visual reminder can help motivate them to save their allowance or birthday money, and it opens up a conversation about how to achieve their goals over time.

5. ROLE-PLAYING GAME: Set up a small pretend store at home where kids can "buy" and "sell" items using play money. This role-playing game can help them learn about the value of money, making change, and even the concept of savings by deciding how much to spend and how much to save.

National Savings Day is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the concept of saving money in fun and engaging ways. Through creative activities kids can learn valuable financial lessons while having a great time. If you need some ideas, check out these “40 Cool DIY Piggy Banks for Kids and Adults.” Click HERE

OCTOBER 12 • MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and the second Saturday in October. Established by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the day raises awareness about the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. It’s a global event that encourages communities to take action for bird conservation and to appreciate the incredible journeys these birds undertake each year.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

1. BIRDWATCHING BINGO: Create a birdwatching bingo card with images of common migratory birds in your area. Take the kids on a nature walk or visit a local park and see how many birds they can spot. The first one to get a bingo wins a bird-themed prize, like a small bird feeder or a book about birds.

2. MAKE A MIGRATION MAP: Help children understand the long journeys migratory birds take by creating a migration map. Use a world map and draw the paths that different species of birds travel. This visual activity can spark curiosity about geography and the challenges birds face during migration.

3. BUILD A BIRD HOUSE HOTEL: Encourage kids to build a birdhouse or even a “birdhouse hotel” with multiple compartments for different bird species. They can paint and decorate it, then place it in the yard to provide a safe resting place for migratory birds.

4. STORY TIME WITH BIRD TALES: Gather books or stories about migratory birds and have a story time dedicated to these fascinating creatures. You can also make up your own stories, imagining what it would be like to be a bird on a long migration journey, adding in creative twists and turns along the way.

5. CREATE FRIENDLY BIRD ART: Use natural materials like leaves, twigs, and feathers to create bird-inspired art. Children can make collages, sculptures, or even bird masks. This activity connects them to nature and gives them a hands-on way to appreciate birds and their habitats.

World Migratory Bird Day offers a fantastic chance to teach children about the wonders of bird migration, the importance of conservation, and takes them a step closer to becoming lifetime bird nerds. Through creative projects like these, kids can learn about the natural world while engaging in fun and imaginative activities. Here’s a great little video (4.26) about migratory birds that explains the major flyways in the U.S. Click HERE

OCTOBER 13 • M&M DAY

National M&M Day is celebrated on October 13th, commemorating one of the world’s most beloved candies. Created in 1941, M&Ms were originally designed as a snack for soldiers during World War II because they wouldn’t melt in their hands. Over the years, M&Ms have become a staple treat, available in a rainbow of colors and various flavors. This day is all about enjoying these colorful candies in fun and creative ways.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE M&M DAY

1. M&M COLOR SORTING ART: Have kids sort M&Ms by color, then use the sorted candies to create a mosaic or picture on a piece of paper. They can glue the candies down or simply arrange them for a temporary art piece. This activity combines art and edible treats in a fun, hands-on way.

M&M SCIENCE EXPERIMENT: Use M&Ms for a simple science experiment. Place a few M&Ms in a bowl of warm water and watch as the colored coating dissolves, forming a rainbow in the water. It’s a great way to teach kids about solubility and the science behind candy coatings. Alas, not very appetizing!

M&M COUNTING & MATH GAMES: Incorporate M&Ms into math lessons by using them as counting tools. Children can practice basic arithmetic by adding, subtracting, or multiplying M&Ms. Afterward, they get to enjoy the candy they’ve worked with, making math both educational and tasty. I am a big believer in M&M math.

M&M TASTE TEST CHALLENGE: Gather different flavors of M&Ms and conduct a taste test with the kids. Blindfold them and have them guess the flavor of each one. This fun challenge can also spark discussions about taste, flavor profiles, and even the history of the candy. Some of the varieties you’ll need could include 1) milk chocolate (plain), 2) peanut, 3) dark chocolate, 4) dark chocolate peanut, 5) peanut butter, 6) almond, 7) pretzel, 8) crunchy cookie, 9) minis, 10) fudge brownie, 11) caramel, 12) s'mores, 13) caramel cold brew, and new for 2024, 14) peanut butter & jelly.

M&M SCAVENGER HUNT: Organize an M&M-themed scavenger hunt where kids search for hidden M&Ms around the house or yard. Each clue can lead them to a different location, with a small bag of M&Ms as the prize at the end. It’s a sweet way to combine playtime with a love for candy.

National M&M Day is a delightful excuse to enjoy one of the world’s most iconic candies with children. There are plenty of fun and creative ways to celebrate this colorful day. If you have M&M costumes from Halloween, be sure to wear them. If you’re looking for M&M math fun, click HERE and you can find that science experiment with photos HERE

SEPTEMBER 29• NATIONAL CAT DAY

National Cat Day was founded by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate, to raise awareness about the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. The day promotes cat adoption and encourages cat lovers to spoil their feline friends while highlighting the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce the number of homeless cats.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CAT DAY

1. CAT CASTLE BUILDING: Gather up old cardboard boxes and let the kids design and build a castle or playground for the family cat. They can add tunnels, ramps, and towers, and decorate it with paint, stickers, or fabric. This project is not only fun but also provides an enriching environment for the cat.

2. CAT-THEMED COMIC STRIP: Encourage children to create their own comic strip featuring a cat as the main character. They can invent stories about their own cat or an imaginary feline hero. This activity sparks creativity and storytelling, and the end result is a personalized piece of art.

3. CAT YOGA: Yes, you read that right—cat yoga! Practice some simple yoga poses with your children and involve the family cat. Cats are naturally curious and may enjoy the calm, focused atmosphere. Even if the cat just wants to sit on the mat, it’s a fun way to connect with your pet.

4. ADOPT A CAT SPIRIT: If adopting a real cat isn’t feasible, have the kids “adopt” a cat spirit. They can choose a cat breed they love, learn all about it, and then pretend to take care of it—feeding, playing, and even naming it. It’s a way to engage with the idea of pet care without the real-life commitment.

5. CAT-THEMED MOVIE MARATHON: Host a cat-themed movie marathon with films that feature cats as main characters. Think “The Aristocats,” “Puss in Boots,” or “The Secret Life of Pets.” Make some popcorn, cuddle up with the family cat, and enjoy some feline fun.

National Cat Day is a purr-fect occasion to celebrate our feline friends in creative and playful ways. It’s a great time to honor their love for cats and encourage responsible pet ownership. Here’s some more interesting cat facts and activities for kids. Click HERE

OCTOBER 31 • HALLOWEEN

Halloween has ancient origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes. As Christianity spread, Halloween evolved, incorporating elements of All Saints’ Day and becoming more focused on community and family. Today, Halloween is a day for dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and celebrating all things spooky.

FIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN

1. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK PUMPKIN HUNT: I wish I knew about this when my kids were little. It has a lot of potential. Instead of the usual pumpkin carving, try a glow-in-the-dark pumpkin hunt. Paint small pumpkins with glow-in-the-dark paint and hide them around your yard or home. Give the children flashlights or glow sticks and set them loose to find the pumpkins in the dark. You can add a twist by assigning each pumpkin a point value or hiding small treats inside. This activity combines the thrill of a nighttime scavenger hunt with the festive fun of pumpkins, creating a memorable Halloween experience.

2. MYSTERY DINNER THEATER: Turn your Halloween dinner into a mystery theater event where everyone plays a role in a spooky story. Write a simple script with characters like a ghost, a witch, a vampire, and a detective, and let the kids dress up and act out their parts while enjoying dinner. The mystery could involve finding out who "stole" the Halloween candy or who’s haunting the house. This interactive experience not only adds a creative twist to Halloween dinner but also encourages imaginative play and storytelling.

3. SPOOKY SCIENCE LAB: Transform your kitchen or dining area into a mad scientist’s lab with fun, spooky science experiments. Make bubbling cauldrons using baking soda and vinegar, create “ghosts” with static electricity, or mix up some edible slime. Each experiment can be themed around classic Halloween characters or stories, making learning fun and festive. This activity not only entertains but also educates, turning Halloween into a time for curious minds to explore and discover.

4. DIY HAUNTED DOLLHOUSE: Instead of a haunted house, create a haunted dollhouse with your kids. Use an old dollhouse or build one from cardboard, and then decorate it with spooky details like cobwebs, mini pumpkins, and tiny ghosts. The kids can make furniture and accessories out of clay, fabric, or other craft materials. Once complete, they can play out scenarios with their dolls or action figures. This project encourages creativity and allows for imaginative play long after Halloween is over.

5. HALLOWEEN STORYTELLING CIRCLE: Gather the children around for a Halloween storytelling circle, where each person takes turns adding to a spooky story. Start with a sentence like, “On a dark and stormy night, a ghost appeared in the window…” and let the kids build the story one sentence at a time. To add a twist, incorporate props like a flashlight or a sound effects machine to enhance the spooky atmosphere. This activity promotes creativity, teamwork, and listening skills, while also being a lot of fun.

Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and a little bit of spookiness. By trying out fresh activities, you can make the holiday more memorable for children. These ideas are not the typical Halloween traditions, but still offer engaging ways to celebrate.

If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate, check out the “Witch School Teacher Training” below.

• • • 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.