World Kindness Day is today! The day was created in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. Idea: Children could thank someone who has shown them kindness. They could also show kindness by by making and giving a card to someone who would appreciate some kindness. They could also donate to a food bank or volunteer at a senior center.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Peanut butter was invented, legend has it, on this day in 1890 by an unknown doctor. You can make your own peanut butter. Pour into a blender about three cups shelled and roasted peanuts. Add the cover and blend until smooth. Add a bit of vegetable oil if necessary to increase smoothness. Children could discover some great peanut butter facts and activities at: Peanut Butter.
Holland Tunnel began operating in 1927. Named after its designer, Clifford Milburn Holland, the tunnel connects New Jersey and Manhattan; it runs under the Hudson River. It was the first American underwater tunnel. The designers had to build gigantic fans that would remove carbon monoxide, generated by the cars, from the tunnel. Currently about 90,000 vehicles use the tunnel per day. The tunnel was designated a United States National Historic Landmark on November 4, 1993.
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, in 1982. Designed by Maya Lin, the wall (listing 58,195 names) attracts about three million visitors a year. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm.
Robert Louis Stevenson (born Edinburgh, Scotland, 1850; died Samoa, December 3, 1894) wrote poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Treasure Island, first appearing in magazine installments, was published in 1883. He published The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1886. Kidnapped was written in the same year. Another of his famous works was A Child’s Garden of Verses. Children can read many of his works at: Project Gutenberg. They can learn more at: Robert Louis Stevenson.
Katy Kelly (born Washington, DC, 1955) writes for children. Two of her characters are Lucy Rose and Melonhead. Children can visit her website at: Katy Kelly.
Nathaniel Benchley (born Newton, Massachusetts, 1915; died Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 1981) wrote at least 20 children’s books, but he also wrote for adults. One of his children’s books was Welcome to Xanadu, published in 1968.