New Activities for Teachers and Children

New Activities for Teachers and Children

I'll be putting many activities on my blog for a while. Some can be used at different grade levels, and some will pertain to my books. I'm a former teacher/librarian, and over the years developed many games, posters, writing activities, etc. for my students. I hope there are some activities that both teachers and children will want to make. I plan to have a picture or two with the activities when they're available. Be sure to look at my "New Activities Just for you" page.

I'm also on Pinterest and I've found many activities, worksheets, recipes, pictures, and coloring pages for my books. Once you've found my page on Pinterest, look for Una Townsend,  you can look up activities that include my books and some activities for cows, horses, turtles, elephants, the circus, animals, Scottish Terriers, Ag in the Classroom, silos, Code Talkers, race cars, and books by other authors.

I'm also on Instagram, and I sometimes show a new activity I've made for my books. Look for me on Instagram, too.

I enjoy making folder games and easy puppets. There are books available to make many of these games and puppets, but with doors closed to students, teachers, and patrons at schools and public libraries, these books will be closed, too. 

Remember, to find some activities that I've used or recommend, and some that I've made, please look

on my "New Activities Just for You" page.

There are also some activities shown for my books on my "Activities for my Books" page, and I've included some activities under the title of some of my books. Hope you find something you would like to do or make. Look them up and pass them on.

My books are also ebooks. Check on those, too.

Thanks.

Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie Writing Contest

Susanna Leonard Hill's Halloweensie Writing Contest

It's time for Susanna's Halloweensie Writing Contest, and here's my entry. I wrote a story of 100 words (that's the limit), and I had to use the words "potion," "cobweb", and "trick" within it. The story could be prose or poetry. I had a lot of fun writing this spooky type of story. Do you think ghost hid in a tree and watched all the other spookies? How about those lizard tails and liver loaf? Did they Trick or Treat near you?

Halloweensie Spookies

“Boo!” said ghost, hiding in a tree.

“Bet, no one can find me, hee, hee, hee.”

“Oops! said little witchy, dropping mama’s potion,

“Now I’ve ruined her jar of salamander lotion.” 

“Brrrrrrrrrr,” said skeleton, shivering in the breeze,

“I need a cup of cocoa, please, please, please.”

“Whooooooo?” said owl, gliding overhead,

“Put those nasty cobwebs in my tiny bed?”

“Hiss” sputtered black cat, curled in a cozy place,  

“I’m watching bats go bonkers in a Halloween Race.”

Ghost met them at the graveyard said, “Now, it’s time to eat,

Lizard tails and liver loaf before we Trick or Treat.”

The Importance of Ag in the Classroom for Teachers

The Importance of Ag in the Classroom for Teachers

                                                                    

October 12 is National Farmer’s Day. I’d decided to write something about Oklahoma’s wonderful Ag in the Classroom program for teachers when I noticed that there was a special day for farmers. We can’t do without our farmers. They feed the world. And, Ag in the Classroom helps us learn about agriculture and farming.

They say in the Ag in the Classroom program that you can’t have an Agless day. And, they’re right. From the food we eat, the clothing we wear, the bedding we sleep on, and the wood used to heat our homes and roast our marshmallows, all are a part of agriculture. In fact, Ag constantly touches our lives.

Ag in the Classroom has wonderful programs and lessons for teachers. Melody Aufill, Audrey Harmon, and Emily Ague are professional educational coordinators for the program. They visit Oklahoma schools, provide workshops, and write curriculum as needed to help teachers learn more about agriculture. Then, teachers have reliable sources, lessons, and activities for their classrooms which are aligned with state standards in English, Science, Social Studies and Math.

                                                                   

                                                              

Each year, there’s a summer bus tour to a different part of Oklahoma. The largest sponsor of the "On the Road with Ag in the Classroom" is the Oklahoma Beef Council. The three day tour helps teachers discover more about agriculture within the state. They tour farms and ranches and other areas of the state to improve their "Ag literacy". They learn how to incorporate their knowledge into lessons for their classrooms. There’s also a one day Ag in the Classroom Conference in the summer. I’ve been a part of Ag in the Classroom for many years, and I’ve been on the bus tours and spoken at some of the summer conferences. Both the summer tours and the summer institutes are very beneficial.

There are many lessons available for teachers. If you need more information about beans, bees, and beef, there are lessons for those topics. Do you need to know more about hogs, horses, or hay? There are lessons available. Do you know how to measure a horse in “hands”? There’s a lesson for that. The lessons provide needed information and have activities to accompany them.

                                                                                                      

Ag in the Classroom partners with many Ag resources and companies. Twice a year, the Pork Commission gives six $500.00 grants to teachers. The application is easy to fill out. The Beef Commission, the Noble Center, and the Wheat Commission, contribute to the Ag in the Classroom program. There are many more ag sources and sponsors too numerous to mention here. 

Although there are many topics to teach in schools, I feel that learning about agricultural products is important to our future farmers and consumers. One year, I received a commodities map of Oklahoma. It showed which Ag products were produced or grown in different counties. I hung it on a wall in a hallway, and the children were fascinated by it. They found that some counties in the state raised more beef while others counties raised more wheat or pecans. There was always a crowd around the map as children learned more about Oklahoma’s Ag products.

Ag is important. We couldn’t live without it. So, Happy Farmer's  Day! 

And, thanks, Ag in the Classroom, for what you do to help all of us learn more about agriculture.

                                                                 

Oklahoma Book Festival

Oklahoma Book Festival

This past week-end was the second Oklahoma Book Festival in Oklahoma City at the boathouse district. Last year  was a good festival in October, although quite cold when the wind blew across the river. This year, in September, we had rain early in the day, but the weather improved in the afternoon. However, both festivals were worth the cold and rain. There were over 100 authors, poets, and illustrators present. I was on a "From the pages of History" panel with Desiree Webber. I discussed my children's book, "Toby and the Secret Code". Desiree discussed her book, "The Buffalo Train Ride". It was moderated by Gaye Sanders who wrote "The Survivor Tree". Both are lovely ladies to work with, and being on the panel was great fun.

There were many food trucks present, and many vendors selling a variety of goods. My publisher, Doodle and Peck, sold books there. Of course, there were plenty of activities for children. I especially liked the couple on stilts spreading their butterfly wings.

The night before the event, the presenters, panelists, and volunteers were invited to a Meet-and-Greet at the Oklahoma History Center. We had delicious food and were able to tour the history center. It was a very educational evening. 

   Authors Glenda and Jane enjoying the evening at the Oklahoma History Center Meet-and-Greet.

                      I'm pictured with fellow authors and volunteers at the Oklahoma History Center.



I like the idea of the Oklahoma Book Festival because it's free to the public. If you have a large family, there are no tickets to buy. It's just free and well worth it. Many people volunteer to help out, and they are definitely needed throughout the day. There are many people behind the scenes who want to make this event a success, and they work hard to do so. I thank them for their time and efforts to pull off such a big book festival.

Photo taken from the fourth floor of the tower showing a few brave people in the rain, but still paddling along in the river.

If you haven't joined in and been a part of the Oklahoma Book Festival, or volunteered to help out, you've missed out on a great event. I think the third book festival will be in September of 2020. Come listen to authors, poets, and illustrators. You'll enjoy it. Your whole family will like it, too. It's worth the effort to come to the boathouse district in Oklahoma City.

Tornado "Bug Out" Bags

Tornado "Bug Out" Bags

This is tornado season in Oklahoma. Although we may have tornadoes any month, most of the worst ones seem to occur in May. So, this blog may seem like a public service announcement. There are things to remember, and if you're not used to tornadoes, it might be something you'd want to read. This particular blog is about what you might want to carry with you if you have to leave your house because of impending weather or if you are in a tornado.

One of my cousins who lives in another state once asked me if I had a "bug out bag" and was it near my front door. It's also called by many other names, but basically it's what anyone would grab in an emergency. This emergency kit or backpack would also come in handy in case of fires, floods, very intense thunderstorms, or anytime you might have to leave quickly.

The bag would include the following and anything else that you might find you'd need. I know I won't list everything needed, but at least some of these things you could gather and keep handy. Items include cash because there might not be credit card or ATM machines around, first aid kits, plenty of batteries for radios, flashlights, etc. Chargers for your phone, and for your computers, tablets, etc. that you might be able to carry with you. Also, battery or hand cranked radios and a NOAA Weather Radio would be nice to have on hand. Include a whistle or two to signal for help, and dusk masks. Some plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place would be good to have. Hand sanitizer and moist towelettes would be needed. Garbage bags and ties, wrenches, pliers and a hammer might come in handy.

With a tornado, you might not be able to get back into your home if your house is damaged or just plain gone. Many people pack copies of important papers with them, including their credit card numbers, and insurance papers. Some carry marriage licenses and birth certificates. Many people, however, do not choose to carry anything on this particular list. Instead, they keep them in a bank box or a safe.

 Water and food could be packed in boxes. It's been recommended to have a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. It doesn't hurt to add more if you can.  Not all food cans have pull tabs, so a manual can opener would be needed. You would need at least a three day supply of food per person. Canned meats, soups, and veggies, and fruits should be packed in boxes. I've heard it's good to have veggies and fruits because they give you additional water in their juices, and there's a chance you might be thirsty. If you have a chance to grab additional foods, and you have room, than do so. If electricity is off or will be off for days, everything will spoil.

If you are able to take your pet/pets with you, each should have a 3 day or more supply of food and water, too.

Medications for everyone and for pets should also be included in your "bug out" bag. It will be a stressful time for all, so don't forget the meds. Also, a list of doctors, dentist, vets, and hospitals you use or have been to would be handy. They should have some of your records.

A list of relatives who live in other areas of the country would be nice to have. If you're injured, that list and a list of medicines you are taking or are allergic to could save the emergency workers some valuable time. Put some of that information in your bag or backpack. Some people type up a list of medicines that they take and insurance policy numbers and put it in a large pill bottle. Emergency workers might look for something like that and it could save some precious time

It's a good idea to let your neighbors, relatives, and friends know where your shelter is if you have one. Some cities request that you let them know if you have a shelter and where it is located on your property. If you don't have a safe room or shelter, let someone know where you'll be. Text or call loved ones to let them know where you are staying. Also, include who is with you.

This blog is longer than I intended. I could add additional things, but I'll close this one for now. I plan to write other safety measures concerning tornadoes, but that's for another day.

Oklahoma Land Run 130 years Ago

Oklahoma Land Run 130 Years Ago

Today is April 22. It was exactly 130 years ago that the first land run took place in Oklahoma. There was over 2 million acres up for grabs. Men ran, biked, rode horses, or drove one horse buggies or wagons hoping to be the first to stake a claim to some of this land. If they didn't want to stake a claim for 160 acres, they could attempt to get a plot in town.

It was dangerous for some. People jumped off of trains trying to get to the land first. Some, unfortunately tried to cross rivers with quicksand, and they didn't survive. Some horses didn't either.

For those who claimed land, they had to go to Guthrie or Kingfisher and stand in line until their claim was processed. It was worth the wait for most. Others sold their land and went back home.

They had to improve the land. Of course, one of the first things they did was set up a camp or build a house. They needed water, so many dug wells as soon as they could. Some areas did not have trees, and some families lived in sod houses or dugouts. They needed to plant gardens immediately. It was the year of the turnip since the planting season wasn't long enough to grow some vegetables. There was always turnips to eat. Even the eggs and milk had a turnip taste to the pioneers or 89ers as they were called.

It had to have been a challenge for these adventurers. It took time to build a house, plant a garden, dig for water, and generally just improve the acreage they had staked. Not everyone made it. There were ghost towns and many families just gave up and returned to their former homes.

However, a "Yee Haw" to those who did endure those first years. There are some farms still in the Oklahoma City, Yukon,  and El Reno area that have been in the family since 1889. I just wish I knew more of the stories that the 89ers could have relayed to their families. They would be interesting to hear.

Below are pictures of some land runs at schools and the monument showing the Guthrie land office where those who participated in the land run had to register their claim.

Busy Spring in Oklahoma

Busy Spring in Oklahoma 

This time of the year is busy in Oklahoma. We've usually had snow, ice, a mix of the two, cold weather, and then hot weather, and then back to cold and hot as they alternate for many weeks. The first Saturday in April had so many events that many families definitely had to choose what they could attend. There was a great pancake breakfast on Saturday to start the day, followed by a craft show, a style show, a Project Graduation auction that evening, and many children's events.That's besides the usual soccer and basketball games.

Of course, if you are an author, you might have driven to Tulsa to the SCBWI spring conference or the Oklahoma Reading Convention. Both are great to attend and each one was in Tulsa this year. If you visited Norman, you might have seen the Medieval Fair that took place over the same week-end. Many vendors were out displaying their products at craft shows, book signing, too.

April 19 was the 24th year since the bombing in Oklahoma City which took 168 lives. The special ceremonies had many in attendance. There was also a ribbon cutting that day for the new entrance to the Mollie Spencer Farm in Yukon. At the farm, the Chisholm Trail Festival/ Crawfish  Festival is held there each year. Also, the Iron Thistle Festival is held there at the end of the month. There's an old school house on the property to visit too. I've been asked to read in the old school house this year at the Chisholm Trail Festival.

On April 20th, Guthrie had its annual Oklahoma Land Run parade. The 89R or 89er parade is a great one, and I always enjoy a good parade. There were many activities and plenty of time to walk through some of the antique shops in town. I read my Oklahoma Land Run book and signed it at the Home Sweet Home on the Range store. The town of Guthrie has a week of activities for the land run, but the parade always catches my attention. This year I think I took 254 pictures and a video or two. I'm not too sure how I'll use them, but who could turn down taking pictures of long horn cattle as they meandered down the street, an old-fashioned bicycle, or the cloggers who must have danced for 45 minutes or so?

And, there's more activities coming. The first week-end in May has the OWFI writing conference in Oklahoma City. Before that is Easter and some sunrise services and many Easter egg hunts. The Yukon Chamber of Commerce will have Friday coffees, and the schools will finish testing and enjoy a few more field trips followed by award ceremonies. We'll find out who received scholarships and who moved up a grade.

Need a new tractor, plow, or classic car? There are many farm auctions this time of the year. Also, a few classic car auctions to show some restored cars that are for sale. It's a great time to enjoy the weather. You just may have to look out for those pesky tornadoes we seem to have in the spring. Unfortunately, they are sometimes deadly. Be sure and take your precautions. 

Grady, the Famous Cow in the Silo

Grady, the Famous Cow in the Silo

      I wrote a book once. I sent it up to the "big" publishers in New York City. It was rejected. Since I'd had no classes in writing, I soon found out that there were many things wrong with my submission. It took a while to learn about formatting, number of words in a children's picture book, etc. In other words, the "craft" of writing. I didn't send out my story of Grady, the cow who jumped in a silo, for many years. Finally, I sent it to Pelican Pub. Co.in Gretna, LA, and they published it.
    Now, as I write about it, the book is 16 years old. And, Grady, the Hereford, has an anniversary. It's the 70th anniversary of her leap into a silo. Of course, she's not around, but many others in the Yukon area remember the story.

     Grady was a Hereford cow owned by Bill Mach and his brother, Charley. On February 22, 1949, she jumped into a silo in Yukon, OK. She couldn't get out for 5 days.

    There have been books written about her including my book, Grady's in the Silo. Over the years,  

         I've been interviewed about her story:

      On Galen Culver's "Is this a Great State or What?" Channel 4

      Metro Library System's "Read About It" by B. J. Williams

      Twice or more on Ch. 13 (Farm Bureau programs)

      And on Channel 9.

     YouTube also carried her story--"Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom:Grady the Silo Cow".

     So, her story's been on television, radio,YouTube, and I've been on panels discussing her. Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom also has developed curriculum ideas for teachers on her story. They even have a movie created by Sheri Carpenter about Grady. It shows a few pictures of Grady, too.
       
    Grady was pictured inside the silo by Life Magazine in 1949. The photographer would have had to climb to the top of the silo to get the photo they had in the magazine. I happen to have that issue. Sports Illustrated also mentioned her plight.

    Grady's plight was also named one of the top 100 events of the 20th century by the Topps Company. She was #18.

    Some schools have written their own plays about her. At the National Ag in the Classroom Conference, which met in Oklahoma one year, some of my students performed a play that I'd written about Grady.

   The Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom team also developed their own play and puppets of farm animals for another National Ag in the Classroom Conference. And now, there are STEM projects about Grady, too.

   One of my signings included a huge cake which looked exactly like the cover of my book. It was so pretty, no one wanted to cut it.

   Another unusual incident included a woman who called to tell me she'd been the book, Grady's in the Silo at a Halloween party. She'd had the cover blown up over 5 feet tall, and she'd wrapped it around her to become the book. She had no further use for the cover, so she gave it to me.

  For many years, the Mach family answered any questions I had about Grady. And, I thank them for their many answers.

     Grady had her own mailbox in front of the Mach house.
     Her pen was also in the front of the house.
     She was in the Czech Day Parade in Yukon for many years.
     She was at the Oklahoma City State Fair for many years.
     There was a song and a poem written about her.
     Over 75 % of the newspapers had headlines about her when she was "free from her prison" in the silo.


 
This is a cardboard cut-out of Grady which the Mable C. Fry has for programs about Grady. It often stands beside me as I read my book and tell the pre-schoolers about a little bit of Yukon's history.


Happy 70th Anniversary, Grady!


By the way, I have a Pinterest board on Grady's in the Silo and a board on cow activities. You may find a few activities you'd like on the board.


 
 

Scanner and the Icky, Sticky Gum

Scanner and the Icky, Sticky Gum

      Scanner and the Icky, Sticky Gum is the second in the Scanner series. I included a Dewey number in each Scanner book so that children can learn to use the Dewey system in the library. Hopefully, children reading some of Scanner's antics will look up the Dewey number noted in the book and then find the same type of book in their library.

       If they aren't familiar with the Dewey system, a teacher or librarian may be able to use the Scanner books to find certain Dewey numbers mentioned in the books. 

       Doodle and Peck is the publisher of the Scanner series. David Barrow is the illustrator.

 I'm always looking for new situations to put Scanner into, and I enjoy writing about Scanner the Scottie.

       

https://youtu.be/kda0a9k82sg

Ebooks are also available for Scanner and the Icky, Sticky Gum.

       Scanner's book launch was at Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma, and I was one of five authors who had a book launch there. Here's a picture the book launch. 

                                              

                  Chewing this much gum would surely get Scanner in an icky, sticky situation.

Scanner's friend, Jack.

Jack, Scanner's friend, posing near a shed.

April/May Conferences and Workshops

April/May Conferences and Workshops

There are usually many writing conferences and workshops in April and May. I enjoy attending as many as I can in Oklahoma. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators ( SCBWI) is always a great conference to attend. There are agents, art directors, and editors present who don't mind talking to you about your writing endeavors or illustrations. Many writers have found their agents at one of these conferences.
Another great thing about attending an SCBWI conference is that there are so many great speakers. Some give fantastic advice that you need before writing your books. Many agents share lists of manuscripts they'd like to find. These conferences are there to really help the writer and illustrator.
There's usually a Fall conference or workshop, and a bigger Spring Conference.

OWFI--Oklahoma Writer's Federation, Inc has a conference usually held on the first Friday and Saturday in May. They also have many agents, editors, and speakers ready to help the writer. Members can submit their poetry, writings, and published books for OWFI Awards. There is much competition and award presentations can be loud!  Although there is not as much children's information given out in their talks, there are a few awards to submit entries to for the contests. This conference usually has many workshops on social media which is a huge part of being an illustrator or writer.

I'd recommend both conferences to new and seasoned writers. I learn something new each time I attend. And, occasionally, I'll end up with some kind of award at the Awards Banquet on Saturday night.

You can find additional information about both groups below.

https://oklahoma.scbwi.org

www.owfi.org

Doodle and Peck Publisher, Marla Jones, with four Doodle and Peck authors who received awards at the OWFI Conference.  Pictured are Una Belle Townsend, Sandi Lawson, Sharon Martin, and Barbara Shepherd.

I'm pictured with my friend, Mariana Llanos. She spoke at two sessions during the OWFI conference.

On Friday night at the OWFI conference, which is the night for Famous Authors, they introduce the newest books published by OWFI members. Here's a display or picture of Clancy's cover and a blurb about the book.

Significant Women in Agriculture Award

Significant Women in Agriculture Award

       It's wonderful to receive a Significant Woman in Agriculture Award, but this "city girl" doesn't feel like she should receive such an honor.  I watch and listen to women who run big farms, drive tractors, help birth those baby calves, gather eggs, and bale hay, and I don't do any of that.
      They deserve such great awards, but I feel that I only write books about animals who happen to live on farms. Grady's in the Silo has always been a favorite for the Ag in the Classroom program that Oklahoma has. My newest book, Clancy, is about a goat on a farm. I have other stories, so far unpublished, that have farm settings.
      It is quite an honor for me, so I want to thank the Ag in the Classroom ladies and the Dept. of Agriculture. Kaylee Snow wrote the article, and she was a delight to work with on this article.


https://www.oda.state.ok.us/SignificantWomen/Una%20Belle%20Townsend.pdf

Yukon's Senior Games

                                                     Yukon's Senior Games

         It's so much fun to enter Yukon's Senior Games each year. I don't enter the sports area. I'd love to play basketball and just shoot baskets, but my legs and knees tell me "no". I don't play pool, pickle ball, or horseshoes, so those sports are out for me. One woman, probably in her 90's enters the weight lifting category each year, and she usually wins. I can't lift 100's of pounds like she does. She deserves those medals.
        One of the good things about the Senior games is that some older citizens work on their games year round. That adds up to exercise for themselves, and for friends and family who work with them to achieve medals. Plus, that means some bonding with family and friends. Can't beat that, can you?
        I only enter in the creative arts area. I take photos of sunsets all year round. I have thousands of those one-of-a kind quick glances of the sun sinking. They are fun to take, and I often win when I enter them at the Senior Games or at the county fair. I won a first place medal last Friday at the Opening Gala of the Senior Games with my nature photo. The creative arts area is judged ahead of the actual physical games, so along with the big band era of music being played, we receive our medals. A meal is provided, and local businesses hand out the usual key chains, hand sanitizer, playing cards, band-aid dispensers, etc. to everyone in attendance.
        This year, I entered 6 events and won medals in 5 of them. I write some haiku poetry, but I don't write very much of any other kind of poetry. So, I didn't win or place in that category. I did win in all three photography categories. I also wrote an essay and it won first place. My short story took a second. It is fun to be a part of the Senior Games. You might want to try it some time, too.

Two gold and three silver medals at the Senior Games.

It's Susanna Leonard Hill's 3rd annual Valentiny Writing Contest.

It's Susanna Leonard Hill's 3rd annual Valentiny Writing Contest.

There's a new contest in town, and this is my first time to try it. I'm to write a children's story with 214 words in it. The 214 is because it's a Valentine's Day story of up to 214 words for 2/14. Mine has exactly 214 words.

Searching for Valentines

            Bobbie and Ginger stuffed the dollar bills into their coat pockets. They were headed to town. “I wish the doctor would let me walk with you, but he says I shouldn’t,” said mother. “Please buy a valentine for your grandmother. If there’s money left over, buy something for yourselves.”

            They rushed to Heather’s shop in town.  No valentines.  Connor’s Card’s had two old bent cards. “What are we going to do?” said Bobbie.
            “The only store left is too expensive,” said Ginger. “Mother says we can’t buy anything there. We’ll take a look. Hope we can find something there for grandmother.”

             The girls pushed open the heavy, wooden door. Huge valentines dangled from the ceiling. The girls admired dolls in frilly dresses with red hearts. A train carrying small valentines, chugged around a track.

            “Yum! I smell chocolates,” said Ginger. “Could we buy some?
             “We’d better find those valentine cards, first,” said Bobbie. “We might have to pool our money just to buy one card!”

            As they walked around the store, a huge sign near the door said “Valentines—Half Price!”

            They checked their money and smiled. The girls each bought valentines for grandmother and their mother. They also bought valentines for the new baby who was born two days later on Valentine’s Day.

                                                     
 

Calendar Events

My Calendar--Sometimes it's a presentation to a school, sometimes it's a signing, and sometimes I'm on a panel. I also enjoy selling my books at craft shows.
         
   I'm sure there will be other dates in the Fall. I just don't know at this moment.

   Nov. 2023 Piedmont Jingle Jam Craft Market at Piedmont Intermediate School.   977 Washington St. in Piedmont, OK--I don't have an exact date for this event yet.  I'll let you know as soon as I can.