Not much to look forward to this summer? Hey, kids, you need to learn your “Summer A, B, C’s.” Post them on the fridge and whenever you get bored, take a look at them. How many can you check off before the summer is over?
A is for “Ask” your parents, grandparents or your uncle and aunt to take you fishing or for a hike in the park. Don’t be too much of a pest, but be assertive and keep after them.
B is for “Be” good. It doesn’t make a difference how old you are, remember you are from Minnesota and Minnesotans are nice people. Plus, you are more likely to get Mom and Dad to take you fishing so you can catch that big northern.
C is for “collect” something. What would you like to collect? Ask Mom and Dad for some ideas. Bugs, baseball cards, books, there are so many good things.
D is for “do” it. Isn’t there something that your parents have been pestering you to do? You have all summer to do what you want to do, surprise them by doing something they want you to do. Then you can start your collection.
E is for “earn” some money on your own. What can you do to earn a few pesos without having to ask your parents for it? Think of something. You can do it.
F is for “follow” your dream. Imagine your best summer ever. Is there something you can do to make that dream come true? Maybe some of the money you will earn will help.
G is for “go.” Don’t just sit on your duff all summer playing video games or watching movies. Go, go, go and do something. You can’t follow that dream just by sitting around.
H is for “hug” someone. Summers are special and lots of people will be doing special things for you. When you get up and go, go hug someone. Count to ten and don’t let go.
I is for “imagine.” Take some time to lay on your back, look at the clouds or stars. Imagine yourself on a journey through space and as you get farther and farther away from Earth, look back and see what a beautiful place you live in and what beautiful people you live with. That’s why those hugs are so important.
J is for “joking” around. Tell a good joke this summer to all of your friends. “Why did the whale eat two ships carrying potatoes?” Answer: “Because you just can’t eat one potato ship.” It takes some imagination to get riddles.
K is for “kiss” your mom and dad good night. What a sweet, sweet gift. It’s actually better than joking around.
L is for “leave” your troubles behind. You have the rest of your life to worry about your troubles. Summer is the time to just leave your troubles behind you. Kissing your mom and dad will help you forget all of your worries.
M is for “make” your bed. If you already make your beds, wonderful. Or, you could also “make” something for the county fair. There is something about doing good deeds and going to the county fair that takes your troubles away.
N is for “navigate” with a boat or a canoe. This takes some concentration and concentration is what you need in life if you want to make a difference.
O is for “order” a pizza for your family and pay for it using your savings. What a great idea and won’t your parents appreciate it. Plus, you are more likely to get them to help you navigate that canoe or kayak.
P is for “play” outside. You are, aren’t you? Even if it means just taking a blanket and laying on it outside; get outside. When the pizza arrives eat it outside.
Q is for “quit” picking your nose, eating without washing your hands and watching too many videos. It’s okay to get dirty outside but don’t take it indoors. What else can you quit doing this summer?
R is for “run” a lot this summer. After you get through running, stop and read. Whatever you do, never ever quit reading.
S is for take time to “sit” with your grandparents or some other older person. You can learn so much from them and they really do appreciate it. How about running over to their place to do some sitting.
T is for “tell” the truth. One of the things your grandparents will tell you when you are sitting by their side is to always, always tell the truth. Memorize this: honesty is the best policy.
U is for “understand” that parents are busy people and sometimes they just don’t have the time they would like to spend with their kids. If you want them to play with you, tell them to finish their work first.
V is for “vamoose.” Vamoose means to “let’s go” or “get away suddenly.” If you try to understand the people around you, there might be more times when you can vamoose with them.
W is for “wait” just a bit longer. Don’t always be in such a hurry. Summers are for taking your time. Don’t be in such a rush even though you can hardly wait to use the word “vamoose.”
X is for don’t get “x-ed” out of any opportunities to camp out over night. If you have to wait all summer, don’t let it go by without camping out.
Y is for say “yes” to every opportunity to help your parents. If you do, you are more likely to not get x-ed out of something you really want to do.
Z is for “zero” in on something you really want to do this summer and make it your goal to do it. When your teacher asks you in the fall if you accomplished anything over the summer, you will be
Who Is John?