It’s December 1. Today is “Eat a Red Apple Day.” Did you bring one for your teacher?

1. It’s December 1. Today is “Eat a Red Apple Day.” Did you bring one for your teacher? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Human teeth are almost as hard as most rocks, and human thigh bones are stronger than concrete. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.” --Charles Dow Richards (Canadian politician) Vocabulary Word of the Day: capricious (adjective) – apply this descriptive word to a person who often changes mood or behavior without an obvious reason. Who in your family or circle of friends is the most capricious?

2. It’s December 2. Today is “Today is Day 2 of Hand-Washing Awareness Week .” Who in your household needs to be the most aware of this healthy practice? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The company that manufactures the most women’s dresses each year is Mattel. After all, Barbie™ has to wear something, doesn’t she? Interesting Quote of the Day: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” --Albert Einstein (German Physicist) Vocabulary Word of the Day: abridge (verb) – use this action word to show that you have shortened or cut down something, usually a piece of writing. What’s a book you’ve read recently that you wish the publisher had abridged the text?

3. It’s December 3. Today is “National Roof Over Your Head Day.” Be thankful if you have one! **Empathize for those who don’t Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Each year, more people are killed by teddy bears than by grizzly bears. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” --Janis Joplin (American singer and songwriter) **Vocabulary Word of the Day: empathize (verb) – use this action word when you are showing that someone has sympathy or sensitivity to another’s situation. With which charitable cause do you empathize the most?

4. It’s December 4. Today is “Wear Brown Shoes Day.” Have you accidentally celebrated this holiday without knowing it? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: There is a regulation half-sized basketball court inside the Matterhorn at Disneyland. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Stay the course. Light a star. Change the world where’er you are.” --Richard Le Galliene (English Author and Poet) Vocabulary Word of the Day: enigmatic (adjective) – apply this descriptive word to any noun that is mystifying, cryptic, or riddle-like. What are three specific and different things you can describe with this adjective?

5. It’s December 5. Today is “International Ninja Day.” Please wait to practice your stealthy moves until after school. Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: There are 206 bones in the adult human body. There are 300 bones in children. Where do you suppose those bones go when you grow up? Interesting Quote of the Day: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” --Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Poet) Vocabulary Word of the Day: maudlin (adjective) – apply this descriptive word to nouns that cause people to be sentimental but not deeply sentimental. Some people consider romantic comedies to be maudlin? What else might be maudlin?

6. It’s December 6. Today is “Miner’s Day.” Do you know anyone in the mining industry? What might a “brain miner” find in your head right now? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: How about you? The average person owns twenty-five t-shirts. Interesting Quote of the Day: “When a man moves away from nature, his heart becomes hard.” --Lakota Indian saying Vocabulary Word of the Day: obsolete (adjective) – use this word to describe something that is no longer used or is out of date? Think about all the technology in your house. Which will become obsolete first?

7. It’s December 7. Today is “Letter Writing Day.” To whom will you write a letter ? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The Mayflower was dismantled by the pilgrims and turned into a barn. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”--Friedrich Nietzsche (German Philosopher) Vocabulary Word of the Day: conciliatory (adjective) – use this describing word in front of noun that is intended to be friendly or a noun that is being used to make someone who is upset happier. What conciliatory gestures do you make for your parents when you know you’re in trouble?

8. It’s December 8. Today is “National Brownie Day.” Did you bring one for your teachers? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: This makes sense, right? Baby seahorses are called colts. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Inspiration is the impact of fact on a well- prepared mind.” --Louis Pasteur (French chemist and microbiologist) Vocabulary Word of the Day: lithe (adjective) – use this describing word in front of a noun that is thin and graceful. Other than a ballerina, what other nouns might you describe with the word lithe?

9. It’s December 9. Today is “National Pastry Day” and “National Christmas Card Day.” Which would you rather receive in the mail from a friend ? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: It’s illegal to sleep in a garbage can in Lubbock, Texas. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.”--Nancy Kerrigan (American Ice Skater) Vocabulary Word of the Day: palliate (verb) – apply this action word to nouns that reduce the severity of something. Certain medications, for example, palliate pain. What other nouns palliate things?

10. It’s December 10. Today is “Human Rights Day.” What rights do some humans take for granted? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The average person has 1,460 dreams a year. Do you think you’re above average or below average? Interesting Quote of the Day: “The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.” --Sven-Goran Eriksson (Swedish Football Manager/Coach) Vocabulary Word of the Day: flabbergasted (adjective) – use thisdescribing word to modify a noun that is astounded, astonished, or surprised greatly. Is there a movie or book whose ending comes to mind when you think of the word flabbergasted?

11. It’s December 11. Today is “International Mountain Day.” How many international mountains can you name? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The dial tone of most telephones is in the keyof ‘F.’ Interesting Quote of the Day: “A man’s errors are the portals of discovery.” --James Joyce(Irish Novelist and Poet) Vocabulary Word of the Day: surmise (verb) – apply this action word to a person who has decided something is true with very little evidence to confirm it. Have you ever incorrectly surmised a rumor based on just one person’s opinion or perspective?

12. It’s December 12. Today is “Poinsettia Day.” Some think these flowers are poisonous, but they aren’t. Their milky sap can cause skin irritation, however. Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The average human eye blinks 4,200,000 times a year. How long can you keep yourself from blinking without using your hands (or a friend’s) to assist you? Interesting Quote of the Day: “The surest test of discipline is its absence.” --Clara Barton (American humanitarian) Vocabulary Word of the Day: flout (verb) – apply this action word to a person who is disregarding or openly disobeying the rules. How might someone flout the school’s dress code?

13. It’s December 13. Today is “Ice Cream Day.” What new flavor should we concoct**? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back,you can keep from sinking in quicksand. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Where there is great love there are always miracles.” --Willa Cather (American author) **Vocabulary Word of the Day: concoct (verb) – apply this action word to a person who creates a new dish, or to a person who is inventing a story or an untruth. Have you ever concocted a really good excuse?

14. It’s December 14. Today is “National Monkey Day.” How will you celebrate? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: In Hawaii, it’s against the law to put coins in your ear. Interesting Quote of the Day: “The future belongs to those who believein the beauty of their dreams.” --Eleanor Roosevelt (Former First Lady of the United States) Vocabulary Word of the Day: vindictive (adjective) – apply this descriptive word to a noun that is seeking revenge or is vengeful. Who is your most vindictive acquaintance when someone has pulled a practical joke on him/her?

15. It’s December 15. Today is “National Lemon Cupcake Day.” Do you think it’s fatuous** to have such a specific holiday for a type of dessert? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The longest living cells in the body are brain cells which can last an entire lifetime. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal.” --E. Joseph Cossman (American Businessman) **Vocabulary Word of the Day: fatuous (adjective) – apply this describing word to something that is silly or foolish. Which actor(s) do you know who can play both serious and fatuous roles?

16. It’s December 16. Today is “National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.” What food item would you like to cover in chocolate? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Armadillos, opossums and sloths spend 80% of their lives sleeping. Interesting Quote of the Day: “All that we are is a result of what we have thought.” --Gautama Buddha (Spiritual leader on whose teachingsBuddhism was founded) Vocabulary Word of the Day: fortitude (noun) – use this noun as a synonym for strength, especially strength shown during a time or pain or hardship. Who do you know who has shown great fortitude?

17. It’s December 17. Today is “National Maple Syrup Day.” Are you more of a pancake, waffle, or French toast fanatic? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Food Fact…41% of Americans eat breakfast cereal every morning. Interesting Quote of the Day: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” --Jimmy Dean(American singer) Vocabulary Word of the Day: garish (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe something that looks tacky or gaudy (against good taste). Has anyone in your neighborhood hung any garish decorations out this month?

18. It’s December 18. Today is “National Bake Cookies Day.” For whom would you like to bake some cookies? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: If the average man never trimmed his beard, it would grow 30 feet long in his lifetime. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Words are the voice of the heart.” --Tuscarora Indian saying Vocabulary Word of the Day: augment (verb) – this action wordmeans to add to or to expand on, as in knowledge or wisdom. Dobook smarts or life experiences have a better chance of augmenting knowledge?

19. It’s December 19. Today is “Look for an Evergreen Day.” How far would you have to drive to find an indigenous** evergreen tree? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The Earth weighs 6,600 billion tons. What scaledo you suppose they used to verify that? Interesting Quote of the Day: “You only live once, but if you do it right,once is enough.” --Mae West(American actress) **Vocabulary Word of the Day: indigenous (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe an animal, plant, or tribe that is found in its original, natural setting. What stories about invasive species that are not indigenous have you heard about?

20. It’s December 20. Today is “Go Caroling Day.” Can you name some of your favorite holiday songs? How about your least favorite? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The ears of the cricket are located on the front legs, just below the knees. Interesting Quote of the Day: “I can sum up life in three words: it goes on.” --Robert Frost (American poet) Vocabulary Word of the Day: puerile (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe a noun that is acting juvenile or immature. What’s the mostpuerile thing you’ve ever seen an adult do in public?

21. It’s December 21. Today is “Crossword Puzzle Day.” How will you celebrate? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Mark Twain has no living descendants. His only daughter had only one daughter, and she died childless. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” --Mark Twain (American author) Vocabulary Word of the Day: quagmire (noun) – use this fancy noun as a synonym for an awkward or hazardous situation. What’s going on inthe world today that we might call a quagmire.

22. It’s December 22. Today is “National Haiku Day.” Can you celebrate by writing a haiku (5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables) in your writer’s notebook? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: 66% of all Las Vegas phone numbers are unlisted—the most of any U.S. city. Why do you suppose that is? Interesting Quote of the Day: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” --J.K. Rowling (British author) Vocabulary Word of the Day: strident (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe someone who has a loud, harsh voice, or who has a loud opinion of something. Who is the most strident person in your family or circle of friends?

23. It’s December 23. Today is “Festivus,” made popular by the television comedy Seinfeld. What holiday would you invent? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Hershey’s kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it’s kissing the conveyor belt. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Today you are You, that’s truer than true. There’s no one alive that’s you-er than You.” --Dr. Seuss (American author) Vocabulary Word of the Day: turpitude (noun) – this fancy word is a synonym for wickedness or moral corruption. Can you name three characters from books or stories who show the most turpitude?

24. It’s December 24. Today is “Christmas Eve.” Do you have an interesting “Santa Claus” or other holiday story to share? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Muhammad is the world’s most common first name. Interesting Quote of the Day: “His droll** little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.” --Clement Clarke Moore (American poet) **Vocabulary Word of the Day: droll (adjective) – use this adjective todescribe something that is curious or unusual and causes dry amusement. Who do you know with a droll sense of humor?

25. It’s December 25. Today is “Christmas.” No matter what holiday you celebrate, what’s your favorite family tradition this time of year? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Diamonds are 100% carbon. Interesting Quote of the Day: “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Walk beside me that we may be as one.” --Ute Indian saying Vocabulary Word of the Day: prowess (noun) – use this fancy word as a synonym for an extraordinary ability. Mozart showed prowess for music, Monet for painting. Which athletes show the most prowess, in your opinion?

26. It’s December 26. Today is “National Candy Cane Day.” What’s the worst or best thing about this type of candy treat? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The United States consumes 25% of all the world’s energy. Interesting Quote of the Day: “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” --Albert Einstein (German Physicist) Vocabulary Word of the Day: hapless (adjective) – use this fancydescribing word to describe someone who is unfortunate, unlucky, or ill-fated. Can you think of famous characters from literature or history who were hapless?

27. It’s December 27. Today is “Make Cut-out Snowflakes Day.” Do have any advice on making the best paper snowflakes? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The word scuba comes from the words self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Interesting Quote of the Day: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single second before starting to improve the world.” --Anne Frank (Diary-keeper and victim of the Holocaust) Vocabulary Word of the Day: conduit (noun) – this fancy noun is a synonym for a pipe or channel through which something passes. Water passes through conduits, but so does knowledge. What kind of conduits can knowledge pass through?

28. It’s December 28. Today is “National Pledge of Allegiance Day.” Do you know the pledge by heart? Do you know what every word in the pledge means? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: The moon is a million times drier than the Gobi Desert. Interesting Quote of the Day: “It’s better to be hurt by the truth than be comforted by a lie.” --KaledHosseini (Afghan-born American novelist) Vocabulary Word of the Day: arid (adjective) – this descriptive word can be used to describe something that is very dry. Where are the three most arid places you have traveled?

29. It’s December 29. Today is “National Tick Tock Day.” Has time flown by for you today? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Every year in the U.S., 625 people are struck by lightning. Interesting Quote of the Day: “A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.” --Robert Frost (American Poet) Vocabulary Word of the Day: chronological (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe a noun that has been arranged in order of time. A chronological story would not have any flashbacks. What would it be like to study history in a non-chronological way?

30. It’s December 30. Today is National “Bacon Day.” Got sizzle? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Walruses go bald as they age. Interesting Quote of the Day: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” --Aristotle (Greek Philosopher) Vocabulary Word of the Day: punctilious (adjective) – use this word to describe someone who is eager to follow the rules. Who is the most punctilious child you know? Adult? Who is the exact opposite of punctilious?

31. It’s December 31. Tonight is “New Year’s Eve.” Have you started making your list of this year’s resolutions? Sacred Writing TimeDid you come to class with an idea to write about?As soon as class starts, quietly make that pencil dance! Trivial Fact of the Day: Owls are the only birds that can see the color blue. Interesting Quote of the Day: “A house that has a library in it has a soul.” --Plato (Greek philosopher) Vocabulary Word of the Day: wizened (adjective) – use this descriptive word to describe a noun that is dry, shrunken and wrinkled. As you become wise in this world, is it required that you also become wizened?