Highlights for Children articles from January 2008

Highlights for Children archives from January 2008

Dragon in school!(Fun This Month)(puzzles)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Dragon comes to visit on January 16--Appreciate-a-Dragon Day. But the school photographer dropped his snapshots. Look for clues to put them in order, from first to last. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Answers: 1. C; 2. A; 3. D; 4. B.

Trivia day.(Fun This Month)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What's special about January 4? It's the day to share random facts, such as "Marvin Stone patented a paper drinking straw in January 1888." Collect three new bits of trivia ahead of time to share on this day.

Mystery photo.(Fun This Month)(guess the photograph)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Try to guess what you're looking at. Answer Box You are looking out from a cave in an Arizona canyon. The patterns on the rock were made by wind and water erosion over time.

Whose writing?(Fun This Month)(National Handwriting Day)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Handwriting Day is January 23, honoring John Hancock, first signer of the Declaration of Independence. Invent a handwriting guessing game to play with a group, using slips of paper, a pen, and a hat.

5 Start-the-year ideas.(Fun This Month)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... 1. Get to know another kid in class. 2. list the foods you'd like to try this year. 3. Begin a 2008 journal. 4. Wish you could juggle or knit? Teach yourself a skill. (Library books help!) 5. For a fresh start each day, clean...

Winter tongue twister.(Fun This Month)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When winter went to one tree, every tree went wintry.

Find the pictures.(Fun This Month)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Exercise your brain!(Dear Readers)(Editorial)
January 1, 2008... I like the New Year, shiny with possibilities. I even like making New Year's resolutions, or promises to myself. Each year, I resolve to try at least one new thing in the next twelve months. One year, I took a long trip by train. Traveling at...

The Llamas' holiday.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A bunch of adventurous llamas Dressed up in bright colored pajamas And set off one night On a holiday flight To a beach in the balmy Bahamas. They didn't enjoy themselves fully: When they swam they were heavy...

Goofus and Gallant[R].(Cartoon)
January 1, 2008... "Try to keep up, will you? says Goofus. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gallant walks at a pace that's comfortable for others. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I'll see how I feel that day," says Goofus. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gallant...

"Men of all races, all religions, all regions must join together.(Quotation)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Men of all races, all religions, all regions must join together... to fulfill the vision of brotherhood that gave purpose to Martin Luther King's life and works." President Lyndon B. Johnson Address to the...

Flash! Splash! Training a deaf polar bear.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Splash! A chunk of ice filled with fruit plopped into the pool. Alaska slept soundly. "Alaska!" A zookeeper called her name. The polar bear kept napping. Kerplunk! Another treat landed in the pool. This...

Fukuwarai: a Japanese game.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Japanese New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. Families spend time together eating special foods--such as pounded rice cakes called mochi--and playing games. One game that children enjoy is called Fukuwarai (foo-koo-wah-rye)....

Matching.
January 1, 2008... Look at each hat on the left. Find one like it on the right. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Many moons many names.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Gaze at the moon on a clear night, and what do you see? A sliver? A half circle? Or a big saucer-like full moon glowing in the sky? Over the course of about a month, the moon seems to grow from a new moon--which appears to be no moon at...

The most valuable treasure: a Norwegian folktale.(Folktale)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Long ago, in Norway, there once was a boy called Halvor. He lived with his mother in a cottage near the great Bjolstad forest. Halvor's mother had smooth, fair hair, but her hands were calloused and red, for she...

On the frozen pond.(Hidden Pictures[R])(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In this big picture, find the cupcake, fish, shoe, candle, pitcher, sailboat, ice-cream cone, giraffe, toothbrush, pie, slice of pizza, carrot, seal, kite, scissors, goose, and telescope. slice of pizza pie...

Jokes.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Mom: John, did you take a shower this morning? John: Why, is there one missing? Svetlana Holder, New York "Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "Ketchup." "Ketchup who?" "Ketchup with me and I'll tell you!" Kevin...

Resolution.(Poem)
January 1, 2008... Resolution My New Year's resolution Is one I know I'll keep, Because it is so easy, I could keep it in my sleep. For all throughout the year ahead, No matter where I go, My resolution will not change-- ...

Stage fright.(Short story)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I don't want to be the healthy tooth anymore," said Samantha as she walked up the sidewalk to the Multipurpose Room. "Why not?" asked Samantha's older sister, Megan. "You said it was the best part in the whole...

A good reflection.(Science Corner)
January 1, 2008... Can you print your name so that its reflection in a mirror reads the right way? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Wandering walls.(Science Corner)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Long ago, stones plucked from pastures were made into stone walls to border farmers' fields. Why are so many of these walls now found in the woods? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Answer Box Many of the old...

I wonder ... how popcorn pops.(Science Corner)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Popcorn is a special kind of corn with a heavy, tight seed coat. When it is heated up, water inside the kernel turns to steam, then the kernel pops open.

Questions about Raptors.(Science Corner)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] from Louis Kreemer, Age 5 Washington How did raptors attack their prey? Raptors used their big claws to slash their prey, Some raptors attacked in packs the way wolves hunt elk and moose. Could, thirty...

The bear family.(Cartoon)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Poozy: They have the game I want! Dad: You can use your allowance to buy it. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Woozy: What's wrong, Poozy? Poozy: The Space Heroes game is out, but I already spent my allowance....

Have a seasonal scavenger hunt.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... 1. Fold a piece of construction paper and two pieces of white paper in half. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2. Insert the folded white paper inside the folded construction paper. Staple along the fold to make a booklet. 3. With a marker,...

A python for your pencil.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. To form a head, bend back 1 inch of a green 12-inch chenille stick and twist the end around the stick to secure it. 2. For a tongue, twist a 1-inch piece of a red or pink chenille stick around the end of the...

Make your own juggling balls.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Place 1/2 cup of rice in the corner of a sandwich bag. Twist the bag closed, fold the bag over, and tape it in place. 2. Cut the necks off two round balloons. Gently push the bag of rice into one balloon....

Use yarn to make a decorative bowl.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Spread glue on the inside bottom of a paper bowl. 2. Starting in the middle, press the end of a piece of yarn into the glue and wrap the yarn around in a circle. Use a craft stick to push the yarn together so...

Create a memo board for your room.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... 1. Decorate a piece of poster board, leaving space in the center for notes and reminders. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2. Cover the board with clear tape or contact paper. 3. To store markers, wrap wide ribbon around the middle of a...

Entertain friends with a dancing arctic-fox puppet.(Crafts)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. From white construction paper, cut two identical fox shapes similar to the one shown. 2. Cut four equal pieces of yarn for arms and legs. Cut a longer piece of yarn for the hanger. 3. Glue the arms and...

Ollie's cake catastrophe.(Ask Arizona)(gift for mother)
January 1, 2008... Dear Arizona, My mother's birthday is coming up, and I really want to give her a special present. Any ideas? --Presently Presentless in Puerto Rico [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Presently Presentless, Whatever you do, don't do...

Why is fire hot?(Science Letters?)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Ginnae Koon, Age 12 North Carolina Anything that burns has energy stored in it. When it burns, the energy is quickly released as heat and light, which we see as fire. For example, energy from sunlight is stored in wood. As a tree...

How are ocean waves made?(Science Letters?)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Luke J. (by e-mail) Ocean waves are made by wind blowing against the surface of the ocean. The waves can travel a great distance. They can keep going long after the winds that started them have died. In fact,...

Check ... and double check.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] There are at least thirteen differences in these two pictures. How many can you find?

The snowman's nose.(Cartoon)
January 1, 2008... "Our snowman needs a nose," Zoey said to her brother Trent. "A snowman needs a carrot nose," Trent said. Zoey looked in the refrigerator. "We don't have any carrots," she said. She looked in the freezer. "Yum! I'm going to eat a juice...

Peale's marvelous parade.(Charles Willson Peal's museum)
January 1, 2008... In 1794, Philadelphians witnessed an amazing sight--a line of boys carrying specimens of wildcats, foxes, racoons, birds, rabbits, and even a baby alligator parading down the street! It was moving day for Peale's museum, the first natural...

The Movies.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... The Movies A darkened room filled with the aroma of popcorn and candy. The people hustle and bustle to find the perfect seats. The usher twirls and whirls his flashlight. The people...

Rain.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... Rain Refreshing sound Like fingers tapping On a bongo drum Like toes tapping To the music's beat Rain Carter Murphy, Age 10 Delaware

Reflections in a mirror.(Your Own Pages)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reflections in a Mirror Bobbi Knapp, Age 9 Wyoming

In Different Eyes.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... In Different Eyes The man-He is rich And he is poor. He is small And he is tall. He is broad And he is thin. He is good And he is bad. He is different things In different...

Night train.(Your Own Pages)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Night Train Sam Jennings, Age 5 Washington

"Howl" goes the wolf.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... "Howl" goes the wolf. He does that instead of a "woof." He sits on a mountain and howls at the moon. Day will come really soon. Michaela Cox, Age 7 North Carolina

The blue dark sea.(Your Own Pages)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Blue Dark Sea John Huang, Age 7 California

My Pet, Mia.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... My Pet, Mia She's a cat. She's playful. She likes to play with toys and stuffed toys. And she bugs our dog, Brandon. Sometimes she comes to our rooms, because she likes to get attention and she's curious....

The farm.(Your Own Pages)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Farm Dillan Krodle, Age 9 Texas

I Can Fly.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... I Can Fly Swish, flap, I soar through the sky like a hawk drifting along. A soft breeze goes through the air. The sun is setting in a soft pink and orange. I can see the ocean. Beyond that I see ...

A sled that lies.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... A sled that lies on a hill can slide, and it can give you a wonderful fide. Kaila Avent, Age 7 Nebraska

I Lost My Hat.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... I Lost My Hat I lost my first hat because I didn't take care of it. Bad luck. I lost my second hat because I forgot it in my uncle's truck. Then I borrowed a cousin's hat and misplaced it...

Sixth Grade.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... Sixth Grade Meeting new people. New teachers, new students. Reports, art, band, and gym. Creating board games. Racing Jell-O-box cars against each other. Riding the bus, seat 18. Sitting at the same...

Earth.(Your Own Pages)(Poem)
January 1, 2008... Earth An egg holding many lives. The colors of a rainbow, especially blue and green. Our home. A balloon holding tightly to its string so it doesn't drift off to the Sun. Like our hearts, we need this planet to live. ...

Junco.(Nature Watch)(snowbirds)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Did You Know? Juncos are sometimes called snowbirds. Most birds fly south for the winter, but juncos often fly in from farther north as winter begins. They live through the winter by eating seeds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These birds use...

Raising rectangles.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Look at the stack of rectangles below. In what order would you pick them up so that you are always choosing the topmost one? [ILLUSTRATIN OMITTED] Answer Box B, C, A, E, D, F, G.

Your best self.
January 1, 2008... I don't know how to play. Don't worry. I'll show you how I learned. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sit. Stay. Laugh!(Cartoon)
January 1, 2008... Jeff: Do you have any dogs going cheap? Pet store owner: No, sir. All of our dogs go "Woof." Damian: My dog plays chess. Laurie: Your dog must be really smart! Damian: Oh, I don't know. I usually beat him two out of three...

Stormy-day: garage games.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Your friend is coming over to play outside. You have plans--BIG plans. Everything is ready. Then the rain begins. A stormy day doesn't have to ruin your fun. A garage, basement, or carport can give you space to play. Try these ideas to get...

The Timberstones[R].(Cartoon)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Listen," said Tommy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pa Followed the sound. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hungry ants! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The workshop was full of holes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Wild Ride!(Poem)
January 1, 2008... Wild Ride! My brother pulled the sled And pointed up the hill. He said, "Don't be afraid. This will be a thrill." I looked up at the top. My eyes grew big and wide. My stomach did a flop As I...

Robot on the ice.(exploring meteorites using robots)
January 1, 2008... We stood on a giant ice field about 1,000 miles from the South Pole. We were surrounded by blowing snow, with nothing in sight but a few crates of supplies and a robot. First things first--we started putting up tents! Seven of us had...

Drawing with ovals.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... My mom is an artist. When I started drawing as a kid, she taught me a great trick for drawing people and animals. She told me that you can draw any living creature using a series of ovals. Here's how! 1. Using a pencil, sketch ovals for the...

Riddles.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... (1) What did the spy name her dog? Jenrylis Rivera-Casnova and JalyssaCardoza, Massachusetts (2) Where does Mother Nature keep her stuff? Axel Valeri, Minnesota (3) How do you spell "mousetrap" with only three letters? ...

Brain play.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Start at the beginning and see how far you can go, thinking of good answers from your own head. START What will a calf grow up to be? Name some differences between a sandal and a boot. Where is your favorite place to sit? Why?...

Mei Mei.(Short story)
January 1, 2008... Amanda felt as gray as the sky outside when she looked across the table at her little sister. Li sat on a booster seat, drinking from her sippy cup. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Mom, why does Li hate me?" "Honey, she doesn't hate you. Li...

Dear Highlights.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I am embarrassed to read in front of my class, but my teacher calls on me anyway. What do I do? Gabriel S. (by e-mail) Many kids find it hard to speak or read in front of others. Try taking a deep breath to relax before you begin, and...

Picture puzzler.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Thanks to all of you who sent us your Picture Puns! Here are just a few of the creative ideas you shared. What common phrase does each picture represent? 1. Golf Leicjhana Grubbs, Age 10 Arkansas 2. 2Nd2Nd2Nd 2Nd2Nd2Nd2Nd...