Blogging From A to Z Challenge: F is for Family

In case you missed it, I'm participating in the annual Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme this year is 26 Super Fun Learning Activities You Can Do From Home. That's right, I'm conjuring up 26 "educational" ideas to keep you busy while you're safe at home. But don't get too hung up on the word "educational"—so far, they've all be fun activities.

Last Wednesday, I kicked off the challenge with Art for the letter A. Thursday, B was for Baking. On Friday, my sister and I did some chemistry, and I rounded off the week with a family dance off. Yesterday was E for exercise (which was way more fun than you think)—and that brings us to today for the letter F. Here we go...

F is for Family

Even though my friends and I have been FaceTiming or Skyping, I miss hanging out with them. I miss school, and I'm bummed that we had to cancel our spring break plans. But I am grateful that I've been able to spend so much time with my family.

Whether it's watching a movie, challenging each other to a dance off, or beating my dad at chess for the first time ever, these past few weeks have helped me see just how important my family is—and yes, I mean my sister, Amelia, too.

So for today's post, I've conjured up some educational ideas that have everything to do with family.

1. Interview a family member. Have you ever wondered what your grandfather's first job was? What is your grandma's favourite colour? Why? I like to think I know a lot about my family, but today, I'm going to come up with a list of questions to ask them that I honestly don't know the answers to. Then, I'm going to write an essay or short story based on the responses—which means not only am I honing my research skills, but I also will get some writing in.

2. Draw a family portrait. Even if you can't draw—my sister is excellent at stick figures and bugs (she thinks she's a junior entomologist)—today could be the day to break out those pencils and crayons, and create a family picture Mom would be proud to hang...at least on the fridge. Can't let those art skills go to waste!

3. Research your family tree. Do you have a famous relative? Maybe your great great great grandfather was friends with Shakespeare. (Just one example!) How far back can you go? With a quick internet search you can even find a template to help you organize each member of the family.

4. Try a family-favourite recipe. I know we already covered baking and all of the things you can learn when you measure out ingredients, but don't just make a recipe—consider learning about why it's a family favourite dish, and whose recipe it was to begin with. In TASTING MY STORY, cartoon Chase learns all about Monster Cookies and which of his family members was the first to come up with the ingredients.

5. Create a family emblem, motto, or song. Be sure to include things that are important to your family—like how we all love the movie The Princess Bride. (Pretty sure the words, "as you wish" will be in any song / motto we come up with!)

When I showed Mom this list, she suggested a virtual family reunion—which sounds pretty great. You can set up a Zoom and invite up to 100 people! (We don't have that many family members, I don't think.) I was thinking....that might be one way for us to celebrate Easter this weekend.

Gotta jet! I want to try and catch Grandpa before he goes out to do chores this morning—even though I know a lot about him, I bet he has some stories he hasn't shared with me. I can't wait to write about them!

See you tomorrow for a fun letter G. (Seriously, have I let you down, yet?)

~ Chase Superman Duffy