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Second-graders offer 'top 10 lists'
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
As the Writer's Guild of America strike continues, the American television audience may be heading toward a steady diet of repeats, reality programs and game shows.
Some talented and caring second-grade students in Dayton have decided to offer writing assistance to David Letterman, who hosts a late night talk show on CBS.
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In the spirit of giving, the young people in Virginia Evers second-grade class at St. Anthony Elementary school, 1824 Charles Ave., composed some "top 10 lists" for Letterman.
Evers packaged the students' lists and dispatched them to the Letterman studios at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
Letterman's nightly top 10 list is a tradition on his program and usually pokes fun at stories or individuals in the news.
"My children thought Mr. Letterman night need some additional ideas with the writers' strike going on," Evers said.
She added that the suggestions are much "softer" than the ones Letterman's writers might offer him, but are certainly in touch with the spirit of the holidays.
Here, then, are two samples of what the St. Anthony students created. Each member in her class offered a list of the top 10 good things you can do to be kind to others during the Christmas season.
This is 8-year-old Harley Wade's countdown:
10: Help set the table.
9. Help make a meal.
8. Celebrate a birthday.
7. Share your toys.
6. Help your mom or dad.
5. Give away some of your toys.
4. Pray for sick people.
3. Doing your homework.
2. Doing your chores.
And the No. 1 good thing you can give during this season:
1. Lots of love.
Virginia Kidd, 8, made a list that takes on behavior, and includes nice things that everyone should consider during the holiday season and all year long.
This is Virginia's list:
10. Ignore people who are mean.
9. Act respectful.
8. Don't sass back.
7. Be kind.
6. Hold the door.
5. Do chores.
4. Sing to my parents.
3. Make breakfast.
2. Give a hug.
And Virginia's No. 1 suggestion of nice things to do:
1. Give a kiss.
According to Evers, her class is currently working on writing some jokes to send to Jay Leno, the NBC "Tonight Show" host, and I have asked her to share a copy of the jokes when they are completed.
"My children are having a terrific time creating and sending along samples of their writing to the stars," the teacher said. "It just might inspire one of the second-graders to become a professional writer one day."
Dale Huffman wants your Christmas stories and holiday traditions. He'd like to share a story about you, your children or a friend that you find touching or humorous. This column is for you. What is the very best holiday gift you have ever received? Do you have one memorable Christmas that stands above all others? Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
