Crenwinkle says it is always good to have a to-do list. To-do lists take an intention (I want to read two new books this month) and make it a plan:

__ Go to the library and check out two new books.

Now, you have a specific plan. Once you accomplish an activity, you’ll have the fun of checking it off the list.

When you’re feeling busy or overwhelmed with school or even fun projects, a to-do list can help you stay focused and productive. They can help you know where to start and give you a sense of progress along the way.

Here is an example of one of Crenwinkle’s to-do lists for his project to build a Lego model of his brother Crosley.

__  Look at Lego alligator plans on the internet. Decide how many Legos I’ll need.

__  Sort the red Legos from my collection. Set aside white Legos for teeth and black Legos to make the eyes.

__. Work on building the Lego Crosley for five nights.

___ 1   ___ 2    ___ 3   ___ 4  ___  5

__ Complete the model and surprise John with it on his birthday.

Do you see how Crosley thought about each step of the project and then wrote it down? If he follows the list, he won’t run out of Legos and should have the red Lego Crosley ready for John’s Birthday.

Want to try to create your own to-do list?

Here are five fun projects for September. Pick one and make your to-do list. Follow your list and complete the project. If you finish that project, come back and pick another from the list.

  1. Make a meal for your family to celebrate National Family Meal Month.
  2. Make a fall hat and wear it for Fall Hat Month.
  3. Get a library card during Library Card Sign-up Month. If you already have a library card, help a sibling or friend get theirs.
  4. Read a book about how bees make honey. September is National Honey Month.
  5. Make Rice Krispies Treats on September 18th.

Want to try even more projects? Visit the Holidays and Observances website for even more ideas for September.