Bike Ride and Picnic
It’s a sunny day in August, the first day back to school in Talesville. Squirrly and Her Nutty Friends Hazel, Al, Mac, Wally, Coco and Peanut all arrived at school at the same time, they all knew Coach Jackie would ask what they want to do for PE on the first day of school… they all thought it would be a fun idea to go for a bike ride and have a picnic.
School starts at 8:00 AM, Mr. Beaverton’s class was full with students. A lot of excitement was in the air, just back from summer break Mr. Beaverton spoke up and said, ‘Welcome back to English Class, I hope you all had a great Summer Break! And now it’s time for the WORD of the DAY? Who has a good one for me?’ As all the students were shouting out words, Mr. Beaverton heard a real good one, ‘THANKFUL, is a great word!’ said Mr. Beaverton. ‘Good job Mac!, that was your word!’
After Mr. Beaverton gave the definition of the word, the students all meet up with Coach Jackie and Pokey McGee for P.E.”The talk is bike ride and picnic for lunch today!” said Squirrly. Coach Jackie (tapping her foot rapidly) replied, “that sounds like a great idea, let’s pack a lunch and get our gear on.” So, off went Squirrly and the Nutty Friends to pack a healthy lunch. “I think a lot of nuts and raisins are needed,” said Hazel. “You always want your nuts and raisins,” said Mac, “yes I do! And how about Apples too!” said Hazel. Just then Wally says…
“OK, so that is the protein and the fruit choices. Now we need some veggies,” Al spoke up and said. “Well, carrots are a good veggie and are ready to eat.”
“Yes, they are,” they all replied and laughed.
“So what should we take for our dairy food?” asked Peanut, “because I want ice cream!”
“Well,” said Squirrly, “ice cream is sure yummy, but it sounds more like dessert and should mostly be eaten in small amounts because it can be very sugary and filling. How about some yogurt? It will be like ice cream but a healthier choice. Do you all agree?”
We can freeze it while we get our bikes and gear together.”
“Yes!” they all replied. “Good idea, Squirrly!”
“And what is most important, everyone?”
“The Liquid of Life,” said Coco.
“Which is what?” said Squirrly.
And at the same time, they all shouted, “WATER!”
“YES! Water! And let’s bring a lot because it might get a little hot today.”
Squirrly and Friends went to meet the other students and said, “We have our lunch packed, so let’s get our gear on.”
They all grabbed their gear, and off they went on their bike ride for the afternoon.
As they were riding and passing all the beautiful Fall trees, Squirrly noticed the group of Weezels (some other students) riding behind them. Squirrly said, “Let’s stop for a few minutes and drink some water while the Weezels pass us.” They all stopped, and as the Weezels passed by, Meanie Badger (the leader) yelled out, “WHAT!? You already need a break? HaHaHa.” The friends and Squirrly did not reply but instead just smiled at them as they rode by, and the last Weezel, Punky Peep, tried to dirt spray Hazel,,,
But instead of doing something back, she just told her friends, “Don’t be mad at them; they are not really that happy, and we are. Smiling is important, and you know that no one needs a smile more than those who have none to give.” So like Mr. Beaverton’s word of the day, “Let’s be THANKFUL” for this pretty Fall day… and get back on our bikes and go have our picnic.
After Squirrly and her friends finished their lunch, they got back on their bikes and rode back to school. “What a great ride that was, Coach Jackie!” exclaimed Wally. “We enjoyed some good exercise, sunshine, and fresh air.” “Yes we did!” replied Coach Jackie. “NOW, back to Mr. Beaverton’s class.”
Then they all arrived in class… Squirrly, the Nutty Friends, Meanie Badger, and her Weezels all sat down to talk about their day. Mr. Beaverton asked, “So what happened on your P.E. adventure today, students?” Squirrly replied, “Well, Mr. Beaverton, we had a bike ride and picnic under a big Oak Tree.” Then Hazel said, “We ate raisins, nuts, apples, carrots, and yogurt, and of course we
“All drank plenty of water!” and Wally said, “We had the 4 F’s, Mr. Beaverton! We are all very THANKFUL for the beautiful day we had, it was great!”
“Well, very nice,” said Mr. Beaverton. “And what are the 4 F’s, Wally?”
“Fitness, Food, Friends, and Fun!” replied Wally.
“And how about you, Meanie? Did you and the Weezels enjoy the ride as well?”
“No!” said Meanie in a very rude voice. “Ants attacked all our food and we had nothing to eat!”
“I am sorry to hear that,” said Mr. Beaverton.
Then Prissy spoke up and said, “Squirrly and her friends did come over and shared some food with us though!”
“Well, that was very nice of them, don’t you agree?” replied Mr. Beaverton.
“Yes!” said all the Weezels, except Meanie. She just sat there at her desk with a frown on her face and her arms crossed.
Mr. Beaverton tells his class, “I think that you Weezels should all be THANKFUL for Squirrly and her friends sharing their food with you. To be THANKFUL is a good thing. I am THANKFUL that…
“You are my students and together we can learn good things! … And I think Prissy Peep understands that, right Prissy?” Prissy Peep replied, “Yes, Mr. Beaverton, I was certainly THANKFUL because I was VERY hungry!”
Just then the bell rang… “OK students, it’s the end of the first day of school. I think we started it off just right! I hope you all have a nice afternoon and don’t forget to be THANKFUL for what is shared with you… I will see you all tomorrow.
THANKFUL: adjective – Feeling or showing gratitude; grateful. An expression of one’s gratitude.
