That Quail, Robert summary

Synopsis of That Quail, Robert by Margaret Stanger

That Quail, Robert is a heartwarming and true story first published in 1966 that chronicles the adventures of a tiny quail who becomes an unexpected but beloved member of a Cape Cod family. Written by Margaret Stanger, with illustrations by Cathy Baldwin, the book captures the charm, intelligence, and personality of a small bird who defies expectations and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who encounters him.

The story begins when, in July 1962, the Kienzles, a retired couple living in Orleans, Massachusetts, discover a quail egg on their property. With no mother bird in sight, they decide to incubate the egg themselves. To their delight, the egg hatches, and a tiny Northern Bobwhite quail emerges. The bird, affectionately named Robert, quickly becomes an integral part of their household. Interestingly, despite the name, Robert is later discovered to be a female quail when she lays an egg, but the name sticks.

From the start, Robert proves to be an extraordinary bird with a vibrant personality. Instead of behaving like a wild bird, Robert thrives as a domestic companion. She forms close bonds with the Kienzle family and their friends, including the book's author, Margaret Stanger, who cares for Robert for 96 days while the Kienzles vacation in Europe. Robert demonstrates affection, curiosity, and a remarkable intelligence that surprises everyone. She develops a unique routine, learning to recognize human speech, reacting to daily activities, and even adjusting her habits to fit the rhythm of the household.



One of the most amusing aspects of the book is Robert’s ability to create a place for herself within the family’s home. She sleeps in a basket, helps "supervise" meals, and even participates in social events. Robert becomes somewhat of a local celebrity, as visitors are captivated by her charming antics and unusual companionship with humans. Her independence and occasional mischief, combined with her affection and loyalty, endear her to everyone who crosses her path.

Throughout the narrative, Stanger conveys a deep sense of appreciation for Robert’s intelligence and individuality. The book also offers a glimpse into the natural world, showcasing the beauty and wonder of wildlife. Robert's interactions with the Kienzle family and their neighbors reflect a profound connection between humans and animals, highlighting the special bonds that can form across species.

As Robert grows older, her antics continue to amuse and amaze, but the book gently touches on themes of aging and loss, as well. The ending is bittersweet, as Robert's health eventually declines. She passes away in her sleep in December 1965. Nevertheless, her legacy as a beloved and extraordinary quail lives on, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the family and their community.

Margaret Stanger’s That Quail, Robert is more than just a story about a pet; it’s a celebration of life’s small miracles and the joy that can come from unexpected friendships. Written with warmth, humor, and tenderness, the book has become a classic, loved by readers for its portrayal of the simple yet profound relationship between a bird and a family. Through the eyes of Robert, readers are invited to explore the beauty of nature and the deep connections that can exist between humans and animals, no matter how unlikely the circumstances.

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Developing leadership skills in students

Developing leadership skills in middle school students and high school students

Introduction

Leadership is a set of critical skills, habits, and dispositions that can be a big help in all aspects of life, whether we're talking about personal, academic, or professional success. For middle and high school students, learning and building leadership skills can pave the way for many future opportunities, along with personal growth. This blog post explores a rich variety of practical ways that students can develop leadership capacity in the classroom, through extracurricular activities, at home, and within their own communities.

Classroom activities

The classroom is a fundamental environment where leadership skills can be nurtured. Teachers play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for students to lead. Here are several strategies to facilitate leadership development:

Group projects: Assigning group projects with rotating leadership roles allows students to experience being both a leader and a team member. This helps them understand group dynamics and develop essential communication skills.

Classroom roles: Designating roles such as class president, project leader, or discussion facilitator can help students take responsibility and practice decision-making.

Debates and presentations: Encouraging students to participate in debates and presentations can boost their confidence and public speaking abilities, essential components of effective leadership.

Peer teaching: Implementing peer teaching sessions where students explain concepts to their classmates can enhance their own understanding while building leadership qualities through teaching.



Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities provide a broader platform for students to explore and develop leadership skills in diverse settings.

Student government: Participating in student government offers firsthand experience in governance, organization, and advocacy. Students learn to represent their peers, plan events, budget, negotiate, and work on school policies.

Clubs and organizations: Leading or actively participating in clubs such as debate club, science club, Model United Nations, or drama club helps students hone specific skills while managing group activities and responsibilities.

Sports teams: Team sports teach valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. Captains and team leaders learn to motivate and guide their teammates, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose.

Community service projects: Initiating or leading community service projects cultivates empathy and a sense of responsibility. Students learn project management, fundraising, and the importance of giving back to the community.

At home

Leadership development starts at home, where parents and guardians can encourage and support their children’s growth.

Chores and responsibilities: Assigning regular chores and responsibilities helps students develop a sense of duty and time management skills.

Family meetings: Involving students in family decisions and discussions can make them feel valued and teach them about negotiation and compromise.

Encouraging independence: Allowing students to make decisions about their schedules, hobbies, and minor family activities fosters independence and decision-making skills.

Role models: Parents acting as role models by demonstrating leadership in their personal and professional lives can inspire students to emulate these behaviors.



Community involvement

Engaging with the broader community offers students opportunities to develop leadership skills in real-world settings.

Volunteering: Volunteering in local organizations, such as animal shelters, food banks, or community centers, provides practical experience in leadership roles and teamwork.

Youth councils and boards: Participating in youth councils or advisory boards allows students to engage with local government and community planning, giving them insight into civic leadership and policy-making.

Mentorship programs: Both being a mentor to younger students and seeking mentors from older peers or professionals can provide guidance, support, and inspiration for leadership development.

Public speaking and workshops: Attending or organizing public speaking events and leadership workshops helps students learn from experienced leaders while practicing their own leadership skills.

Conclusion

Leadership is a multifaceted set of skills, habits, and dispositions that can be nurtured through various activities and environments. For middle and high school students, developing leadership skills is not confined to the classroom, but rather extends to extracurricular activities, home environments, and community involvement. By engaging in diverse opportunities, students can build their confidence, learn to collaborate effectively, and prepare for future leadership roles. The cumulative effect of these experiences equips students with the essential tools needed to lead successfully in their personal and professional lives.

How youth can make a difference

Empowering youth: Making a difference beyond divisive politics

In today's highly-polarized political climate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disillusioned, particularly for young people who are still figuring out the world while forming their beliefs and values. However, middle school and high school students possess a unique potential to influence their own immediate communities positively and, by extension, impact the country and even the world. This potential can be harnessed through actions like community service, advocacy, education, innovation, and bridge-building. By focusing on these areas, students can transcend divisive politics and become agents of change, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, no matter who's in office at any given time.

Community service: The power of local action

Community service is a powerful tool for young people to make a tangible difference in their immediate environment. Volunteering at local shelters, organizing neighborhood clean-ups, participating in food drives, and finding or even creating outlets to share skills and education are just a few examples of how students can contribute. These activities not only address immediate needs, but also foster a sense of empathy and civic responsibility.

Engaging in community service helps students understand the importance of solidarity and collective effort. It shifts the focus from political divisions and individualism to common goals such as improving the quality of life, supporting the vulnerable, protecting the environment, and providing education and resources for others.

Advocacy: Voices for change

Young people today are more connected and informed than ever before, thanks to the internet and social media. These platforms can be harnessed for advocacy, allowing students to raise awareness about issues they are passionate about, like social justice or mental health. By doing things like creating and sharing content and starting petitions, students can influence public opinion and policy.

Advocacy empowers students to become active participants in democracy. It teaches them that their voices matter, that they have real talents and gifts to bring to the table for the benefit of others, and that they can, in turn, contribute meaningfully to societal change. This realization can be particularly powerful in counteracting feelings of helplessness that arise from witnessing political conflicts. For instance, students who advocate for mental health resources in their schools can initiate conversations that lead to better support systems, benefiting their peers and setting a precedent for other schools in the process.

Education: Spreading knowledge and understanding

Education is a fundamental pillar for societal progress. Students can make a significant impact by sharing knowledge and fostering understanding within their communities. Peer tutoring, leading workshops on topics like digital literacy or public speaking, and participating in educational outreach programs are ways students can contribute.

By promoting education and literacy, students can help bridge gaps caused by misinformation, ignorance, and lack of resources. For example, conducting workshops on critical thinking and media literacy can equip peers to navigate the complex media landscape, helping them discern fact from fiction. This initiative not only enhances individual capabilities, but also fortifies the community against divisive rhetoric.

Innovation: Creating solutions

Youthful creativity and innovation can lead to remarkable solutions for pressing issues. Students who are encouraged to think outside the box and apply their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can develop projects that address local, national, and even global challenges. Whether it's developing a mobile app to connect volunteers with community service opportunities or creating sustainable products to reduce environmental impact, student-driven innovation can lead to significant advancements while growing and enhancing the overall entrepreneurial landscape. It's certainly possible to own a business as a teenager.

Schools and communities that support and invest in student-led projects can amplify these efforts. By providing resources such as mentorship, funding, and platforms to showcase their work, adults can help turn students' ideas into reality. These innovations can then inspire others, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial project.

Building bridges: Fostering unity

One of the most crucial ways students can make a difference is by bringing people together. In a world often divided by socioeconomic status, ethnicity and race, faith, political beliefs, and cultural traditions, finding ways to bridge divides is paramount. Students can lead initiatives like cultural fairs, round table discussions, and collaborative projects and presentations that bring together individuals and families from different backgrounds.

By creating spaces for open dialogue and mutual understanding, students can help build a more cohesive and talented community. These efforts can have a lasting impact, promoting a culture of empathy and cooperation that counters the divisive nature of contemporary politics.

Conclusion: The ripple effect of youth empowerment

Middle school and high school students have the potential to be powerful agents of change. Through community service, advocacy, education, innovation, and bridge-building, they can make a significant difference in their own communities and far beyond. By focusing on these areas, young people can transcend divisive politics and contribute to a more just, equitable, and united world. Encouraging and supporting these efforts is essential for fostering a generation that not only believes in the potential for positive change, but actively works towards it.

The benefits of a community garden

Get to know your neighbors by creating a community garden

Creating a community garden is a great way to get to know your neighbors. After all, the seeds of friendship are often planted as people work together toward a single goal. Even valuable networking opportunities can grow out of a community garden project.

So, what's the first step in creating a community garden? Deciding when and where to hold a community garden meeting. Ideally, aim for a date in early spring before planting season arrives. Once you've decided on a place and time for the meeting, post the meeting details on a community notice board or spread the information between neighbors through word of mouth and/or social media. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions now have their own social media pages and groups where news, information, and recommendations are shared by neighbors and local businesses.

On the day of the meeting, have the group decide the specifics of the garden. Will it be a visual garden, a vegetable garden, or both? Also, decide who from the group will obtain any needed gardening supplies and take up a collection to cover the expected expenses.

Once it's time to create the actual garden, seek out the experienced gardeners in the group and pair them off with the group's novice gardeners. Such pairings can create instant connections among group members and will allow those of all skill levels to contribute to the project with greater ease.

Please note that certain locations require residents to obtain a permit or other permissions before implementing a community garden project. If this is the case in your area, then be sure to get the proper permissions before undertaking such a project.

Being a good neighbor on social media

How to Be a Good Neighbor on Social Media

Being neighborly isn't only about pleasant in-person interactions anymore. With more neighborhoods creating social media groups, it's also becoming important to show your neighborly side online. Here are two tips that can help you be a good neighbor while on social media. Be sure to keep them in mind when participating in any online community groups. These neighborhood social media groups can be a wonderful source for networking, making new friends, strengthening ties to your neighborhood / community, finding volunteer opportunities, and simply keeping up on local news and updates.

1. Always show civility when communicating with your neighbors on social media.

Though social media communications may feel rather anonymous at times, remember real people are reading your posts. Do your best to keep your online communications respectful and always show civility when communicating with your neighbors on social media. If you have a personal grievance with a fellow poster, bring it up with them privately, rather than in public for all to see.

2. Always respect your neighbors' online privacy.

Everyone has unique privacy preferences, both online and off. To stop yourself from accidentally revealing a neighbor's private data online, refrain from posting personal information or photos concerning your neighbors without their express consent.

If you have yet to join a community group online, they can be found in a couple of ways. One way to find online community groups is by checking the social media profiles of neighborhood friends to see if they belong to such a group. A second method for finding groups is utilizing the site's search function to look for specific groups focused on your neighborhood.

Getting to know your neighbors

Ten reasons you should get to know your neighbors

Befriending one's neighbors is something that happens less and less these days, especially for those living in large cities. Don't take it from me. Take it from my man, German philosopher and sociologist, Georg Simmel (1858-1918), who talked about the effects of the big city on the individual in his groundbreaking 1903 essay, The Metropolis and Mental Life. Whether it's due to people's hectic schedules or because today's world favors social media interactions over face-to-face meetings is unclear. No matter the cause, there are some very good reasons why you should get to know your neighbors. Here are ten such reasons.

1. Neighbors can become conveniently-located friends.

Though there are many reasons why neighbors make great friends, one of the biggest reasons is proximity. Instead of having to drive long distances to fulfill your social needs, it is much easier to visit a friend who lives across the street or down the road. If you make an effort to connect with your neighbors, you could end up with some conveniently-located friends.

2. Neighbors can provide added security by watching over each other's homes and property.

You can't always be around to watch over your home and property, but if trusted neighbors are keeping a watchful eye on the area, they can alert you or the police if something seems amiss. Even if your neighborhood friendships have yet to develop, consider swapping phone numbers with various neighbors so you can easily contact each other should a need arise.

3. Neighbors can help fill the void when supplies are running low.

Run out of sugar for your morning coffee? Need an egg for your son's birthday cake? What about a battery for your daughter's Halloween costume? You could find yourself out of luck if the stores are closed and you don't know your neighbors. Getting to know your neighbors provides you with alternative places to source much-needed items, so you won't have to go without.

4. Neighbors can help run errands.

Need to go shopping but find yourself swamped with other things to do? Your neighbors may be able to help you out. If a neighbor is already going to the store and they know you need sugar, eggs, and batteries, then they might offer to pick them up for you.

5. Neighbors can help solve each other's general problems.

There are many times in life when people require outside help. Accidentally drained your car's battery? Instead of waiting for a tow truck, a helpful neighbor might be able to give you a boost. Having trouble moving a piece of heavy furniture? One of your neighbors may be willing to share the burden. When it comes to solving life's general problems, neighbors are often all you need.

6. Neighbors can provide a safer place to keep a spare house key.

It's always wise to have a spare house key. It's less wise, however, to hide it under your doormat. For a safer place to leave your spare key, why not entrust it to a neighborhood friend who's usually home? Such an arrangement can also be beneficial if you are away from home and realize that you accidentally left your kitchen window open. If a neighbor has your spare house key, they can easily let themselves in and close the window.

7. Neighbors can help with household tasks during vacations or other prolonged absences.

Neighbors can be extremely helpful during lengthy absences. If possible, have a neighbor stop by each day of your absence to complete simple household tasks like bringing in your mail, feeding your pets, and watering your plants. In doing so, your neighbor may also keep your home from appearing empty to any unsavory characters who may pass by while you are away.

8. Neighbors can help in emergency childcare situations.

Need someone to look after your children when your regular babysitter bails at the last minute? Trusted neighbors can often provide emergency childcare if you're ever in a pinch. This can be especially helpful if you find yourself needing to run an errand while your child is asleep. Rather than wake your child, ask a trusted neighbor if they'll come over for a short while to cover for you.

9. Neighbors with a good rapport are more likely to be respectful to one another.

Neighbors sharing in a harmonious relationship are less likely to be loud or otherwise disrespectful to one another. Friendly neighbors are also more likely to give you a break if one of your parties gets a little out of hand or louder than expected.

10. Neighbors can provide new business networking opportunities.

Befriending your neighbors allows you to join new social circles, connecting you with a variety of new people. While it's hard to predict where your next business connection will come from, socializing with your neighbors could be the catalyst that connects you to your next business networking opportunity.

There are so many reasons why you should get to know your neighbors. Hopefully, after reading this list, you've discovered a few new reasons and are now excited to start building some lasting neighborhood friendships. Do remember, however, that these benefits work both ways. Be a good neighbor and don't be afraid to offer a little neighborly help in return whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Conversation starters for neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors: Conversation starters

If you struggle to connect with your neighbors, you're not alone. After all, striking up a conversation with someone for the first time can be stressful, especially if you're shy or don't know what to say. To help ease the tension the next time you run into a neighbor, try to break the ice with one of the following simple conversation starters.

Do you know what the weather is supposed to be like later today?
That's a great shirt! Where did you get it?
Are there any nearby restaurants you'd recommend?
Do you know of a good dog park in the area?

While such questions are useful for short interactions, you may need to dig a little deeper if longer conversations are in order. In those cases, try finding a common interest between you and your neighbor. To learn about your neighbors' interests, pay close attention to the details until you can spot some obvious clues. Once you've discovered a common interest, use that topic to start a conversation.

Here are some notable things to look out for which may signify a neighbor's interests, plus a sample question for each interest in case you need a little inspiration.

Sports logos: Did you catch the game last night?
Band memorabilia: Such a great band. What's your favorite song of theirs?
Pets: Cute dog! What's its name?
Famous books: I've been meaning to read that. Is it any good?

Eliminating medical debt for others

Came across this news article recently, and thought it was worth sharing here. This is a wonderful example of what leadership and giving back is all about. Very inspirational. Bless all involved.

Here's that news article, which discusses how groups of everyday, ordinary people are coming together to eliminate the medical debt of others:

How ordinary citizens are wiping out millions of dollars in medical debt for others -- and how you can, too

How to organize a neighborhood swap meet

Neighborhood swap meets can be a fun way to get to know your neighbors better while doing some house cleaning and perhaps picking up a few nice items you'd like to own.

Do you have things around your home you no longer use? Are there any items you'd like to have but haven't yet acquired? If so, consider organizing a neighborhood swap meet. By swapping items with your neighbors, you can declutter your home and possibly bring back some treasures you actually want.

Organizing a neighborhood swap meet is fairly simple. First, decide the rules of the swap meet, then determine the time and place where the swap meet will occur. After sorting out the details, ask some neighbors if they'd like to participate.

Now, there are several things to consider when planning a swap meet. To keep things simple, most swap meets have a one-for-one rule when swapping items. To reduce complications even further, consider accepting only one type of item like books, movies, or clothing. Another option that works well is setting a value range for swappable items.

If your chosen location has limited space, it may also be wise to limit how many items each person can contribute. For example, each neighbor can bring up to ten items. These items are then exchanged for tokens, which can be used to "purchase" other items at the swap meet.

A final consideration is what will happen to the remaining items when the swap meet concludes. One option is to return any unclaimed items to their original owners, though this will require keeping track of who provided which item. Another option is to donate the remaining items to charity. To avoid any confusion, always inform participants beforehand about what will happen to any remaining items.

Neighborhood friendships and home security

Three reasons neighborhood friendships strengthen home security

Seeking out a group of friendly neighbors can go a long way toward improving your home's security. Not only can neighbors watch out for each other's homes and property, but they can also help keep a home from appearing obviously vacant during vacations or other prolonged absences. Here are three reasons why having a mutual rapport between neighbors strengthens home security.

1. Neighbors can watch out for each other's homes and property.

Neighbors who share a friendly bond are more likely to watch out for each other's homes and property. If something's amiss in or around your home, watchful neighbors can alert you or the police about the situation to help bring it under control. If there's interest, consider starting up a formal neighborhood watch program. Such programs have been known to strengthen home security in tight communities.

2. Neighbors can help keep your home from appearing obviously vacant.

If you'll be away for an extended period, your neighbors can help maintain your home's security during your absence. Be sure to alert your neighbors about your upcoming trip and ask one to collect your mail until you return. Having a neighbor collect your mail keeps it from piling up outside, preventing your home from appearing vacant to passersby. Beyond simple mail collection, helpful neighbors may also be able to complete certain season-dependent tasks, like mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway, which too can help keep your home from appearing obviously vacant.

3. Neighbors can deal with minor security issues that arise while you are away.

Consider swapping your house keys with a trusted neighbor so they can help you remedy any minor security issues that arise while you are away. Ever forgotten to lock your door before heading to work? How about leaving a window open before embarking on a family vacation? A neighbor with a key can easily solve issues such as these if you notify said neighbor about your predicament.

There are many ways that neighborhood friendships can strengthen home security. Whether this means creating a formal neighborhood watch program or simply helping each other stay on top of things during times of absence is up to you and your neighbors. Whichever way you choose to go about it, it's nice to know that by initiating community friendships, you can strengthen your home's security while making your neighborhood a safer place to live.

Tips for getting to know your neighbors

Meeting your neighbors can be great on many levels. Not only can meeting your neighbors help you feel more connected to your community, but doing so can also help you form new friendships and valuable networking connections. Below are three tips that can help you become better acquainted with your neighbors.

Tip #1 - Always greet your neighbors

The first step in getting to know your neighbors is not looking away when you see one. Smile, greet, and wave at your neighbors whenever the opportunity presents itself. These simple gestures may spark the conversation that leads to a lasting friendship.

Tip #2 - Host a backyard party

Once you've made first contact with some of your neighbors, invite them to a backyard party. An informal event like a backyard party can be an effective way to transition from small talk to deeper conversations. Live in an apartment complex? Utilize a common room or host a "roaming party" with several neighbors on your floor.

Tip #3 - Hold themed gatherings

As you get to know your neighbors and begin learning about their interests, plan more intimate get-togethers to strengthen your friendships. Determine your common interests and schedule related events. Some popular events include weekly card games, book clubs, and movie nights.

Getting to know your neighbors doesn't have to be a daunting task. Simply start small and work your way up from there. By first greeting your neighbors and then hosting a backyard party and some themed gatherings, you'll be well on your way toward forging new friendships and valuable networking connections with those living in your community.

Welcoming a new neighbor to the building

New neighbors aren't exactly a rarity - especially in apartment buildings. So, why not reach out to any newcomers to the building to help them feel more welcomed in their new home? By welcoming your building's newest tenants, you can make future encounters more pleasant and possibly build lasting friendships and networking connections.

Looking for ways to welcome a new neighbor to the building? Try these ideas:

Smile, say hello, and introduce yourself.

Arguably the easiest way to welcome a new neighbor to the building is to simply smile and say hello whenever you cross paths. A simple introduction is often the first step toward a deeper conversation.

Bake cookies or a casserole.

A nice way to break the ice is offering any newcomers homemade cookies or a casserole. Moving can be very tiring, so making food is likely far down on your new neighbor's list of things to do.

Help with the move.

If you're able, offer your assistance on moving day. Your new neighbor may have many items to bring into their new home and limited time to get the job done. As they say, many hands make light work.

Hold a meet and greet.

Once your new neighbor is settled, invite them to a casual meet and greet. A meet and greet can be an easy way to help newcomers become more acquainted with the building's other inhabitants.

Do keep in mind that not everyone will be looking to forge new friendships within the building. If your new neighbor seems less than receptive to your friendly advances, then respect their preference to be left alone and back off.

How to get the most from this blog

Last updated July 11, 2024.

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