Thursday, December 31, 2009

Snow Themed Food Fun

Mashed Potato Snowman



Now this is way too cute!  After the sugar buzz of the holidays is over, give this little guy a try.  Mashed potatoes are just plain fun anyway.  And, how often is playing with food welcomed?  When our first "snow day" rolls around, my four children and I are going to dig in!  I'm not brave enough to try this one with twenty 2nd graders!  Click the link below for the recipe.

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Banana Snowman on a Stick


While we are in the mood for some snow and healthy food... how about some fruit to go with the mashed potatoes?  My children LoVe to cook, so I guess our healthy lunch menu is planned for our first snow day!  This is one that I would definitely try with my students, too.  It would be an engaging "hands-on" addition to any winter unit.  Click the link below for the recipe.



Sweet Tortilla Snowflakes


Okay, so I guess you can eat the REAL ones, too.  But, this recipe sounds like more fun and not too sweet.  You will definitely want to practice the art of cutting snowflakes from paper first.  Homemade snowflakes decorating our windows during the month of January has always been a tradition at my house.  My husband is "in charge" of that fun-filled activity.  However, I prefer the idea of eating them and I'm sure my children would, too!  For school use, I would simply sprinkle some powdered sugar on top rather than the other ingredients.  Click below for the recipe.

Ideas for Organizing "2 Teach and 2 Learn"

Since my plate is rather full and I work better with a plan, I've contemplated several ways of organizing this blog.  With the BEST creative juice I can produce, here is ONE idea that seems feasible.  Please read on...

Each day will have ONE particular "idea".  Then, of course, other ideas may follow each "expected" post.  Here are my thoughts...

Monday's Moments (since we ALL, as teachers, know how Mondays affect us)

Tuesday's Tips (because we all need tried and true helpful hints)

Wednesday's Websites (for those CoOl websites we use to make teaching FuN)

Thursday's Thoughts (for reflections of our past teaching experiences)

Friday's Finales (JuSt BeCaUsE...it's the end of the week)

The ONLY thing that scares me about this avenue is that living my life will interrupt DAILY postings...hmmmm.  Let me know what you think!


Dr. Jean Feldman...A Must for Kindergarten and First Grade Teachers

If you haven't heard of this lady...you've got to check out her website!  Words cannot describe her imagination.  She integrates SO MANY engaging and brain stimulating activities that it's exhausting.  I've had the pleasure of spending a day with her at a seminar and was just flabbergasted!  (My students LoVe that word!)

My explanation does her no justice!  You've got to explore Dr. Jean at her website.  Just click here and let the fun begin for you and your students!

Thoughts on this Blog

Wow - beginning something new really creates a lot of anxiety...not the worry kind, but the exciting kind.  So many ideas racing through my mind.  I have a vision for this blog, but know it won't happen overnight or even over several weeks.

The idea for this blog has been in the back of my mind for some time.  Recently, while talking with my 15 year old daughter, I found myself wanting to make it a reality.  So, here it is, in the infant stages along with my blogging skills.  Honestly, I didn't get much sleep last night...thinking of the many aspects of teaching that I'd like to share, NOW!  And, pondering just how this blog should be organized.  AND, concocting ways to make it a place readers want to keep coming back to regularly.  AND...oh, I could go on at record speed.

The 2 Teach and 2 Learn blog and I shall remain infantile for a while.  We will grow together in "our own time", the way my students grow and learn.

I look forward to your ideas, suggestions, teaching tips, and all the wonderful aspects of your teaching experiences that you choose to share!

I'll end this post with a quote...

"The beginning is always today."
                                             -Mary Wollstonecroft



Her quote along with several other inspirational "quotes for kids" can be found here and printed as BoOkMaRkS!



WeLcOmE...

This is the beginning of an adventure...I'm sure. Attempting to juggle four children at home, twenty students at school, bus duty, after school tutoring, ball schedules, church functions, household chores, and maintain two blogs...ugh, I'm sweating already! This new adventure is, hopefully, going to prove an "outlet" for my teacher side. What a way to end an eventful year and to begin another!

Thought I'd begin with a freebie for teachers from author T.A. Barron. I haven't received this kit, but can't wait to get it! Click here to read more. One of his books is pictured below.