tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13554546279424362412024-02-02T01:10:58.514-05:00Bonjour Grade 1!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-87379564345009579272014-01-30T16:19:00.002-05:002014-01-30T16:21:01.211-05:00New Breakfast Ideas??? Yes, please!<br />
So Josh and I had the following conversation this morning<br />
<br />
K: "What do you want for breakfast?"<br />
J: "I don't know...what do <i>you</i> want for breakfast?"<br />
K: "I don't know either. I'm so SICK of everything we usually have..."<br />
J: "Ya, me too..."<br />
<br />
So after that scintillating conversation, we had toast and smoothies. We <i>often</i> have toast and smoothies...<br />
<br />
I'm in the mood for something new, so if you have any ideas, send them my way ;)<br />
<br />
I remembered a recipe my sister Nicole sent to me last week, and I have everything in my pantry, so today I tried it out. I think it may just be my new favourite thing to make breakfast more interesting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Paleo Granola</h2>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Ingredients: </h3>
3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds<br />
3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds<br />
2 1/2 cups slivered almonds<br />
1 1/2 cups ground almonds (see note)<br />
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded/flaked coconut<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon <br />
<br />
Mix all of the above in a large bowl. To the bowl, add...<br />
<br />
3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract<br />
3/4 cup honey<br />
<br />
Stir until it's combined and then add...<br />
<br />
2/3 cup melted coconut oil<br />
<br />
Stir everything together and lay out on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. At this point it will look like this:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8JlAUPuVV6zjMlnoSuCj6FBOPUDZAnexZZcRO_lIQxyAIe0DB7hUE6LOWQv9WegZmxzxBYh0KRqVIYrBUUNe9ormLAxoFXQIr0Khc0F2x05oMmpWc039yd-E0g11hoPfJczBhWuTcQKc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8JlAUPuVV6zjMlnoSuCj6FBOPUDZAnexZZcRO_lIQxyAIe0DB7hUE6LOWQv9WegZmxzxBYh0KRqVIYrBUUNe9ormLAxoFXQIr0Khc0F2x05oMmpWc039yd-E0g11hoPfJczBhWuTcQKc/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before baking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf7DwRrcRxX-kzUazQQkFOQVo4JU8X7ddcnhax-_UoA0ujVrM_8HsGvoFIGLPbx5IxnUlQsFFavU0_VV1UWyaKJgIJm_ZB9tZDgniNQ0bBXfpLiuW6NkkK2cTDjZyub2U2vhj2oEmPlrj/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf7DwRrcRxX-kzUazQQkFOQVo4JU8X7ddcnhax-_UoA0ujVrM_8HsGvoFIGLPbx5IxnUlQsFFavU0_VV1UWyaKJgIJm_ZB9tZDgniNQ0bBXfpLiuW6NkkK2cTDjZyub2U2vhj2oEmPlrj/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before baking closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Put it in the oven at 325 degrees for 20 minutes, stir, and bake for 15 minutes more. When you're done, it will look like this:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNEqJBcnhNbFaj7-86Iyd069t2-TQ2wVKjqURiC_81XI7oOqeZzhQC15yCaH336AK5XacMultw6h-VqNkgPRPLkqfXjcCsV8QBfGUgRAIPXKQaeZVA45GHpeFryk3215kqPAPfsxTk5TE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNEqJBcnhNbFaj7-86Iyd069t2-TQ2wVKjqURiC_81XI7oOqeZzhQC15yCaH336AK5XacMultw6h-VqNkgPRPLkqfXjcCsV8QBfGUgRAIPXKQaeZVA45GHpeFryk3215kqPAPfsxTk5TE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After baking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkgGwpB_oI3m51jy0Qnc-5Dvd6aP4rX2WyIa4AMeiB-y-RgIQxxUGcPUzTahEQnaOXSLPSwD6hoj9AA66D6K52cctcW0LZXvc0Si0dR9ZtOTFP-Bq_4Y4tk4uQijuhYaqV9ukUlTpVofl/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkgGwpB_oI3m51jy0Qnc-5Dvd6aP4rX2WyIa4AMeiB-y-RgIQxxUGcPUzTahEQnaOXSLPSwD6hoj9AA66D6K52cctcW0LZXvc0Si0dR9ZtOTFP-Bq_4Y4tk4uQijuhYaqV9ukUlTpVofl/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After baking closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's delicious! Add it to yogurt, salads, or just eat as-is :)<br />
<br />
Ok, now who has some other breakfast ideas for us????Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-12290501815036356232014-01-18T11:24:00.000-05:002014-01-21T14:17:15.060-05:00Happy Half Birthday Beautiful Abby!It's hard to believe, but it's been 6 months since we've had our little angel in our lives. Every day now is bringing something new and something else for us to be in awe of. In celebration, I baked a cake...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-y4pxHEbgvglSZwJWc8-_eX_8LtcXveJEGZdCQoG5_QKaMzsVIXPrUUjJ9mLK9a7E5eTP3xJudWNBcjSxt7k8pvbOewFm1RI2SyOGhpfVnAQUzzLzxJ9-SwKTfOuqIW51i2NrPX87VDX/s1600/IMG_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-y4pxHEbgvglSZwJWc8-_eX_8LtcXveJEGZdCQoG5_QKaMzsVIXPrUUjJ9mLK9a7E5eTP3xJudWNBcjSxt7k8pvbOewFm1RI2SyOGhpfVnAQUzzLzxJ9-SwKTfOuqIW51i2NrPX87VDX/s1600/IMG_2889.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Josh and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Abby enjoyed the little bit of icing I couldn't lick off her finger before it got into her mouth ;) I think half birthdays are going to become a tradition here in the Henderson house. Read all about the <a href="http://familyshare.com/half-birthday-celebrations-an-easy-family-tradition" target="_blank">half birthday celebration here</a>.<br />
<br />
Baby girl...I can't wait to see what you're like in 6 more months ;)<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-56319669445943244302014-01-08T18:26:00.000-05:002014-01-16T18:35:05.046-05:00Sewing, and painting, and laundry...oh my!<br />
So what's a gal to do when she's off on maternity leave and the baby is sleeping??<br />
<br />
Simple answer: TAKE A NAP. <br />
<br />
My answer: BE PRODUCTIVE!<br />
<br />
I will say that not teaching this year has left me a bit lacking in the direction department. Don't get me wrong...Abby keeps me all kinds of busy, but I've found myself getting to the end of the day and feeling like I didn't get anything 'accomplished'. My cure to that has been to start sewing again. A few years ago I started quilting (or at least piecing quilts) thanks to my Aunt Pauline (aka the <a href="http://www.quiltnqueen.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">QuiltnQueen</a>), and I had a few unfinished projects that I have dug out and started working on.<br />
<br />
I started this quilt probably 4 years ago. Here it is part way through:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPykgU_qbTmemDy2dXQAlwlAZPUClk41djC7oJiYCFXBr38CqbLt5G6MH6374hjdgKGnZRRkeT5EjoBiHjfrD3lQS8RLW8tPhgQq8smKJWeQtBwC5BkNVzLeJNvd5tnRXKfVqF5MFv3Vr/s1600/Yellow+Brick+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPykgU_qbTmemDy2dXQAlwlAZPUClk41djC7oJiYCFXBr38CqbLt5G6MH6374hjdgKGnZRRkeT5EjoBiHjfrD3lQS8RLW8tPhgQq8smKJWeQtBwC5BkNVzLeJNvd5tnRXKfVqF5MFv3Vr/s1600/Yellow+Brick+Road.jpg" height="264" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All the blocks have been sewn together and the sashing (a border around the edges) has been added. The backing is done as well, so the only thing left to do is get it quilted together :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z-NQ30S010RbpeRsCBw99mwSvmkWNErCqZvRw99lnbj8HC1g0KivP0KxGz9MOGn5PkjJKchd_zFFxlpfreffdu68JH7hf-k3UyVTPKWsTj6OKQZukUObHs15ln_Ui3lUhwhGvQZWHO_t/s1600/yellow+brick+road+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z-NQ30S010RbpeRsCBw99mwSvmkWNErCqZvRw99lnbj8HC1g0KivP0KxGz9MOGn5PkjJKchd_zFFxlpfreffdu68JH7hf-k3UyVTPKWsTj6OKQZukUObHs15ln_Ui3lUhwhGvQZWHO_t/s1600/yellow+brick+road+2.jpg" height="261" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My next project is a 'wonky' quilt that I've been wanting to do from ages. The original pattern is from Elizabeth Hartman, over at <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2010/02/crazy-ninepatch-lattice-quilt.html" target="_blank">Oh, Fransson!</a> Mine didn't turn out quite as pretty, but I'm happy with the results. I think the 'wonky' pattern might be the type for me. You don't have to be as exact with cutting ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W3we6Dosn-7N-PcjUqP_yY60K_eOqVNoSCiVBjoO2j12BLduif2Tt9sHbtE-UzMZpAc5JsG4G_aIzv8b6JSOZpmUSE0rqbLmDfSebbxWSDihI1cmTELOiWeCwhxa5ABomblLrfwpfSPT/s1600/wonky+9+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W3we6Dosn-7N-PcjUqP_yY60K_eOqVNoSCiVBjoO2j12BLduif2Tt9sHbtE-UzMZpAc5JsG4G_aIzv8b6JSOZpmUSE0rqbLmDfSebbxWSDihI1cmTELOiWeCwhxa5ABomblLrfwpfSPT/s1600/wonky+9+patch.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggYSrPWGwNu5S6JY9OGCiMkqibrdNgWFxbbfzL2zf4AEcFK92ivoJ0daCFEGN4QKNtVY71DkChUrybMoCGu7idYV2RovuRGHMBWhrVkxzHwiYdqVklBr10mJEfznu0CPPtYalJFU_DB41/s1600/9+patch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggYSrPWGwNu5S6JY9OGCiMkqibrdNgWFxbbfzL2zf4AEcFK92ivoJ0daCFEGN4QKNtVY71DkChUrybMoCGu7idYV2RovuRGHMBWhrVkxzHwiYdqVklBr10mJEfznu0CPPtYalJFU_DB41/s1600/9+patch+2.jpg" height="267" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next quilt I'll be attempting is actually my Aunt Pauline's pattern that was featured on <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2013/07/cobblestone-path-quilt.html" target="_blank">Moda Bakeshop</a>. It will be the finishing touch to our bedroom!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2013/07/cobblestone-path-quilt.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2013/07/cobblestone-path-quilt.html" border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G52d-2UeWxo/UctGVu38nFI/AAAAAAAAEd8/QRme0GLyZ4E/s400/DSCN1876.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't it beautiful!! And it should come together quite This is the colour scheme I'm thinking of... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3rELcvD1XhLc68QupMi41_tvnE_oKwPst3VqK0-6RfwfweputW6uDadT8kQFIXTKlTpKcX1PHNm_YPFAeET1QCY1nwP0keFd_E4o8Z75TKFItk27azID0-eEKqh4KdzY26YsbWOVsb-V/s1600/Cobblestone+Path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3rELcvD1XhLc68QupMi41_tvnE_oKwPst3VqK0-6RfwfweputW6uDadT8kQFIXTKlTpKcX1PHNm_YPFAeET1QCY1nwP0keFd_E4o8Z75TKFItk27azID0-eEKqh4KdzY26YsbWOVsb-V/s1600/Cobblestone+Path.jpg" height="320" width="249" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've also been working on some things for Abby...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAyfMnSOTf79hgIn-PqKDZUftBwhcAEtiRZNflj3-DARfNEQ_6rO9cbGhCq1echXt5pu-RCtQJH4mLP12a9nS5J2XppQZXOFw3JdXDR6Tx0Z7FoMk1gJUcTypqUH1LWK2wouflvdILEOe/s1600/Bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAyfMnSOTf79hgIn-PqKDZUftBwhcAEtiRZNflj3-DARfNEQ_6rO9cbGhCq1echXt5pu-RCtQJH4mLP12a9nS5J2XppQZXOFw3JdXDR6Tx0Z7FoMk1gJUcTypqUH1LWK2wouflvdILEOe/s1600/Bib.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a double-sided/reversible bandana bib :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_m1WzEiUJhq_DMNDd8tWc5369I_lM2DSvWgknytGPpsKduziYwmPFNBI6a7JfwjgpqsyG6AlWzMTean1ExLoMNRku8AaWOzGbPeF7TuVU1pcDY2ki09INX4G154EE3QITkJ7kAt3zB5h/s1600/Sleep+Sack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_m1WzEiUJhq_DMNDd8tWc5369I_lM2DSvWgknytGPpsKduziYwmPFNBI6a7JfwjgpqsyG6AlWzMTean1ExLoMNRku8AaWOzGbPeF7TuVU1pcDY2ki09INX4G154EE3QITkJ7kAt3zB5h/s1600/Sleep+Sack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_m1WzEiUJhq_DMNDd8tWc5369I_lM2DSvWgknytGPpsKduziYwmPFNBI6a7JfwjgpqsyG6AlWzMTean1ExLoMNRku8AaWOzGbPeF7TuVU1pcDY2ki09INX4G154EE3QITkJ7kAt3zB5h/s1600/Sleep+Sack.jpg" height="317" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made 2 larger sleep sacks which keep her nice and cozy in the winter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It hasn't been all fun and games though. It seems like the laundry just keeps on coming and coming. How one little girl can produce SO much laundry, I'll never know. This is the scene on my bedroom floor at least twice a week!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPnvB48odveATGdKdDlIkMNWeROBB5z6pc1-2mFEkjPeLvRKrTCe18z_F3fdLxxk9FC4C7N3Ako7taNzki0ZKjyFfFTm8TGwo9-12KDsbccnVqCU03drCF6QXqWyiDzMhCtWrSvCG2_Mx/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPnvB48odveATGdKdDlIkMNWeROBB5z6pc1-2mFEkjPeLvRKrTCe18z_F3fdLxxk9FC4C7N3Ako7taNzki0ZKjyFfFTm8TGwo9-12KDsbccnVqCU03drCF6QXqWyiDzMhCtWrSvCG2_Mx/s1600/laundry.jpg" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, we've been doing some painting around the house. It was mostly in preparation for Christmas events, but I know we'll be finishing the rest of the house within the year. Normally I don't mind painting, but I'm dreading this project. So far we've done our front vestibule and our bathroom. I will say though that there's nothing like a freshly painted room to make you feel productive ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqHTl3WLGgfAIOibjRhu7ymZk_nkeOdMv_2WWSqtrGipPndiEAZWx5XmJLnOMlrHkuCRDn82o0mZzEU8BLuufuAtZl6IE367tmAIAhyphenhyphenMW6HbA5I6MqJKcwqaFZKXqV26swrYTa6ORAZ3m/s1600/Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqHTl3WLGgfAIOibjRhu7ymZk_nkeOdMv_2WWSqtrGipPndiEAZWx5XmJLnOMlrHkuCRDn82o0mZzEU8BLuufuAtZl6IE367tmAIAhyphenhyphenMW6HbA5I6MqJKcwqaFZKXqV26swrYTa6ORAZ3m/s1600/Paint.jpg" height="170" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Now that the new year is here, I'm sure that my focus will be returning to getting some things ready for the fall and getting some of my French materials ready for Teachers Pay Teachers. Wish me luck!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-81546952860097034012013-12-10T14:24:00.000-05:002014-01-13T14:27:08.658-05:00The World's BEST Bread!So I have a tendency to pin lots of recipes to my Pinterest board and then never actually try making them (something to do with procrastination I'm sure...). <a href="http://www.simplysogood.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html" target="_blank">This bread recipe</a> has been pinned to my 'Recipes' board from almost the day I set up my account!<br />
<br />
Now I'm sure procrastination played a part in why it took me so long to try the recipe, but I think I also knew it was going to be TROUBLE. A bread recipe with only 3 ingredients, that I almost always have on hand, and an infinite number of variations. Plus it <b>looked</b> so delicious that I was afraid I would be disappointed with the end result.<br />
<br />
Well, I was right on one front! The recipe IS trouble, but I was NOT disappointed with the result. I've probably made (no word of a lie) over 15 loaves of bread now, and each one seems to be more delicious than the last. I've gone through a 10 pound bag of flour!<br />
<br />
The best part about this recipe is that it is soooooo easy. It takes no more than 10 minutes of your time for the WHOLE recipe. There is a substantial amount of time though where the dough rests, so it takes a little advanced planning. I try to convert people to try it whenever I can. Since I'm off work right now, I've had the freedom to toy with the recipe, so I'd love to share with you some of the tips I've discovered...<br />
<br />
So here it goes....<br />
<br />
**Again, the link above to the <a href="http://www.simplysogood.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html" target="_blank">Simply So Good</a> blog has the original recipe/explanation, but hopefully you'll be able to follow along :)**<br />
<br />
You'll need to start this recipe a minimum of 14 hours before you want to eat your bread. What I do is start it the night before at 7 or 8ish after Miss Abby goes to bed and then I cook it sometime the following morning to eat around lunch. It's very flexible.<br />
<br />
In a large-ish bowl, combine:<br />
<br />
<b>3 cups all-purpose flour</b><br />
<b>1/2 teaspoon dry yeast (I use the quick-rise version, but if you only have traditional on hand, I've read you can use that as well)</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use coarse sea salt, but again, whatever you have on hand will work)</b><br />
+ add-ins if desired (see below)<br />
<br />
Stir together the dry ingredients and add to the bowl:<br />
<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups water</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes I find that there is still some flour left over after adding the water, so I usually add more water 1 teaspoon at a time, until the flour has been absorbed. I used to think that the extra flour would just absorb into the dough as it rises, but have found that not to be the case.<br />
<br />
Here's the fun part....cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it sit on your counter for <b>12-20 hours.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwUyUoZONpExW7Fq2AvT9-v7Rfb5PdpreR7EvncXcGeKivm_8hzL8BQvcv_H14kgxszopKkLf_DngivQw9wQU0cx1rJzDtMrmlCYX0Wyns60LdhU7D7X-ERTOzHiSidPK7xrRmJp2cxFb/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwUyUoZONpExW7Fq2AvT9-v7Rfb5PdpreR7EvncXcGeKivm_8hzL8BQvcv_H14kgxszopKkLf_DngivQw9wQU0cx1rJzDtMrmlCYX0Wyns60LdhU7D7X-ERTOzHiSidPK7xrRmJp2cxFb/s320/photo+6.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is what the dough looks like after sitting for 12-20 hours.</div>
<br />
When you're ready to bake the loaf, put the container in which you're going to bake the bread into the oven and pre-heat the oven to <b>425ºF</b>.<br />
<br />
Note: The original recipe calls for 450ºF, but I found that bread to be too crusty/crunchy. After some experimenting, I found 425ºF gives a nice crunch, but not too much.<br />
<br />
Note: You need an oven-proof container that has a tight fitting lid or something that can be used as a lid. Personally, I use a pampered chef round baker with a pampered chef baker bowl. The original poster uses a cast-iron dutch oven. My aunt even used a pizza stone as the base and her slow cooker 'bowl' as the lid. Anything goes! However, you will need something that is at least 5 inches in height and maybe 10 inches in diameter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2IXpibj-VevWbygpLJHYiaZJjOXwhv6p0IIOoa9ulLaybXvopQLmyW2In8Auna-_tahjGXbZbViEeln0j7JJk7dlpyXiiP1dq560yhoJuJuqltKSvBUpoKZTghYC94nn-coKd3vkRWt2/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2IXpibj-VevWbygpLJHYiaZJjOXwhv6p0IIOoa9ulLaybXvopQLmyW2In8Auna-_tahjGXbZbViEeln0j7JJk7dlpyXiiP1dq560yhoJuJuqltKSvBUpoKZTghYC94nn-coKd3vkRWt2/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the covered baker I use...</div>
<br />
While the oven is pre-heating, get a some parchment paper, take your bowl with the dough, gently scrape down the sides and drop the dough onto the parchment paper. I don't know how to be more specific than that, but what you want to end up with is a 'mound' of dough that's roughly circular (but try not to get too picky on the shape, part of the charm of this bread is the 'rustic' look!). I don't add any extra flour, and in fact, I never touch the dough with my hands (it's VERY sticky). Cover the dough with the plastic wrap you used to cover the bowl, and let it sit for 30ish minutes. Sometimes I add a little coarse sea salt to the top at this point as well.<br />
<br />
After the dough rests, take off the plastic wrap, and working quickly, open the oven, pick up the parchment paper, put the parchment paper/dough onto/into your base, and put the cover on. You want to do this step as quickly as possible to retain the heat, as the heat is what makes the steam, which is what makes the crust crunchy and amazing!!<br />
<br />
Set the timer for 45 minutes and enjoy the smell that will soon be filling your house!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte2kbFZ7Zfby8MMk27g9OwofesfnPTLLctxjnLBF5GQLMj9EiqADBL3FBrsPBHt_IM8fEYHHj1bFaR5vHQ-V3KHMhVSZuZsbTLwDhtVsEUqrmMA2EI4apWUSbC-g7jLdQuKeDtPB57Kk9/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte2kbFZ7Zfby8MMk27g9OwofesfnPTLLctxjnLBF5GQLMj9EiqADBL3FBrsPBHt_IM8fEYHHj1bFaR5vHQ-V3KHMhVSZuZsbTLwDhtVsEUqrmMA2EI4apWUSbC-g7jLdQuKeDtPB57Kk9/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was the first loaf I made when I used flour and no parchment, but I've found the parchment way so much easier and cleaner.</div>
<br />
At the 45 minute mark, take everything out of the oven, and put your bread on a cooling rack. We're lucky if the loaf stays untouched for 15 minutes around here ;)<br />
<br />
Now for the variations... <br />
<br />
For all the variations, the measurements are just approximate. I usually don't even measure, and just put in what I think looks 'right' ;)<br />
<br />
<b>Cheesy Herb Loaf</b><br />
<br />
To the basic mix, add:<br />
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning<br />
cheese cut into 1/4" cubes (approx 1 inch of a rectangular block of cheese, cut up into small chunks)<br />
<br />
Here are some pics...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtwQTQtkqH7c0AEMPwu6oykhOwUFiBpfvCM4cDn2EseFMN4YJmzhziJsKc1fY1H5TfeklAPughlQ4AZGaZ2kr2-RWZs0_PLYnXb2OKIv3tFY-2SH1GULmXf9579x_mR3UUzxo1YuHhjsV/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtwQTQtkqH7c0AEMPwu6oykhOwUFiBpfvCM4cDn2EseFMN4YJmzhziJsKc1fY1H5TfeklAPughlQ4AZGaZ2kr2-RWZs0_PLYnXb2OKIv3tFY-2SH1GULmXf9579x_mR3UUzxo1YuHhjsV/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting on the counter ready to go into the hot oven.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavIMyYbZj4R5sYqlp-tprG8uXrLabj_hrjUk1XcW5Y8RHAOuUqJWdX3blhakLIWKlMwH8bElulzv7MOU1cRIsS4bfXKnZcXjMecyotnQd-UVP3MpuZremeWYq0dU_6mPDnm5M4IZPM4yp/s1600/photo+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavIMyYbZj4R5sYqlp-tprG8uXrLabj_hrjUk1XcW5Y8RHAOuUqJWdX3blhakLIWKlMwH8bElulzv7MOU1cRIsS4bfXKnZcXjMecyotnQd-UVP3MpuZremeWYq0dU_6mPDnm5M4IZPM4yp/s320/photo+10.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After baking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cri-KwuxOkIb1mOj5QPbuFfe5Tub3rm42WR1Czai_HTZxsGsQLO1cKPk5guBIPp-u_vra8ZL7RItfKR-nzyr_qgzjNWKOxkw6qCPlkywzlEPhFieazjCeiWWFr6Aqh8apXC3Mbk-U7QX/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cri-KwuxOkIb1mOj5QPbuFfe5Tub3rm42WR1Czai_HTZxsGsQLO1cKPk5guBIPp-u_vra8ZL7RItfKR-nzyr_qgzjNWKOxkw6qCPlkywzlEPhFieazjCeiWWFr6Aqh8apXC3Mbk-U7QX/s320/photo+9.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After slicing</div>
<br />
This one I love to make with a pot of chili or homemade soup!<br />
<br />
<b>Raisin Cinnamon Loaf</b><br />
<br />
To the basic mix, add:<br />
3/4 cup soaked raisins (soaked in warm water for 30ish minutes, and drained well...I've used golden and sultana, both turned out delicious)<br />
3/4 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpx04l6vTKa-YH2hH2iymDLjDoiZ9FvGjuFPEhhGp_YClvWBTqyBF8r8CsazhHVlrFS4-ez4koqAwtrgjuyszCXDTj616BP2AktyegnTbScd4ngu3A2XPe2msxIdttB9Ty0Q75BkElaUr/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpx04l6vTKa-YH2hH2iymDLjDoiZ9FvGjuFPEhhGp_YClvWBTqyBF8r8CsazhHVlrFS4-ez4koqAwtrgjuyszCXDTj616BP2AktyegnTbScd4ngu3A2XPe2msxIdttB9Ty0Q75BkElaUr/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After slicing (golden raisins)</div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cranberry Almond Orange Loaf</b><br />
<br />
To the basic mix, add: <br />
1/2 cup soaked cranberries (soaked in warm water for 30ish minutes, and drained well)<br />
2 tablespoons sliced or slivered almonds<br />
3 tablespoons sugar<br />
1 teaspoon grated orange zest<br />
<br />
<b>Carrot 'Cake' Loaf </b>(makes a dense flatter loaf, but was very yummy)<br />
<br />
To the basic mix add:<br />
1/2 cup grated carrots<br />
1/2 cup soaked raisins (soaked in warm water for 30ish minutes, and drained well)<br />
2 tablespoons grated coconut<br />
1 tablespoon pie spice<br />
3 tablespoons sugar <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear some other variations! If you give this a try, or have any questions, please leave me a message :)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-53002927784975438752013-09-28T22:22:00.002-04:002013-09-28T22:24:18.169-04:00I have a "very hungry caterpillar" on my hands!This week was 'baby week' over at my place. I had visits from 2 boys (and their teacher moms) who are just a little bit older than Abby, one of my good friends had a baby girl, we went to 'baby time' at our local library, and I finally, yes FINALLY, finished the nursery.<br />
<br />
Abby is now 2 and a half months old. We got through 2 month vaccination shots without too much difficulty, but my little sweet pea is growing like a weed. She's over 12 pounds (up from 7.1 pounds the day after she was born) and 24 inches long! We've been using the bassinet attachment with our Baby Jogger City Select stroller, and today my hubby had to re-assemble the seat, because Abby barely fits inside the bassinet anymore! She's getting so big because of all she's eating, so I've nicknamed her my 'very hungry caterpillar' :)<br />
<br />
We have lots of things on the "go" over here. We're working on finishing up the final touches to our house renovations (which have been ongoing over the past year). I've also been trying out lots of Pinterest ideas (especially recipes) lately. I think I'll do a summary post about those soon. But my most rewarding part of the week has been finishing up the nursery. Let me take you on a tour...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPr-LGOtN_OeAZQkqVqiUzlFmwIOnvd84U380VVhbvjt7rF69nnxyeVcoq8ifm_wnc_jl9dY_sDO73dGOJGKxFw2SyI0veqHjKTr0UQzt4NiqnXosJqL3nAoin3XC-yKIfi5MJ9CIVvSt/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPr-LGOtN_OeAZQkqVqiUzlFmwIOnvd84U380VVhbvjt7rF69nnxyeVcoq8ifm_wnc_jl9dY_sDO73dGOJGKxFw2SyI0veqHjKTr0UQzt4NiqnXosJqL3nAoin3XC-yKIfi5MJ9CIVvSt/s320/IMG_1399.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This quilt is the inspiration to the nursery. It's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" fabric. I made this quilt about 4 years ago knowing that when we were ready to start a family, the nursery would be in this theme. I love the bright colours, and also love that it works for a boy or a girl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPY_p_rlE5WHgvY9vtIBD9cx980PrEGGFOtl18GYPtY-7qUYdyL6U0p-F_HENbddy2U56P_QiU6dozicKdKQVd1rnCPOAoE1bCO-d1zj4joDCZk25QkrQnmsIk4460GHa1jiCbGdScMtr/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPY_p_rlE5WHgvY9vtIBD9cx980PrEGGFOtl18GYPtY-7qUYdyL6U0p-F_HENbddy2U56P_QiU6dozicKdKQVd1rnCPOAoE1bCO-d1zj4joDCZk25QkrQnmsIk4460GHa1jiCbGdScMtr/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" width="213" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the view walking into the room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIlXqIisSguGAR4XhabU4dv6FZx0OjCyAzvBUYGgYPRMUt79NB2AyVUOYWNb4VjkLhpmizCq4x8kamsVj7tWJEc5myuunH1CefpX-G36fu3qU7RCcnX6iq7QodD6FZjEPJdq88pujrKCX/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIlXqIisSguGAR4XhabU4dv6FZx0OjCyAzvBUYGgYPRMUt79NB2AyVUOYWNb4VjkLhpmizCq4x8kamsVj7tWJEc5myuunH1CefpX-G36fu3qU7RCcnX6iq7QodD6FZjEPJdq88pujrKCX/s320/IMG_1375.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is Abby's most favourite spot in the whole house. She loves laying on the change table and playing with the blinds. The change table was MINE when I was a baby! I repainted it with my mom's help this spring and love how it turned out. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByrUhBZAhU-eD1zM5SAk4ggU4FzOFbnm3Eqyue-om_ImPkK0bSMBdEyyfrsngqqoq8XsOUfhrMe4qpu_ki9QLvRzJ0t51O6iv1HYYWTtPekODrClydRLr2okI2tLG9D2X2WS-CHenS0QG/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByrUhBZAhU-eD1zM5SAk4ggU4FzOFbnm3Eqyue-om_ImPkK0bSMBdEyyfrsngqqoq8XsOUfhrMe4qpu_ki9QLvRzJ0t51O6iv1HYYWTtPekODrClydRLr2okI2tLG9D2X2WS-CHenS0QG/s320/IMG_1398.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have also had this clock FOREVER. Maybe since before I was married. It was from this cute little shop in Port Dover. This winter I found the pictures, printed them, and made the frame. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bfROScEvIIu3YLNoX7W8fZXePFnxOFoBQCjF0PvLZ7mgfkd1StqUdy9LsfO4DcqvASDz8bLKfozl_KFtMlE0BN2cemb6sQ-55JzlEBAQvL9Lm6dMWXMSLv9a_cUjC8vXOIY6d_S-uz5W/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bfROScEvIIu3YLNoX7W8fZXePFnxOFoBQCjF0PvLZ7mgfkd1StqUdy9LsfO4DcqvASDz8bLKfozl_KFtMlE0BN2cemb6sQ-55JzlEBAQvL9Lm6dMWXMSLv9a_cUjC8vXOIY6d_S-uz5W/s320/IMG_1392.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My very comfy rocker and caterpillar plush toy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCcVUGvosyrumI-qL2OgRoJSNpaTs9nppZ-1l2SBymIYziOGNs9dOd1pjO64_5Sw10T8H6ylpPo-8tgknJN6ZUnd8KL0yJAbaN1JR55qPeTU1fNbLFtj_hj1HWeY4pqIZnB6JxQQoVeCK/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCcVUGvosyrumI-qL2OgRoJSNpaTs9nppZ-1l2SBymIYziOGNs9dOd1pjO64_5Sw10T8H6ylpPo-8tgknJN6ZUnd8KL0yJAbaN1JR55qPeTU1fNbLFtj_hj1HWeY4pqIZnB6JxQQoVeCK/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the shelf above the bookshelf in the previous picture. For now it just holds some books and.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwXs3j6NWmlCH4hvnDcgZi7iOTIv2rkU8j9J-HIypLlC58Gn3rDJYBIrb0L0qvj0WzbWBfikcFE4PWbieKgk2__fukBNB9-20NiIuJnB6S9tEOrwWgUgUEynqxbGiF06vE3m8U65zOLs/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XwXs3j6NWmlCH4hvnDcgZi7iOTIv2rkU8j9J-HIypLlC58Gn3rDJYBIrb0L0qvj0WzbWBfikcFE4PWbieKgk2__fukBNB9-20NiIuJnB6S9tEOrwWgUgUEynqxbGiF06vE3m8U65zOLs/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Abby's baby journal. It's a FANTASTIC journal. I think it'd want it even if I had chosen a different theme. And it holds...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IV7ndv_ekFsO1QArQtjbuc445rR6PLZV6h-B6Bf77o0ZtcIgBta_LKfhBe_JmK3CTmT7xUU1a79a1bKw31K-CUl9_ILM8qvinytasHDqtlauHrb8_F1Pto8siit9iiQ17yalSXKJttvS/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IV7ndv_ekFsO1QArQtjbuc445rR6PLZV6h-B6Bf77o0ZtcIgBta_LKfhBe_JmK3CTmT7xUU1a79a1bKw31K-CUl9_ILM8qvinytasHDqtlauHrb8_F1Pto8siit9iiQ17yalSXKJttvS/s320/IMG_1402.JPG" width="236" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Abby's shadow box. I found this idea on Pinterest (<a href="http://threesisterz.blogspot.ca/2012/07/newborn-momento-shadowbox.html" target="_blank">see original post here</a>) and knew I wanted to do something similar. The hat was actually knitted by my grandma. She knits many hats for the NICU and childbirth ward at our local hospital. I'm so pleased Abby got to wear one as her first 'chapeau'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF97S_fZWv6eeQT_yv5kqllOODZ1w6_nmV5UmTgjDf5OQhPedp0QnAg3apaaHYFlQ4hqhznXx4ZZondW_NW2ya0AjGfNdEngg2cv4ANE21aLddotK-xZbqZIgovc99xZHqBzw6G6FROeE9/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF97S_fZWv6eeQT_yv5kqllOODZ1w6_nmV5UmTgjDf5OQhPedp0QnAg3apaaHYFlQ4hqhznXx4ZZondW_NW2ya0AjGfNdEngg2cv4ANE21aLddotK-xZbqZIgovc99xZHqBzw6G6FROeE9/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is her crib. I love it. IKEA!!! And a shout out to my mom who sewed all of the bedding for her room. I am so very blessed to have such a talented 'maman'!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUeiF4L8wBZRzi0e06dkDRAC32tKQRJf_2Uoxq0FJF97NY8fQwUQtm4JxzVrMNjHE-RbvXezqjB0U_icto4HVxVYxsclWLJvyjrj8MakidgaITLXwMatcgJVCls4an_BwDuHJ_SfCuOk3/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUeiF4L8wBZRzi0e06dkDRAC32tKQRJf_2Uoxq0FJF97NY8fQwUQtm4JxzVrMNjHE-RbvXezqjB0U_icto4HVxVYxsclWLJvyjrj8MakidgaITLXwMatcgJVCls4an_BwDuHJ_SfCuOk3/s320/IMG_1403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An Eric Carle sensory toy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-9l8pc1SQJFPuCXoAv7JgJ1SYXyppI91XrOJd2fSbV-Y4euBELWh0L-rwWQ_xqv_cvB7FoHjOzQ6JyKhp6JV7rHQXpXZ9heFhzAyXfsZLVI18-jrBo-O7DzK9JU6xCDPGBVqNRmUns2X/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-9l8pc1SQJFPuCXoAv7JgJ1SYXyppI91XrOJd2fSbV-Y4euBELWh0L-rwWQ_xqv_cvB7FoHjOzQ6JyKhp6JV7rHQXpXZ9heFhzAyXfsZLVI18-jrBo-O7DzK9JU6xCDPGBVqNRmUns2X/s320/IMG_1404.JPG" width="213" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another Eric Carle Toy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwVD5iRQU5i23O3zKhI89S_UvZoVQKlP3yUmKDNykU1jMHaIPPQLI_3kSkgw4es6ajMnQoRIvOm814gQSU0wxURUfzSQeUNO03ij2hCqDLqEbt-FXeIruv3wHImTr_CbVkmuRVDd8T6Pl/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwVD5iRQU5i23O3zKhI89S_UvZoVQKlP3yUmKDNykU1jMHaIPPQLI_3kSkgw4es6ajMnQoRIvOm814gQSU0wxURUfzSQeUNO03ij2hCqDLqEbt-FXeIruv3wHImTr_CbVkmuRVDd8T6Pl/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="213" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was going to get hand-painted letters from Etsy that were 'on theme' but I couldn't justify the price. So white letters from Michael's it is! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgddu4bjls5zS6SK2Wew9zR3Oei2M1v4fWt0h-_zQlUAvUgBvUnn41YrHRVec2ARdEu50kZIDOqCyg1f-Kl5hRu4rzlhpLHehEbxhS8WWkKomsssAO8YZPOgN88F4z2HQNPlPFIdRSTALd/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgddu4bjls5zS6SK2Wew9zR3Oei2M1v4fWt0h-_zQlUAvUgBvUnn41YrHRVec2ARdEu50kZIDOqCyg1f-Kl5hRu4rzlhpLHehEbxhS8WWkKomsssAO8YZPOgN88F4z2HQNPlPFIdRSTALd/s320/IMG_1387.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her mobile! I love Love LOVE this mobile. It took me a really long time to find one that wasn't just stuffed animals on string. This is from <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Manhattan-Toy-Wimmer-Ferguson-Infant-Stim-Mobile/dp/B00009ZIKH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380420517&sr=8-1&keywords=manhattan+toy+mobile" target="_blank">Manhattan Toy</a> (love their toys too!!!) and I think this mobile is awesome because:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. The pictures face down so she can actually see what is hanging, but there are also pictures hanging out so it's nice to look at as you walk in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. They are simple black and white (i.e. high contrast) pictures which are perfect for her developing eye-sight.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. The cards are INTERCHANGEABLE!! So as she grows, I can switch them out with coloured cards, flip them over, keep it interesting for her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. It doesn't clash with my 'theme' ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaPbf1Kt6aSrZpESS-P1R-pjSDMScLi5ouucb-3u3CrTwvLM_ikDCIJGuLATyTlN60HirUw2y4-CuF0ZH2g-mpvvE3zw6VOjwjnL2gODBv2E48lQTBwLnD6_HWxBblhSetUtfMWMmzhz_/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaPbf1Kt6aSrZpESS-P1R-pjSDMScLi5ouucb-3u3CrTwvLM_ikDCIJGuLATyTlN60HirUw2y4-CuF0ZH2g-mpvvE3zw6VOjwjnL2gODBv2E48lQTBwLnD6_HWxBblhSetUtfMWMmzhz_/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" width="213" /> </a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A shelf area beside her crib.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa-77h-rsTQatGqZyuloN0-gH3-nR-yqD6xVXgZVdwRGufbAcitdi5IypLukZ3wR97mnKjOts9o5prYMcrWpScARhbAqzSpc3qijkpF-oUKs-YA7bh44iRL8F8U9FSx-iIeKJvZVVrYTU/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa-77h-rsTQatGqZyuloN0-gH3-nR-yqD6xVXgZVdwRGufbAcitdi5IypLukZ3wR97mnKjOts9o5prYMcrWpScARhbAqzSpc3qijkpF-oUKs-YA7bh44iRL8F8U9FSx-iIeKJvZVVrYTU/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A lovely frame from Chapters. Her first picture! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQeNmQQeqAl5Kd20pJFkIjM0Cw-KxXqBacP8Cvo-pZcD2FPT8fuSuqGUXZ_tc2bXoZkiufVgmeXonVoMohuUDs_FV7i6L3YPvlpIG3VfSMbuy2NrRQxj7B-9pl25287uir1EMsqGNeToF/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQeNmQQeqAl5Kd20pJFkIjM0Cw-KxXqBacP8Cvo-pZcD2FPT8fuSuqGUXZ_tc2bXoZkiufVgmeXonVoMohuUDs_FV7i6L3YPvlpIG3VfSMbuy2NrRQxj7B-9pl25287uir1EMsqGNeToF/s320/IMG_1405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More Eric Carle toys....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBS81k66Smeu4Ep5yvt5oBd9KFRiMtd5iJ8_vIJs72kk3-JQE25gE87tHa6T81Ae82prwKQjnLiW4eOt4BSPsu12QAy3qzxhMvfyPSbkclqbA2XT2cMy6spruvOJl-sF50bM7UvBx5Y4N/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBS81k66Smeu4Ep5yvt5oBd9KFRiMtd5iJ8_vIJs72kk3-JQE25gE87tHa6T81Ae82prwKQjnLiW4eOt4BSPsu12QAy3qzxhMvfyPSbkclqbA2XT2cMy6spruvOJl-sF50bM7UvBx5Y4N/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My only real 'splurge' with the nursery. This rocker I also purchased from Chapters and it has received glowing reviews from the toddlers who have visited her room. Hopefully she'll love it one day too!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitgcGIn_h0EY2JnrJgUq7eFhGYBHYOOFokmZu7tOxrNxVhcPQXSPA9dRkwTn5OyiZbWso821nlKBieScGLfIu48S4_sXXGF3_S4e59MNDUYs1KuczEZBBhY06Oa7piHDK70ORoZK7WtUI/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitgcGIn_h0EY2JnrJgUq7eFhGYBHYOOFokmZu7tOxrNxVhcPQXSPA9dRkwTn5OyiZbWso821nlKBieScGLfIu48S4_sXXGF3_S4e59MNDUYs1KuczEZBBhY06Oa7piHDK70ORoZK7WtUI/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I received this Grobag from a friend. It's 0-6 months. She purchased it at Winners. HELP!!! If you see a larger size in your travels, PLEASE let me know. She's almost too big for it, but I love it so much and would adore a larger size. Google has been of NO help to me! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDbrvc27s58WreWYnY-A272Xjhmhzkrk44HNhyREGppB-rdN45DeaQHJQRMB4fL_wbWSGGA-YmOotej6gcAj-QI7HIqUEf2LtL7Q4FsiOOCTdq9CJ7rq1FmLXpb-h0s9der5nSygDzGOh/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDbrvc27s58WreWYnY-A272Xjhmhzkrk44HNhyREGppB-rdN45DeaQHJQRMB4fL_wbWSGGA-YmOotej6gcAj-QI7HIqUEf2LtL7Q4FsiOOCTdq9CJ7rq1FmLXpb-h0s9der5nSygDzGOh/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A peak into her closet to see some of her wardrobe, which is so much nicer (and plentiful) than mine!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyOaxIHDnPty1Kz39h9Zbu2NIug7xwIc8MI3LnHkAJ4o0xKFbErmxzJOe5JpHa2FeipltZU021kCCPIoENaxuoIE3HoFnv8L3oJMxLPd_E7FGcPb_tM5KQnSl94abKe1OCsE5Y5luuB_/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFyOaxIHDnPty1Kz39h9Zbu2NIug7xwIc8MI3LnHkAJ4o0xKFbErmxzJOe5JpHa2FeipltZU021kCCPIoENaxuoIE3HoFnv8L3oJMxLPd_E7FGcPb_tM5KQnSl94abKe1OCsE5Y5luuB_/s320/IMG_1382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally a little "artwork"...which is actually just stretched material over a frame. Love how they turned out though.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since I didn't have a classroom to 'decorate' this fall, I've put all my energy into Abby's room. Thanks for taking the time to tour it with me :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-21488177034375003812013-09-08T15:07:00.004-04:002013-09-08T19:30:10.287-04:00Back to school...non-back to school styleSo this is the first year in I-don't-know-how-long where I have not been in a school for the first day back. One could argue I was in a better place, at home with my little pudding pop, but I'll admit I was a bit melancholy on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
See, the first day of school is one of the most exciting of the WHOLE year, with maybe the exception of the last day of school. It's a day of...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
anticipation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
excitement</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nervous energy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
enthusiasm </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new beginnings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new friendships</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
new goals</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(usually) a new outfit! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a fresh start</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a fresh take on teaching</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a fresh group of students</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and fresh (and sharp!) pencils</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was missing all of the above on Tuesday. I even had a few nights of back to school nightmares! You know the kind where you show up the first day with nothing planned/nothing photocopied/nothing ready. Or that you show up late and can't find your class. Or that the principal changes your classroom location the day before school starts (which was my dream this year!).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know that next year I'll likely be dreading going back, so I'll need to come back and re-read this post to remind myself how great the first day of school truly is! Until then, I guess I'll just enjoy a bunch of other 'firsts'... and this :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eX9icAwUkEyJgJ-KFXxc5QFwefGAFXUkyFgG-XhBIeB7R53P44VYDe6_cnCFOn8zgKoea17Lmv7gEpPPm5DRKSh1jpBVZRkQ5qtdCxogwNYXvwi00dFBOg7qI374E2FFJh26DU5dfRGQ/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eX9icAwUkEyJgJ-KFXxc5QFwefGAFXUkyFgG-XhBIeB7R53P44VYDe6_cnCFOn8zgKoea17Lmv7gEpPPm5DRKSh1jpBVZRkQ5qtdCxogwNYXvwi00dFBOg7qI374E2FFJh26DU5dfRGQ/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-19594143322514853272013-08-22T21:13:00.005-04:002013-08-22T21:15:24.639-04:00What have I been up to?With everyone getting back into the 'swing of things' with school starting up in a little over a week, I feel very odd. I feel like I should be laminating like crazy. I feel like I should be making daily visits to Scholar's Choice. I feel like my days should be spent photocopying, organizing, and preparing. However, none of that is going to happen for me right now because I have a little something at home keeping me busy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5A2hDOVON931Jy7l_kzA073DZIjyaBUF67a4TWwMY5gDh6zFkCsL-G5Gi-aKB6FWo2jsRHeife6mJoa-L_IR5Fs-xoHdb8PMyAZZxiBZmc7HKXFOE7CRdy1fE7vKkdxFpUNCKDD1PIwW/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5A2hDOVON931Jy7l_kzA073DZIjyaBUF67a4TWwMY5gDh6zFkCsL-G5Gi-aKB6FWo2jsRHeife6mJoa-L_IR5Fs-xoHdb8PMyAZZxiBZmc7HKXFOE7CRdy1fE7vKkdxFpUNCKDD1PIwW/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
My little girl arrived into this world mid-July, and the world hasn't been the same ever since. She's currently taking up almost every spare minute I have, but I'm told this will 'level off' at some point. I do have hopes though for my year off for maternity leave, and I'm hoping that by recording them, I'll follow through.<br />
<br />
1. Prepare and post at least 5 products to my TPT site.<br />
2. Blog fairly regularly about something...maybe teaching related...maybe family related...probably a little of both.<br />
3. Take an AQ course next July. I'm trying to decide between Reading Part 2 or Math Part 1.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck! (both with parenting and my goals)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-51191274461091304202013-06-17T21:16:00.000-04:002013-08-22T21:31:19.752-04:00Father's Day GiftsThe end is near...and I know that because Father's Day is over and done with. I always have a tough time coming up with Father's Day gifts. In the past, I've done a photo frame, a tie themed card, a key chain, and snack mix. I haven't really loved any of them. I saw <a href="http://violetpaperwings.blogspot.ca/2010/12/post-it-present.html" target="_blank">this pin</a> on Pinterest and thought I could adapt it to make it work. I picked up some picture frames at Dollarama and set to it.<br />
<br />
I wanted to have the kiddos really take a part in the gift...so I thought about having them draw something, and then remembered what June is actually like and thought we needed something a little more 'straight forward'. I took some clip art that I had and made a collage that they had to colour in. I demonstrated proper 'colouring in' technique (which you would think we'd have by the end of grade 1), and because of the demonstration, they actually turned out quite well. Here's one of the finished products that I was pretty thrilled with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwWlrMG1OoWVXWgBd7WQn9raePBzjEB779cfTKovOZWaOe6Owwe0Cetb2oupZpg43HDMy-KIpmVEo2UOPzERz8e1VeNZYATjSrVluGsMRNNZMoPlVjYxx7I7qUtdUGPqUMZAgdwvZxuXI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwWlrMG1OoWVXWgBd7WQn9raePBzjEB779cfTKovOZWaOe6Owwe0Cetb2oupZpg43HDMy-KIpmVEo2UOPzERz8e1VeNZYATjSrVluGsMRNNZMoPlVjYxx7I7qUtdUGPqUMZAgdwvZxuXI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1DwRcZon7mWTPYf4MI4hnUDBoPqvuAqOFm-p-sktmOFbbwU_mtCXo0naoHu3skqPCFQvXzQjbyHLd93ItgoQO1WVQ7a_wzaoEpOceGSDD0ktvAjWYPicfXy2avXT0R_N8Tq2a6V1szKF/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1DwRcZon7mWTPYf4MI4hnUDBoPqvuAqOFm-p-sktmOFbbwU_mtCXo0naoHu3skqPCFQvXzQjbyHLd93ItgoQO1WVQ7a_wzaoEpOceGSDD0ktvAjWYPicfXy2avXT0R_N8Tq2a6V1szKF/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
We wrapped them up in bags inspired by <a href="http://papercrave.com/diy-fathers-day-shirt-tie-gift-boxes/" target="_blank">this pin</a>, and sent them home. I still don't know if I'll repeat this again, but it wasn't so bad for this year ;)<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-20967195083026964572013-05-26T22:08:00.003-04:002013-05-26T23:36:51.470-04:00How do you organize papers?For the past 2 years, I have been using a daily duotang system to collect/organize my kiddos papers. I have found this system has many benefits including:<br />
<br />
1. keeping subject specific papers together<br />
2. keeping parents informed of what we're doing in class<br />
3. creating a format for assigning homework (if needed)<br />
<br />
Our school board operates on a Day 1-5 schedule (instead of a Monday to Friday schedule), so this year my duotangs look like this...<br />
<br />
Day 1: Weekly Newsletter/Reward System Update/WWW (Word Wall Words) Spelling Sheet<br />
Day 2: English Poems and Songs/English WWW Homework<br />
Day 3: Math papers<br />
Day 4: French Poems and Songs/French WWW Homework<br />
Day 5: Misc. (e.g., science, social studies, health)<br />
<br />
Students are taught at the beginning of the year how to add papers to their duotangs. Each day when they come into class, they drop them off in the appropriate bucket, and their new duotangs are laid out on the carpet. The papers to go in are either at the carpet (if they're a completed sheet with their names on them) or in a pile on their desk spots (if they are blank).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh0rpgL5RorGKJQj_6AmEprWoSBwLmYpN522yWN25wjzHQ36LF7BpAU8Y7ip8BImlh5-23DbseitgNm0CFYjiyrA_SMf7YeYzw_1zXvEYraW3Y9rgBRt1Quo9LaaclacWK74k9VHo2r9k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh0rpgL5RorGKJQj_6AmEprWoSBwLmYpN522yWN25wjzHQ36LF7BpAU8Y7ip8BImlh5-23DbseitgNm0CFYjiyrA_SMf7YeYzw_1zXvEYraW3Y9rgBRt1Quo9LaaclacWK74k9VHo2r9k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am super excited to add my first product to purchase onto TPT! Take a peek to see what I put into my Day 2 duotangs. Here are a few pics...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCv0tX50PzQEqZVGd6PFsI091jvsVo5bZ02_cSA0gT5Qu03QtW5n81ozOV0Cokzh62wIK-ld8-UNAHS_q0e6nyAYzPixkV1T-5WL9zhoVblb_GJe-syBnPIThQBOt448dUhY2U_EtW24n/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCv0tX50PzQEqZVGd6PFsI091jvsVo5bZ02_cSA0gT5Qu03QtW5n81ozOV0Cokzh62wIK-ld8-UNAHS_q0e6nyAYzPixkV1T-5WL9zhoVblb_GJe-syBnPIThQBOt448dUhY2U_EtW24n/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmqunLYHFch0Vo5FJI-Le_lre5pLM1rlSDqfQyqRpifAL0pWkk8pqAdGyPhSnQ31sCFuvffixw0-B2ky5CGPb6B-Zf-5N_9FEPvwDy40HawEzECkm4alPcQl6SOCAmu3CPE9UAqh4bysX/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmqunLYHFch0Vo5FJI-Le_lre5pLM1rlSDqfQyqRpifAL0pWkk8pqAdGyPhSnQ31sCFuvffixw0-B2ky5CGPb6B-Zf-5N_9FEPvwDy40HawEzECkm4alPcQl6SOCAmu3CPE9UAqh4bysX/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4m9h49K1hm1ysZ78XOq97aLsAqH1sddA1yBomoiYzMckMSSmK5WPiz7BsvG1KAPa-FQgh8DpDQK5A7eNyi9faLnekm1-m-FQtj5flBvO59WGPAZ_4blHnQlw9JkHcgRSj_yE_33G6K3W/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4m9h49K1hm1ysZ78XOq97aLsAqH1sddA1yBomoiYzMckMSSmK5WPiz7BsvG1KAPa-FQgh8DpDQK5A7eNyi9faLnekm1-m-FQtj5flBvO59WGPAZ_4blHnQlw9JkHcgRSj_yE_33G6K3W/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year, I started this project of creating Word Wall review pages that I could send home in my weekly duotangs. The focus was on making the activities predictable so that students could complete them without parental assistance. I have found that the students love doing these pages and have actually cheered when I gave them time in class to work on them. I am so happy to have the chance to share this work with other people. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-WordsWord-Wall-Word-Pack-709211" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S9I9qotVzUWZAf436HvyEf92-HfpLJ80r6DPipn8tM6i9UUG50NVUqYTd5ICrQYwdAW8EBo1h676TbP-fjxQ46KeKvGUQEBhxZ_tEhcD5_lO-1yCaKtKDoLkw6ByHUkY1TDRi2bc8BHs/s1600/Word+Wall+Word+Pack+Cover.jpeg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click on the image above or below to visit my TPT store to download this Word Wall Word Pack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-WordsWord-Wall-Word-Pack-709211" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YCt441TGJiddLOHRakKvDZ7HvuZvMnpUwhLjJIb4o5VJnTqht2UmjbvZudHJy9Ew8rdhjuScdOG51R8TZ8tKwd8FiE1nuxH4BAtnUX-lsyucDuQBX3mADvHCcr3HNRnnYqBFZf47Lrak/s1600/WWW+Pack+Preview.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on homework? Do you have a system for keeping track/sending home all the goodies your kiddos work on in class?Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-70511185622588132602013-05-10T14:10:00.000-04:002013-05-10T14:12:13.826-04:00Oh Canada!Thanks to Heidi over at <a href="http://www.secondgradealicious.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Secondgradealicious</a> for introducing me to my first blog link up!<br />
<br />
As a French teacher, it's so nice to connect with other Canadian teachers with Canadian ideas!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.madlylearning.com/2012/06/calling-all-canadian-teacher-bloggers.html?showComment=1368132963613#c8624096197427199967" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFedWuCh1F34MalV0y37kPDzOGA_PPNXwjw3zc5-Ss6ryqGy6COLUSEIi_SZjtSPlKt2EA7QjRCDkbR8_qnYoyuEO9_E2Bc9-i5nDu4SrfgwBr5NwR86pd28j2uDDIXYT-1ZSXBTRWp-La/s320/canada+bloggers.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.madlylearning.com/2012/06/calling-all-canadian-teacher-bloggers.html?showComment=1368132963613#c8624096197427199967" target="_blank">Click here to link up with other Canadian Teachers.</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/p/blog-by-province.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhychuW4c_pQTWIgnth-yoB9gAwjFba-isCWMC4_mTydZqzYGwDe2vMtnODxKTetVSlt539FeXA3DzlhJ6XC9hNVe2tfGcnZ2DlhZ28DvbN0g7QP_qjxrHY-yoMJKfQmPAUslbkEVsR8Ves/s1600/Ontario_Canada.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/p/blog-by-province.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/p/blog-by-province.html" target="_blank">Click here to link up with Teachers across Canada based on the province.</a></div>
<br />
A bientôt mes amis!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-44806015336846673012013-05-09T20:15:00.002-04:002013-05-09T21:19:24.058-04:00Mother's Day CookbookSo I can't be the only grade 1 teacher who dreads Mother's Day just a 'little' bit (and same for Father's Day and Christmas)...you need to come up with the perfect gift. It needs to be easy enough for the kiddos to complete, but still be something that is has that 'wow' factor when you open it up. For the past couple years, I have done the same project, and it always turns out super cute, so I thought I'd share ;)<br />
<br />
We make a cookbook of our favourite thing our mom makes us, and it ties into our procedural writing unit. The best thing about this project is that the kids really don't need to know AT ALL how their mom makes it. In fact, the ones that have no clue how it's made and need to 'make it up' completely are usually the ones that turn out the cutest.<br />
<br />
The first step is for the kids to decide on a recipe and make an ingredient list. Next, they write down the steps needed to make the dish. Finally, they record why they like it the best. This year, I added in a page for them to add a picture of them helping their mom to make the dish. In the past, I have typed out their answers, had them type out their answers, and them write their answers for me to input (which is what I did this year). Really, it's up to you!<br />
<br />
Here's the final product!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04p7n-UMDphh41dEMict4C33R35REmp8M0TwQIt8q4IM29UsJNgzUQQW7hQKLg3N6yhuanfcGDrwBq9kyG3FbqiRAoedgxyhBWXvSo2EWlg5wq8kLAHx6Z0o7Ly9_ldVFjVv7_wKfZCgV/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04p7n-UMDphh41dEMict4C33R35REmp8M0TwQIt8q4IM29UsJNgzUQQW7hQKLg3N6yhuanfcGDrwBq9kyG3FbqiRAoedgxyhBWXvSo2EWlg5wq8kLAHx6Z0o7Ly9_ldVFjVv7_wKfZCgV/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="283" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The front cover. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrR05BDdzwiCeZmuCcz-L9dXG82WZbCOmebow9C-QZMJLhWgZu_Rozpmlva1iPM3x3WB9JjUYUXKQeRVCMRNZpJbtQO-weowXiz3Rn9q0J6_eyyFVL47lG7XwcesHoYBLcQsctfPOgG9R/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrR05BDdzwiCeZmuCcz-L9dXG82WZbCOmebow9C-QZMJLhWgZu_Rozpmlva1iPM3x3WB9JjUYUXKQeRVCMRNZpJbtQO-weowXiz3Rn9q0J6_eyyFVL47lG7XwcesHoYBLcQsctfPOgG9R/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="291" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the pages. I love that when I asked "Why do you need to wait until 3 o'clock?" his answer was, "I don't know how she makes it, but that's when we eat it." Makes sense, EXCEPT consider our bell doesn't ring till 3:25 pm...things that make you go 'hummmm....'</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI4vJo8ygukFfmx0xQ2woHM5yL1jqAUFw0fuOINQV-2IMl_OoPM0XYrYwdT96DQZvCPxYiWwfFwIGwtRsYhPgvzmB2YwJwG2-BZ6RN5gffU8SQ6P_2a2wUAf2RqJW8BaWN-1bMdNcHhcV/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI4vJo8ygukFfmx0xQ2woHM5yL1jqAUFw0fuOINQV-2IMl_OoPM0XYrYwdT96DQZvCPxYiWwfFwIGwtRsYhPgvzmB2YwJwG2-BZ6RN5gffU8SQ6P_2a2wUAf2RqJW8BaWN-1bMdNcHhcV/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="348" width="640" /></a> Another one of the book pages.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTEmyJ_qHz0g8t0N8OJaurdYh7R3rFjgwgLWWuNnBretopCiMoJYWyv_0LRt61g0vN7aUqzVsB1FnEeCqxxx6svJUkcUyTMJQtsqVy8p2FOG-_QPkdZe7mS5Yd6TnYCPHG7Y2WVLShsad/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTEmyJ_qHz0g8t0N8OJaurdYh7R3rFjgwgLWWuNnBretopCiMoJYWyv_0LRt61g0vN7aUqzVsB1FnEeCqxxx6svJUkcUyTMJQtsqVy8p2FOG-_QPkdZe7mS5Yd6TnYCPHG7Y2WVLShsad/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All wrapped up and ready to go. Of course we needed a card. I downloaded <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Cute-Mothers-Day-Card" target="_blank">this</a> card from Cassie on Teachers Pay Teachers for FREE!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUdS-WA6iJjOKo658k05xmksry-hoD88eXTfY9qLG3dm0l2-73FiDqxBcx9CqWKyqF74VqpsbnqwPDDUnTJTOoG5Z1jIgqQMnV_lWRZLdAJz3GGu3ijfDOvORdLW9AVSOTsqyOI9dpJ0i/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUdS-WA6iJjOKo658k05xmksry-hoD88eXTfY9qLG3dm0l2-73FiDqxBcx9CqWKyqF74VqpsbnqwPDDUnTJTOoG5Z1jIgqQMnV_lWRZLdAJz3GGu3ijfDOvORdLW9AVSOTsqyOI9dpJ0i/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="294" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added in a little poem to the inside, and now the presents will be ready to go home tomorrow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to pick up a copy of the printables, I'm including them below! I'd love to hear what you think of the idea and please let me know if the download worked (this is my first attempt at using Google Docs) :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ws1Flk_yimAo8g7LxOHJMXdFrkogchSHP-_oJ5yfHN_f35591olM0-vDvNko4fryoZ2Z9ambh4rhuTnxVhOcPnRx2XEGlr-MCA0PaVddP-2tqnCubokSwWJlXFFyN0ECWU8o4nDM4gn0/s1600/Mother's+Day+Template+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ws1Flk_yimAo8g7LxOHJMXdFrkogchSHP-_oJ5yfHN_f35591olM0-vDvNko4fryoZ2Z9ambh4rhuTnxVhOcPnRx2XEGlr-MCA0PaVddP-2tqnCubokSwWJlXFFyN0ECWU8o4nDM4gn0/s1600/Mother's+Day+Template+Picture.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6Lb1bTCk6bQSVhRbEhfaGN5U00/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to download the recipe template.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuL4Wzg3-YVuTTDa9xOzITIH-zcn-5bFHj0X764AcMGswTS9cnmYoWqaHAyx4TCNY7cmgpmj7VEdmTB2bnf1Bc4DgKV2wDp6jiTr1gyCafuGHl5mE32NcFG2g71A6lKAXWVHWrKEWamJT/s1600/Mother's+Day+Picture+Frame+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuL4Wzg3-YVuTTDa9xOzITIH-zcn-5bFHj0X764AcMGswTS9cnmYoWqaHAyx4TCNY7cmgpmj7VEdmTB2bnf1Bc4DgKV2wDp6jiTr1gyCafuGHl5mE32NcFG2g71A6lKAXWVHWrKEWamJT/s1600/Mother's+Day+Picture+Frame+Picture.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6Lb1bTCk6bQTDZHMmE4dVp5Z2c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to download the picture frame page</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The frames are courtesy of Creative Clips by Krista Wallden. Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden" target="_blank">here</a> to visit her TPT store. The food clip art is courtesy of The 3 AM Teacher. Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-3am-Teacher" target="_blank">here</a> to visit here TPT store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bientôt!</div>
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-47299017132177253352013-05-07T20:57:00.003-04:002013-05-07T22:05:45.243-04:00Is there a "wrong time" to start something???I think there might be...<br>
<br>
Maybe it's the spring weather...maybe it's impending motherhood...maybe it's the thought of report cards just around the corner...maybe it's a student leaving for the year in 2 weeks and thinking 'oh crap - I still need to do this and this and this with him'...<br>
<br>
Maybe it was the wrong time to start my blogging/TPT adventure. I'm not sure...<br>
<br>
James Cameron said "If you wait for the right time to have a child, you'll die childless"...so if I waited for the right time to start a blog, I'd die blogless, right?? Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing ;)<br>
<br>
Anywho, long winded way of saying that I've been behind in blog posting, and I'm not going to remedy that tonight, but I'll leave you with a few pictures (cause that's what I like looking at when I read blogs).<br>
<br>
In the class:<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWbSOrAlMi0Z4XdqqqBPgVR-tErnMHxVTYl4Mz6fcMpNL-nVgzR9ZiSvniuZDWuhHkHlk_0-X8bzOPKp9pha-thn11iYqFTWIGoN9OeJRuXCO25C3EW8ea63_x00omF0Uw-shC_Rcu1La/s1600/photo+1a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWbSOrAlMi0Z4XdqqqBPgVR-tErnMHxVTYl4Mz6fcMpNL-nVgzR9ZiSvniuZDWuhHkHlk_0-X8bzOPKp9pha-thn11iYqFTWIGoN9OeJRuXCO25C3EW8ea63_x00omF0Uw-shC_Rcu1La/s1600/photo+1a.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
Here's a girl after my own heart. Sorting everything by colours!!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-IjWr_lTWtdbjfBcMU_p2UIRl43HY6pTZRaM3ecSPfpxCcjPm0igoGOhK0uBSZyoQ1CFKUmKTjAlykL9fgw4N0ZhlZuAQTTiCHOFQPMBdeSGM8ez3Odmh2cmKOQU898wbFfWhbTQho6o/s1600/photo+4a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-IjWr_lTWtdbjfBcMU_p2UIRl43HY6pTZRaM3ecSPfpxCcjPm0igoGOhK0uBSZyoQ1CFKUmKTjAlykL9fgw4N0ZhlZuAQTTiCHOFQPMBdeSGM8ez3Odmh2cmKOQU898wbFfWhbTQho6o/s1600/photo+4a.JPG" height="320" width="239"></a></div>
<br>
This boy even had admirers from another class looking at his structure. It reminded me of Jenga...<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAQGbPZCLsRVAyjfGnnRjgWhWmSAMPS3y1OuYd14lwdYpJvmMZacozKeJMVcKfdLRkeIMGH39oKfK7QmcIi8DeM_accOe2yV0WDobdoZsP6_ZRalE8eA-O3vHnCYhE3z-3Aczqag1L2Vr/s1600/photo+3a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAQGbPZCLsRVAyjfGnnRjgWhWmSAMPS3y1OuYd14lwdYpJvmMZacozKeJMVcKfdLRkeIMGH39oKfK7QmcIi8DeM_accOe2yV0WDobdoZsP6_ZRalE8eA-O3vHnCYhE3z-3Aczqag1L2Vr/s1600/photo+3a.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
Here's an attempt at more purposeful play..."make a plan before you build your structure"...well I'm pretty sure they drew theirs after making the structure...not exactly the point...hummmmmm<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorrknObSMkQPkWEgVpHhq_5BR3YnpAk6EZvMPm2DGl9Fq-5NCCveTbiltLrmAG-KVzAMTTFEyj3PAhjpGJwHeMx_P9-vXO6r7rV4szYRwQ8DJH4aj1aAUl28mpOBt-UIDshJursbNfe5w/s1600/photo+2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorrknObSMkQPkWEgVpHhq_5BR3YnpAk6EZvMPm2DGl9Fq-5NCCveTbiltLrmAG-KVzAMTTFEyj3PAhjpGJwHeMx_P9-vXO6r7rV4szYRwQ8DJH4aj1aAUl28mpOBt-UIDshJursbNfe5w/s1600/photo+2a.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
Hopefully the focus for my next post...classroom tour: version 1.0<br>
<br>
At home:<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8u6J8pXP7gay5UWIYnQdtV0vUKWwlfZKvYB4GjmTNZUaZXX0VfhS4pNx84a5TAcEFlaksCjCAZVid-qAl4nT58RencDnUAmiGylYwpsDiIfovKgL6KgWNeI79MDovsVeuQTLWRfHlXgRZ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8u6J8pXP7gay5UWIYnQdtV0vUKWwlfZKvYB4GjmTNZUaZXX0VfhS4pNx84a5TAcEFlaksCjCAZVid-qAl4nT58RencDnUAmiGylYwpsDiIfovKgL6KgWNeI79MDovsVeuQTLWRfHlXgRZ/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
Thanks to my hub (...and dad...and father-in-law), the pool is getting clearer by the day...won't be long now till I can relax with a floaty and a cool beverage (probably just a Pepsi, until I'm cleared for more exciting beverages this summer).<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z5kdrnGS6M4ouASa1G_lz6IDJ5X-E_m2CvFsHRcM5YJmQ0PJBifJ4qISHvgiPtJGR5gblErxmn8QY6Qi7Ufw8EKfUi1PgIbR3zoAL6WUvQGr-uvsUb3dkUI-gaysH4jFV5OYIIKZI6JX/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z5kdrnGS6M4ouASa1G_lz6IDJ5X-E_m2CvFsHRcM5YJmQ0PJBifJ4qISHvgiPtJGR5gblErxmn8QY6Qi7Ufw8EKfUi1PgIbR3zoAL6WUvQGr-uvsUb3dkUI-gaysH4jFV5OYIIKZI6JX/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
My 3 baskets FULL of laundry to be put away...<br><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aXMdIZhPQsI2GcuJzrpF_lbPPPcCpE8hSeV-v5Svu5y7LY4iEZaL5aWMQBtiOY5TSsWV_Cm-SdRhf5k_0A3FHvfHvEgmeerTTnnK5ME5GqFDf88pvmeos-TlUZ6X1mw-Ecz84F4ZyKCm/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aXMdIZhPQsI2GcuJzrpF_lbPPPcCpE8hSeV-v5Svu5y7LY4iEZaL5aWMQBtiOY5TSsWV_Cm-SdRhf5k_0A3FHvfHvEgmeerTTnnK5ME5GqFDf88pvmeos-TlUZ6X1mw-Ecz84F4ZyKCm/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
At least I'm done the quilt and clock for the nursery, however still need to paint that bassinet (fyi - I've had the paint since August...even BEFORE I was expecting).<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVsvPM1oP2qLMeHweSrdchDGCNjou-wtFQ_SWE05C6lD-uq83Di52_CzyoOK0ipS4nfYVw-c_24Tt0mZMwBnxKFEyD4LfMGcDHzYHtVqleZoxtUVWyPvej0NKaSgr0RUaW5K9Sd-PKNqB/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVsvPM1oP2qLMeHweSrdchDGCNjou-wtFQ_SWE05C6lD-uq83Di52_CzyoOK0ipS4nfYVw-c_24Tt0mZMwBnxKFEyD4LfMGcDHzYHtVqleZoxtUVWyPvej0NKaSgr0RUaW5K9Sd-PKNqB/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
Lastly, the thing that is helping me to sleep at night...although I'm almost out! Oh no....<br>
<br>
Back to working on Mother's Day presents, and procrastinating working on the Mother's Day presents by making my first 'sellable' item for TPT. Who am I kidding though...I'll be in bed within the hour :)Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-9833410592890044192013-04-21T20:14:00.004-04:002013-05-07T19:57:52.428-04:00Mystery MailMy grade 1 partner and I have been working on writing letters as well as the concept of inferring. I found this amazing unit on Teachers Pay Teachers, and this past week I tried it out with my kiddos. It was such a success! Pick up the original <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MYSTERY-MAIL-A-Super-Engaging-Inferencing-Activity-reading-foundation-skill" target="_blank">Mystery Mail Unit on TPT</a> from the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Clutter-free-Classroom" target="_blank">Clutter Free Classroom</a>.<br />
<br />
The first step was to find some people in the school to 'send' the mail to our class. I asked our gym teacher, the library clerk, and the principal. Here is what our library clerk sent us:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Iiy_hcdDe2VIz13GS0CPztbGyG5Ope8c__MbKVQvAxcxrkssXhSXivZADJAK3Dw__Dk-zkxuYrborIffRFXaadO8kUJ2fPAMNLMZR8_IRgORLkpPH8CJKCiyXnA6LGjmwizERhbuRSb/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8Iiy_hcdDe2VIz13GS0CPztbGyG5Ope8c__MbKVQvAxcxrkssXhSXivZADJAK3Dw__Dk-zkxuYrborIffRFXaadO8kUJ2fPAMNLMZR8_IRgORLkpPH8CJKCiyXnA6LGjmwizERhbuRSb/s320/photo+2.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Object #1: bandaids (from the time she spends in the office)<br />
Object #2: a ruler (for choosing books in our library)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Object #3: a photocopy of her favourite book, Giraffe and Bird<br />
<br />
Next, the students needed to use their 'inferring skills' to explain why the mystery mail person would send the objects they did. Their next step was to fill in the graphic organizer provided in the pack to explain their thinking using some of the sentence starters on the anchor chart. Here are a couple of my 'stars' working hard to complete the graphic organizer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdohJe7zehizKcwWK_ogUHqRWBKThDA7DXHCZuSTCSRz3DZiXN8fBk0yXNb5sMRqh5D-34OHXOh8n9POZLcXfypNPnYERJN_FX7VhPfbkikz1OAIAkBrI9VEj7rRIiPrMIufu4A-XQ5afi/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdohJe7zehizKcwWK_ogUHqRWBKThDA7DXHCZuSTCSRz3DZiXN8fBk0yXNb5sMRqh5D-34OHXOh8n9POZLcXfypNPnYERJN_FX7VhPfbkikz1OAIAkBrI9VEj7rRIiPrMIufu4A-XQ5afi/s320/photo+1.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMruSdMPW247Ktnts7Mx_PmD5OMQAbEVxHMqa_8T-rZL9SULe8US-Wb_9akUvlbwFQykvrNWjhbTKmQ6mqFvMcI_wlUNnyFulbEl4bMoIITQK27Az1tmZObX3jmf73WiUB9_HvSfzFNyk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMruSdMPW247Ktnts7Mx_PmD5OMQAbEVxHMqa_8T-rZL9SULe8US-Wb_9akUvlbwFQykvrNWjhbTKmQ6mqFvMcI_wlUNnyFulbEl4bMoIITQK27Az1tmZObX3jmf73WiUB9_HvSfzFNyk/s320/photo+4.JPG" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
This proved to be a super engaging activity for my reluctant writers because they all wanted to guess who sent the mail to us. When they were done with the graphic organizers, I read them the letter that was sent with the objects. It was one of the highlights of our day.<br />
<br />
I've made the anchor chart available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store for FREE, so head on over there if you want to download a copy to make for your own class!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHaNvQAIm_RDmtlmpWoXBmTSpz4r0R7Cc9gE3CELOMbuK6U5FUqJrCJJ9xlG4rb9Aub16tSmmKx_hlabJRyZg1WT2FtAUZtzL5yDqKJ6oT3fh8nirov0to4iCH8yoxLo_Dyr1uqXdUKX3/s320/Inferring.jpg" height="320" width="247" /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Strategy-Poster-Inferring" target="_blank">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Strategy-Poster-Inferring</a></div>
<br />
<br />
À bientôt, mes amis!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-55843083020363676302013-04-16T21:46:00.001-04:002013-04-17T06:44:26.802-04:00Cloudy with a chance of...freezing rain!So last week, we had some unusual weather in Ontario for April. They were forecasting severe freezing rain Thursday and our school board decided to close the schools. It was an unexpected, yet welcome treat. So Thursday came and went, and the weather did NOT materialize...and then Friday came...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRIsEUkz4OOPVYjbAHzHLqBbBgVc-ghEoxf6AbITr7VxXFmntjneh9cVBy1rSVftOkmFNEwmTNYfDjuZWRmikJ1WvzWmSd4P2c0ZBv6-cEZzdocvzGpo0kGTPB5BKwT3xHigtyEHePNKN/s1600/photo+1-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRIsEUkz4OOPVYjbAHzHLqBbBgVc-ghEoxf6AbITr7VxXFmntjneh9cVBy1rSVftOkmFNEwmTNYfDjuZWRmikJ1WvzWmSd4P2c0ZBv6-cEZzdocvzGpo0kGTPB5BKwT3xHigtyEHePNKN/s320/photo+1-001.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
I said to my hubby "Even if we get 15 feet of snow, there's no way they're closing the schools for a 2nd day!", and unfortunately, I was right. Friday's weather was horrible...turns out over 20 schools in our region ended up closed anyways because they didn't have any power!! I thought it was the most opportune time to talk about crazy weather and dug out my copy of <b>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</b> by Judi Barrett and headed over to <b><a href="http://first-grade-fever.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">First Grade Fever</a></b> to get<b> <a href="http://first-grade-fever.blogspot.ca/2013/03/wacky-weather-freebie.html" target="_blank">a copy</a></b> of her awesome (and free!) worksheets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/03/Cloudy_with_a_Chance_of_Meatballs_%28book%29.jpg" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="444" /><br />
I didn't know how many kiddos would show up for school, so I thought this was the perfect break from our 'regular programming' and gave the students a chance to show off their creativity. And boy did they ever. Here's a few samples of what they came up with! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYoliTQ4zsGGlBfok9v_bPVaVhuNejEMtwv5zZyrt5RsFQ9rsGtFS8h7Rhwbg_UDFgZPXSpSxn1ASy9OqR7nMpQsqZOuGyA6Nirwc3IA27ezoj-34IGbAcrMrcCe9uPq-4yVYHYQuLA52/s1600/photo+2-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYoliTQ4zsGGlBfok9v_bPVaVhuNejEMtwv5zZyrt5RsFQ9rsGtFS8h7Rhwbg_UDFgZPXSpSxn1ASy9OqR7nMpQsqZOuGyA6Nirwc3IA27ezoj-34IGbAcrMrcCe9uPq-4yVYHYQuLA52/s320/photo+2-001.JPG" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I wish it would rain careys (cherries) because it is the best frot (fruit) I had ever tasted in my live (life)."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Awesome justification on that one. I love cherries too!<i> </i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KQvkDwe9iMVoOB3gbk3F7jzp5p6puLwJ_ONMyhCnyer_cLJ78LxF1aRwC6BwwtKuxNuaB7nYCoaxaD0hGMzaTp1uuo5XlUG12NUKjdbY8M8e0l1nvBt4mnhyphenhyphenEl4RfZhbaW3LbIl8bvPa/s1600/photo+3-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KQvkDwe9iMVoOB3gbk3F7jzp5p6puLwJ_ONMyhCnyer_cLJ78LxF1aRwC6BwwtKuxNuaB7nYCoaxaD0hGMzaTp1uuo5XlUG12NUKjdbY8M8e0l1nvBt4mnhyphenhyphenEl4RfZhbaW3LbIl8bvPa/s320/photo+3-001.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I wish it would rain ice crem because you don't have to go to the store"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this little one is clearly after my heart since they know how I adore ice cream...it's actually a running joke with the class ;)<i> </i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMoqZdWno1OcrLGIkYPYmoSfFdpq0gaA02ejKWkxaq_uA67KovGkbIt4TnxXqqz7ql7y0a_exEJ4zQMgxWPx6tJqHlRCdDZbdXTEVJMNVfx2Awn-RCr16MYnNeZ4rzLjtC_yOK0gcvgfx/s1600/photo+4-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMoqZdWno1OcrLGIkYPYmoSfFdpq0gaA02ejKWkxaq_uA67KovGkbIt4TnxXqqz7ql7y0a_exEJ4zQMgxWPx6tJqHlRCdDZbdXTEVJMNVfx2Awn-RCr16MYnNeZ4rzLjtC_yOK0gcvgfx/s320/photo+4-001.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I wish it would rain CupCakes because I well (will) try to eut (eat) ole (all) of them in 1 minits (minute)."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck with that one buddy!!<i> </i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaHCqqXFcvcswd67R2xyCg0xt38N9Nv3f-3V62m15tOx1KVyIamXks64nrKVajB2nol3wnuryNhJHgUc8ssuGeQmGk44_wcJcjkJqHtdKG2tahRkv7jXp1JAmAXgcImJ46X7VaZiACLsq/s1600/photo+5-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaHCqqXFcvcswd67R2xyCg0xt38N9Nv3f-3V62m15tOx1KVyIamXks64nrKVajB2nol3wnuryNhJHgUc8ssuGeQmGk44_wcJcjkJqHtdKG2tahRkv7jXp1JAmAXgcImJ46X7VaZiACLsq/s320/photo+5-001.JPG" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<i>"I wish it would rain Lego because I wat (want) ol (all) the Lego sets."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that's some "outside the box" thinking there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The rest were equally as cute and I'll be binding them into a book for our class library.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Au revoir, mes amis!</div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355454627942436241.post-69348665679441345172013-04-11T19:41:00.003-04:002013-04-13T19:47:04.937-04:00Play-Based Learning...In grade 1?I had the opportunity about a month ago to attend a workshop with some of my colleagues. The team included a Kindie Teacher, the DECE (Designated Early Childhood Educator) that works in her class, the grade 1/2 teacher, and myself - representing grade 1.<br />
<br />
We were pumped! The workshop was about Inquiry in the Primary Classroom and we were thinking "Yes! They'll tell us how to bring 'play-based' learning into our class". We had lots of questions like: Where does the time come from? What about assessment? Will our kiddos learn enough? The Kindie team was already doing this in their classrooms as part of the All-Day Every-Day Kindergarten program that was implemented in our school this year....<br />
<br />
So did we get our questions answered??? That would be a....not really....<br />
<br />
We were sent away to learn what we could about it by experimenting in our classes. So what did we learn? We have more questions than answers. Our students loved our 'exploration time'!! I'm not really loving our 'exploration time' though... Any ideas how I can keep it meaningful and engaging? What materials have you put out for students to explore in your class??<br />
<br />
I haven't found my groove yet, but my teaching partner has...check her out over at <a href="http://secondgradealicious.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Second-Grade-Alicious</a> to see what she's been up to. As for what we've been up to, here are some pics...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjXcpaDiH1Fit5uf_lUILudsOJFvKFIt5fLeFzyQsMzo_2BSBgNf196oj6oW_PfX4nAyIZDuR7HqRVbbshzbRjI8XU0qlUe_hPuzrl6Jc8TW3EtSQrPrq14KO7K_shhioqpzq-tRICiY3/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36C1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjXcpaDiH1Fit5uf_lUILudsOJFvKFIt5fLeFzyQsMzo_2BSBgNf196oj6oW_PfX4nAyIZDuR7HqRVbbshzbRjI8XU0qlUe_hPuzrl6Jc8TW3EtSQrPrq14KO7K_shhioqpzq-tRICiY3/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36C1-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrrGm2VxvYjCEmUweLpxu6JI05OrCkt5aFg3eFaiZGKfeRVaxkmhYINw_2yxYE27yWn9osnSdQECm1n0WRdeI6laiAjFfFrNX-QpBbfNUpzVm_-qedDW-IE9YdQ2TOm-uQW1ln3IhwTK3/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36C8-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrrGm2VxvYjCEmUweLpxu6JI05OrCkt5aFg3eFaiZGKfeRVaxkmhYINw_2yxYE27yWn9osnSdQECm1n0WRdeI6laiAjFfFrNX-QpBbfNUpzVm_-qedDW-IE9YdQ2TOm-uQW1ln3IhwTK3/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36C8-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I brought a cash register from home that I used when I taught Kindergarten and the students brainstormed some places where we would use a cash register. After some narrowing down, they decided to make a restaurant. Here are a couple of my cuties working on 'menus' for the restaurant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn6IogpRuzsUSxsv5tMulAEh0_etszZTKCS5w73oc1bs88fL9LOgcfWRv3Z_jnXQA1XswQycp_jCjPOwKnthUJ5pZr3uj2CEHW6dam8XVeg3yes_MgqPV9RYRIvFCiOtrpkfqR8qzMvNA/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36D7-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn6IogpRuzsUSxsv5tMulAEh0_etszZTKCS5w73oc1bs88fL9LOgcfWRv3Z_jnXQA1XswQycp_jCjPOwKnthUJ5pZr3uj2CEHW6dam8XVeg3yes_MgqPV9RYRIvFCiOtrpkfqR8qzMvNA/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36D7-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUHbf8xgEdeb0yJMidrJDxMB-FHTF9H6sBXXQw_G1xUkxVkT6xPVrW6KOSHP1csFuYdB_DltfC-ZyFniyFBHfZ1IfS4LpUppW6JQBIUGs98FOPzEKw91UL00yBEkBdcDSa7CjLruyucXW/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36D1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUHbf8xgEdeb0yJMidrJDxMB-FHTF9H6sBXXQw_G1xUkxVkT6xPVrW6KOSHP1csFuYdB_DltfC-ZyFniyFBHfZ1IfS4LpUppW6JQBIUGs98FOPzEKw91UL00yBEkBdcDSa7CjLruyucXW/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36D1-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here a couple students decided to build a tower with plastic glasses. They were all done and I asked: "Is that the tallest tower we could build?" They said: "Yup!" I then flipped a cup on its end to show them a different perspective...then off they went to build a 2nd tower!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOSSBDEfx06B8XjIKEWLsPBfbHW-4iTK6U6KuoT7kdaOg8tmicW0i1qHedf89cPQJ-Zpb96OtIMdgl3FRbDkVrukx9qKxKvj92KNftj1wOp25SUOZOsZ8NT_Uy-6yNqO20w3Yb2l52FXh/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36EC-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOSSBDEfx06B8XjIKEWLsPBfbHW-4iTK6U6KuoT7kdaOg8tmicW0i1qHedf89cPQJ-Zpb96OtIMdgl3FRbDkVrukx9qKxKvj92KNftj1wOp25SUOZOsZ8NT_Uy-6yNqO20w3Yb2l52FXh/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36EC-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn393J1q85NojlIbU9HEejLc2H2wojYwmy4SZOJx39w8YljFZJ434uKtItZifhLa4ln7wPrpPkgm7sUuIAywqzukpyzeKQpiDADFxmcJEjJLXklczY2QSOEuCjcirCoDwdsJV0SAQhWkz/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36DF-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn393J1q85NojlIbU9HEejLc2H2wojYwmy4SZOJx39w8YljFZJ434uKtItZifhLa4ln7wPrpPkgm7sUuIAywqzukpyzeKQpiDADFxmcJEjJLXklczY2QSOEuCjcirCoDwdsJV0SAQhWkz/s1600/iPhone+Image+8C36DF-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In Social Studies, my kiddos are learning about communities. I put out a large scale map of our neighbourhood (thank you Google Earth!) and borrowed the construction paper road idea from a colleague at another school. The students then went adding buildings according to the large map. It's definitely one of those times I could see the benefit of this "play" time and loved how engaged my kiddos were :)<br />
<br />
Au revoir mes amis,Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905485687062101649noreply@blogger.com1