What to do?

School is out and it's the holidays. What to do? Here are some simple ideas with things you may already have on hand....

• Homemade play-dough (here's a recipe: www.familyeducation.com/fun/playdough/6-homemade-playdough-recipes)
• String beads on pipe cleaner
• enjoy books together
• build a fort
• paper and markers (draw pictures and send to family or friends)
• play games! (https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/christmas-activities-traditions/12-days-fun-cheap-christmas-activities-families)

Merry Christmas!

We had a terrific response of giving for our "giving tree" at preschool. Thank you all for your generosity in giving and helping the children learn the joy of giving during this season! I know that the Hesston Resource Center and families that receive these items will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks again!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!!

Class pictures

It has taken us almost all semester to get class pictures done. But we did it!

TR class

MWF class

We are thankful....

We are thankful for each family and child who attends preschool. We are honored to work with and teach each one. Thank you for entrusting them into our care. 

                                 

Nature

Nature is one of my loves and I try to integrate it into each day, in some way. A few weeks ago we learned about apples and I had collected a LOT of acorns and buckeyes for the sensory table. We dumped all of the acorns and buckeyes on the playground in hopes that the squirrels would find and hide them. Nope. They aren't very hungry squirrels. Every single acorn and buckeye are still on the playground. The children are very fascinated with these acorns and buckeyes and are collecting them and stomping them whenever we go out to the playground. It's great! 

Stomp and crack!

She cracked open and lined up these nuts
for the squirrels. She made it
easy for them.

Making pumpkin muffins

Such good, dedicated little helpers. We had a good time and nothing dumped or spilled. Whew!!

We are ready to make some muffins!

Stirring takes work and concentration

Get all of the lumps out.

Here's our step-by-step recipe

Mixing the wet ingredients

It's helpful to have a friend
hold the bowl while you mix.

Mixing dry and wet ingredients
together.

And I don't have a picture of the finished product.
We were too busy eating them!! 

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

I know something is good if the children ask for the recipe (or say "make it again"). Most of the children really enjoyed the muffins. Not a crumb left. Here is the trusty recipe. I did make some substitutions and it seemed to work okay (I used canola oil in one batch and butter in another). 
Monday's group made the muffins. Tuesday's group just enjoyed them. :)

BEST EVER PUMPKIN MUFFINS

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

·      1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

·      1 cup sugar

·      1/2 cup dark brown sugar

·      1 teaspoon baking soda

·      1/2 teaspoon salt

·      2 teaspoons cinnamon

·      1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

·      1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

·      2 eggs

·      1 15 ounce can pure pumpkin puree

·      1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

·      1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Directions:

1.   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and place 12 paper liners into each well of your standard size muffin baking pan.

2.   Measure out the flour, sugars, baking soda, salt and spices in a medium bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

3.   In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, coconut oil and vanilla extract.

4.   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir together. Do not over mix, just stir until everything is incorporated into the batter.

5.   It is helpful to use a large scoop (like an ice cream scoop) to evenly distribute the batter into each well. They will be nearly full. This will help give your muffins a nice puffy dome.

6.   Bake your muffins for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Notes:

Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction
Recipe by Lovely Little Kitchen at http://lovelylittlekitchen.com/best-ever-pumpkin-muffins/