Promised Links

So, we've been learning all kinds of things...and having some fun along the way, too, of course. 

Darling students, here are the links I promised I'd share: 

• Sound of Music Flash Mop 
• How to write a strong conclusion for your persuasive essay
• Taekwondo video (a digital gift for for Lyn) 
• Panda Cups and Nanny's "War" (...and here's one for Gavin)
• Tour the World 
• Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies (the ones I always make) 

Enjoy!! 

With thanks...

I want to thank those of you 16 parents (and guests from Argentina!) who were able to come to the Parent Engagement session this morning. It was really so great to see you and I hope you found the time beneficial. 

I so enjoyed seeing you interact with your sweetie (and "adopted" students) as you engaged in shared reading and writing post-it notes about your thinking. 

For those of you who were unable to come, please avail yourself of these resources: 

1. Outline of our "lesson"

2. Review of a Just Right book

3. Bookmark (prompts to help you interact at home...see pic)

4. Cookie recipe (So sorry that you missed out on these as they really are yummy!) 

5. Pictures from our time together. (I regret that I was unable to photography everyone.)

6. Finally, after parents left, the class wanted me to read the rest of the book, Goal, as some didn't get a chance to finish because they were too busy writing great post-it notes. 

After reading the book, we read the Author's note and I shared how the comments the author made about soccer being a sport that is loved around the world reminded me of an inspiration story I heard once, which you may learn about here. It's truly amazing to consider that where there's a will, there's a way. Follow your dream, even if you have to invent things along the way to realize it. I also love the quote, "Dreams don't work unless you do." 

Also, as for the cookies, to make them even better, here are some suggested modifications:

• I always double the recipe when making them. I feel like if you go to the trouble of making cookies, you should be able to enjoy a fair amount and also have some leftover to share. 

• I use President Butter (French). For the conversion, it comes out to 227 grams of butter that are needed. I also have it thawed, but slightly chilled as it seems to yield a better cookie.

• Cook at 177 C for 10 min. Every oven is different, but try not to over-bake them. They are better if slightly soft. When they start to smell amazing and look a tiny bit golden, they are most likely done. They will also continue to cook for 1-2 min. even after you remove them from the oven, so keep that in mind.

• I also use 1 teaspoon of baking soda, not 1/4 teaspoon. I like the cookies to be a little puffy, so this helps to do that.

• Don't forget to sprinkle with ground salt before putting them into the oven. I sometimes forget that last step!

Bring-Your-Own-Device-Day!

The class has been working hard to earn "compliments" as part of our class reward system. Finally, today, they have reached their goal! 

The reward is to bring their own device (ipad, ipod, iphone...but please, no laptops) to school for one day, which I will allow for limited periods during the day for both fun and research. 

Please know that if your child does bring his/her device to school, it is his/her own responsibility to take care of it. I will happily offer my locked desk drawer for safety, if preferred. 

We will also enjoy some cookies, so if you are in the baking mood tonight, please feel free to send some in. (I will also do some baking, hopefully.) 

We are looking forward to a fun day of devices and cookies, as well are our regular lessons. :) Thanks for your support! 

Let there be cookies!

So, a few of you requested to have the recipe for the cookies I served at our UN Day event. I'm happy to share it as it's really one of my absolute favorites! I just love the combination of sweet and salty. 

I am a big believer in using fresh, quality ingredients, so I recommend French butter (President), Fair Trade Brown Sugar and American flour, although flour is usually pretty standard around the world. 

Also, I always double the recipe, so it yields more to share. (Don't forget your teacher!) 

Recipe: Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chip Pretzel Cookies


Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. of salt To convert teaspoons to ml, click here.
• 1/4 tsp. of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of butter at room temperature (113 grams) To convert from cups to grams, use this link. 
• 1/2 cup of tightly packed light brown sugar 
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or imitation vanilla) 
• 1 cup milk or semi-chocolate chips (I use the whole bag)
• 1/2 cup peanut-butter chips (Reese's) (Again, I use a whole bag)
• 1/2 cup broken up pretzel pieces 
• Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugars together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). On low speed, slowly add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Beat to combine, scrape down the sides of the bowl. (I always just start with the wet ingredients, then add the dry and it's fine. No need to dirty two bowls.) 
3. Add the flour mixture and beat just until there are no more streaks of flour. Stir in the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and preztels. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. (I never do this.)
4. Preheat the oven to 350F/177C.  Scoop out well rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough and sprinkle with pretzel salt. Leave about 2 inches between each ball. Bake for 10 minutes. If you prefer crispier cookies increase the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing.

I hope you enjoy the deliciousness!