Friday, October 28, 2011

A Trip To The Pumpkin Patch

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We had a wonderful time at the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago.




A local business plants a large field of pumpkins every year.  In October, they open it up to the schools as a field trip destination.  They provide an excellent learning experience for the children and they are very generous hosts.  After getting off the bus, we sat down and listened to a presentation on the pumpkin life cycle.


As the presenter spoke, they passed around little sponge-filled jars containing sprouted pumpkin seeds.


Afterward, we tromped off to the field where each child selected a pumpkin to take home as a memento. The workers cut them and wiped them off before placing them in bags for the kiddos.  Before leaving school, we reminded the children not to choose a large pumpkin as they would be responsible for carrying it back to the classroom. It's a long walk from the bus stop back to our room.


After everyone had their prized pumpkin, we walked back to the parking lot where the employees served the children cookies and juice.  Yummy!


Next, we took a group picture and then each child was photographed individually standing next to a scarecrow.  Then it was time to get back on the bus and head home.


In August, I ordered some cute Halloween stickers from Oriental Trading Co.  After we got back to class, we gave each child a packet of the stickers.  They had a ball creating their own pumpkin faces with them.  


When they finished, we took more pictures.  Then it was time to go home.


What a fun and memorable day!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

More Applesauce

Follow Me on Pinterest It's a little late, but I still want to post pictures of our applesauce adventure.  We made it on September 22nd.  I had several wonderful parents volunteer to come in that day and help.


They were so cute.  They took turns running the peeler/corer and they were all very helpful.


After the parents prepared the apples, the children chopped them up into little pieces.


When they finished, they dumped their pieces into a bowl.  The contents of the bowl eventually made it in to my electric skillet.  After adding some cinnamon, sugar and a little bit of fresh lemon juice, the apples simmered for a couple of hours.  Oh my!  The room smelled wonderful!


While they patiently waited, the children worked on various other tasks.  They sorted and counted manipulatives, worked on phonics with my partner and colored their Johnny Appleseed puppets.



(I have so many precious photos of the children that I wish I could share with you, but these anonymous pics will have to do.)

About half an hour before dismissal, we portioned out the tasty dish and set the cups on the table to cool while we went out to recess.



Here's a photo of the world's best aide:)  Thanks for all you do for us Diana.


At last.  Time to enjoy the fruit of our labor.  Yummy!


Monday, October 17, 2011

Pinkalicious

Follow Me on Pinterest For all you Pinkalicious fans, check out the newest book out this fall, and Maryland Pink and Green's blog to see Bethany's photos from a book signing event.  It looks like it was lots of fun!



Maryland Pink and Green: Pinkalicious Book Signing Party: Room and Board, Washington’s premier retailer for contemporary American-made home furnishings, hosted a book signing party with award-winni...



Karen


Sunday, October 16, 2011

Acorn Treats

Follow Me on Pinterest I just ran across the cutest autumn treat and thought I'd share the pic.  Does anybody know what cookie they used for the acorn top?


What are some of your favorite fall treats?