Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

     May 2 through May 6th 2011 is teacher appeciation week!!!! Don't forget those very special people in your child's lives...
Here are a few ideas to help you find just the right way to say THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!


Download the PDF, edit to add your child's name and print on card-stock.
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/04/08/teacher-appreciation-week-ideas/

Editable Teacher Appreciation Flower Picks

Stick your pick into some beautiful flowers and brighten your teacher's day!

You could have your child print and color these great World's Best Teacher Diploma's!
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/pdfs/worlds_best_teacher_diploma_uk.pdf


 "A teacher affects eternity; no one can tell where his influence stops". Henry Adams

Create a reading basket:
http://www.allstaractivities.com/general/Holidays/teacher-presents.htm
 Purchase a wicker laundry basket and put in big bright letters MRS. X's READING BASKET on the outside. Ask each child in the class to donate his/her favorite book. Be sure to let parents know that they must be appropriate for the grade level. Have the child write a simple message to the teacher on the insider cover and sign their name. Place all of the books into the basket. This will be a present that the teacher will love and that will be used for many years. My daughter's teacher loved this present.


Compliments of www.skiptomylou.org

Mrs. ____ has the recipe for success. Decorate with a picture of each student in a chef's hat holding utensils. Be sure to include this recipe as well.

Recipe:
Take ___ boys and ___ girls (enter number in class)

Mix gently in a classroom

Marinate with creativity, knowledge and love

Let simmer for 9 or 10 months

Sprinkle with laugher and enthusiasm

This recipe makes _____ students ready for the challenges

of _____ grade. (enter total number of students, and grade children will be in next year).

One of the greatest gifts you can give a teacher is a handwritten, heartfelt note! Being a teacher is one of the most important jobs around...  Let them know that you appreciate what they do!

Mother's Day Poems/Craft

   
     When it comes time for Mother's Day, my favorite gift to make is the hand/footprint with a special poem on it. You can use paint/stamp pads, It is something that Moms/Grandmother's can treasure forever.  It is a keeper for sure!  If you have a favorite quote or saying, you could also substitute that for the poem...  Here are a few poems to choose from:

My Mommy Cuddles Me – Anonymous
http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/verse/poems/mom-poems/kids/

My mommy cuddles me
kisses me, hugs me and misses me
pampers me, praises me, always
amazes me
Washes my clothes for me,
tickles my toes for me,
giggles and talks with me,
and also goes on walks with me,
Says "sweet dreams" to me,
Sings sweet songs to me,
I am glad she belongs to me.

No Better Mom
http://www.poemsource.com/mother-poems.html

It’s Mother’s Day, Mom,
And I want you to know
I’ll just love you more
Every year that I grow.
You’re a wonderful mother;
You show that you care;
There’s no better mom
On earth anywhere!
By Joanna Fuchs

Grandma Mother's Day Poem

Mother poems can include poems for grandmother on Mother’s Day. This grandma Mother’s Day poem sends a Mother’s day message that every grandmother would love to hear.
http://www.poemsource.com/mother-poems.html
Wonderful Grandma
Grandma, you’re so wonderful,
On Mother’s Day I think of you--
The unconditional love you give
The sweet and generous things you do.
You’ve made a difference in my life;
I love you more than I can say.
That’s why I give this poem to you,
To wish you “Happy Mother’s Day!”
By Joanna Fuchs

Everything Mom
http://www.poemsource.com/mother-poems.html

How did you find the energy, Mom
To do all the things you did,
To be teacher, nurse and counselor
To me, when I was a kid.
How did you do it all, Mom,
Be a chauffeur, cook and friend,
Yet find time to be a playmate,
I just can’t comprehend.
I see now it was love, Mom
That made you come whenever I'd call,
Your inexhaustible love, Mom
And I thank you for it all.
By Joanna Fuchs

Fingerprint Poem
http://www.mothersdayfun.net/168/mothers-day-handprint-poems/
You always clean the fingerprints I leave upon the wall.

I seem to make a mess of things, because I am so small.
The years will pass so quickly, I’ll soon be grown like you
And all my little fingerprints will surely fade from view.
So here’s a special handprint, a memory that’s true.
So you’ll recall the very day I made this just for you!

Spring/Mother's Day printable writing paper

    
     For a quick Mother's Day/Spring project check out the link below!  You can print this really cute "Robin" (blank or lined) paper to write a special letter or thank you on....Use good quality paper to make them "extra" fancy.  Then, get out the stamps, markers, or anything else you'd like.  Matching envelopes can also be printed.  All you need is a glue stick! 
 http://busybeekidsprintables.s3.amazonaws.com/animals/birds/writingpaper/Robin_Lined.pdf

1 FREE Mother's Day Card from Shutterfly

Good thru April 29th, 2011!


http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Mother's Day gifts with Sand Art

     I often see the art sets at Michaels containing sand art.  My brain always gets to work and thinks "how can I make that at home, successfully?" I went to work and did some research.  There is a lot of activities to do with sand art out there!  I thought we'd make them to give as gifts, or add them to the wonderful collection of "stuff" beside their beds.  They look so pretty and you can get really creative with them.  Head to the store and find a unique container, let the children choose.  Fill a beautiful vase with sand and get to work on some tissue paper flowers.  Keeping children part of the process, really gives them a sense of accomplishment.  From picking out just the right vase, to designing the sand and flowers, they will feel so PROUD!  To me, a homemade gift is so special.  Give them away for Mother's Day! 
Colored Sand
http://www.babycenter.com/210_sand-art-recipes_16601.bc
3 Cups masonry sand
2 Tablespoons liquid tempra
Mix the ingredients and allow to dry, stirring occasionally. It will take about 24 hours to dry. For deeper colors, use more paint. If sand is not available, use salt.

Colored Sugar
In plastic bag, add several drops of food coloring to ½ Cup sugar. Squeeze mixture together. Use for cooking projects such as cookie decorations or arts and crafts projects.

Colored Rock Salt
Place food coloring into a bowl of rock salt. Add in rubbing alcohol and let sit about 10 minutes. Drain on towel and use for arts and craft projects.

To sand paint on the computer, click below! Your children will love it!
http://hicards.com/games/sand.html

Sand Art Planter (another great Mother's Day gift idea)
http://www.homemadesimple.com/en-US/Garden/Pages/sand-art-planter.aspx
From aloe to prickly pear, succulents are available in all colors, shapes and sizes. Once you’ve found your favorite, follow this easy step-by-step instructions to make a sand planter that doubles as décor.


Materials
Glass vessel
Sand, colors of your choice
Succulent plants

Instructions
1.Fill your glass vessel with a layer of sand, then pour a different color on top. Keep pouring alternating layers of sand, leaving the top 2-3” unfilled.

2.Gently break some of the soil off the succulent roots, then nestle them into the sand. To finish, cover the roots with more layers of sand.
Tip: Place your planters in direct sunlight and water them every two weeks.

Instructions to make simple candle holders out of jars and sand.

Materials Needed:
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/candleholders/a/blsandcand.htm
•Jars
•Sand
•Food Coloring
•Ribbon
•Glue

Instructions:
Place the sand in a glass or metal bowl and use the food coloring to tint it the desired color (you can also use rice). Fill the jar about two thirds full with the colored sand or rice. (It is easier to store these candle holders if you save the jar lids!) Glue and/or tie a ribbon around the top of the jar. Push a candle into the middle of the jar, pushing it into the sand.

How to Make Sand Art Stick to Paper
http://www.ehow.com/how_4869052_make-sand-art-stick-paper.html


Things you'll need:
Paper
Colored sand
Double-sided tape
Glue
Glue stick
Contact paper

Directions
1. Lay a sheet of paper in front of you. Squeeze some glue on the paper and spread until the entire paper is covered with glue. Sprinkle the colored sand on the paper wherever you want it to go. Wait for the glue to dry and shake excess sand in to the trash can.

2. Place a sheet of paper in front of you and stick double-sided tape in lines across the paper from left to right. You will need several lines of it to cover the paper. Sprinkle your colored sand on the paper and it will stick to the tape. Shake excess sand off over a trash can.

3. Cut out an 8-by-11 sheet of contact paper. Place the smooth side down in front of you. Sprinkle your colored sand over the paper in whichever pattern you desire. Shake excess sand off over a trash can.

4. Use a glue stick to draw pictures or make letters on a piece of paper. Spill the sand over the shapes you drew with the glue stick. The sand will stick to the glue only. You can shake off excess sand in to a trash can and admire the picture you have left.

Free Totes from the Disney Store

Join Disney Store on Earth Day! (U.S.)


Receive a FREE Reusable Shopping Bag on Friday, 4/22, when you bring in and recycle 5 plastic shopping bags.

*Limit one bag per Guest, while supplies last. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice. Excludes Outlet locations. Call store for more details
http://aimg.disneystore.com/content/ds/popups/grandopening1023.html

Earth Day Activities

     Earth Day, April 22nd, is a great day to celebrate with children! You could go as far as planting a tree, or just a simple conversation about what we can do to help the earth!

Coffee Ground Fossils

Recycle old coffee grounds and create your very own fossils in this easy to make craft.
What you need:

http://homeschooling.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/earthday/cando.html

- 1 cup of used coffee grounds

- 1/2 cup of cold coffee

- 1 cup of flour

- 1/2 cup of salt

- Wax paper

- Mixing bowl

- Some small objects to make impressions in the dough

- Empty can – get an adult to help you with this
Steps:

1. Stir the together the coffee grounds, cold coffee, flour, and salt until well mixed.

2. Roll the dough and flatten it onto the waxed paper.

3. With an adult’s help, use the can to cut out circles of the dough.

4. Press your objects firmly into the dough. When you take the object out, you have your "fossil". If you want to hang the fossil, poke holes into the edge to hold the string.

5. Let the fossil dry overnight and then hang it if you wish.


    Get out those empty cartons, paper tubes and other products you are no longer using.  Spread them out on table and get to work!  The possibilities are endless. 
Check out the link below for instructions on how to make the earth using coffee filters.

http://www.familycraftandbakestop.com/2011/01/coffee-filter-crafts.html


http://funschool.kaboose.com/images/printables/ed_word_search.pdf

     Head to the grocery store and give your children the job of "remembering" the reusable bags!
Share your Earth Day ideas! COMMENT below...

A Hip, A Hop, A Hippity Hoppity Don't Stop

A Hip, A Hop, A Hippity Hoppity Don't Stop

Carrot Side Dishes

     Carrot side dishes are always a good bet when planning a menu for family get togethers.  Here are a few different takes on yummy carrots!  Enjoy!  

Zesty Glazed Carrots

http://southernfood.about.com/od/carrots/r/bl50215l.htm

Ingredients:•2 tablespoons butter

•1/4 cup brown sugar
•2 tablespoons spicy mustard or regular prepared mustard
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•3 cups sliced carrots, cooked and drained
•2 teaspoons fresh minced parsley
Preparation:
Melt butter in a large skillet; stir in brown sugar, mustard, and salt. Stir in carrots. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thoroughly heated and nicely glazed, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley.
Serves 4.
Glazed Mini Carrots

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/glazed_mini_carrots.html
Ingredients
3 cups mini carrots, (1 pound)
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1.Combine carrots, water, honey, butter and salt in a large skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is a syrupy glaze, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition Per serving:
74 calories; 2 g fat ( 1 g sat , 1 g mono ); 5 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 236 mg sodium; 287 mg potassium.


Apple Glazed Carrots

http://recipebridges.com/g/MTAxNTcwMTk6Ojo6OTA=
Ingredients
1 cup Apple NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound baby carrots
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
COMBINE Juicy Juice and cornstarch in small bowl; mix until smooth.
COOK carrots in boiling water for 10 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain. Return to pan; add butter, honey and salt. Add Juicy Juice mixture; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until glaze is thickened.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

http://recipebridges.com/g/ODQ2Mzc5MDo6OjoxMjc=
Serves 4

Sweet honey, tangy vinegar and rich butter provide a balanced glaze for carrots. This dish makes a colorful accompaniment to roast beef or chicken.
Ingredients
1 pound baby carrots or young carrots with green tops, peeled and greens trimmed to 1/2 inch
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
Chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Method
Steam carrots over an inch or two of boiling water until just tender, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet and stir in honey and vinegar. Add steamed carrots to the skillet and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until carrots are well glazed, 2 to 4 minutes. Season carrots with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition
Per serving (About 5oz/133g-wt.): 120 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 1g protein, 18g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 14g sugar), 15mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium

Canvas People | Create Your Photo Canvas Now

Great Mother's Day gift idea! Free canvas print. Just pay shipping and handling. Canvas People Create Your Photo Canvas Now

TLC'S Extreme Couponing

Last night I got caught up on the new series on TLC.  It was great to see people saving like that!  What are your thoughts on the show? Did you like it?  Did you learn any new ways to save with coupons?...

Coca-Cola coupon

Head over here for $1.00 off 2 Coca-Cola products

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vi&tqnm=ydjlbsr48099417&o=85098&c=AS&p=agLJ3zus

Clean Eating recipe

I thought I would share a recipe from my new "favorite" magazine... The articles are full of food facts, easy to read, and the recipes are healthy.  This dish has a light flavor, it is a nice change from the mayonaise and dressing pasta salads.  Has anyone else read the Clean Eating magazine?

http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/Recipes/Recipe/Greek-Salad-With-Baked-Pita-.aspx
INGREDIENTS:

•2 6-inch whole-wheat pitas

•1 English cucumber, unpeeled and chopped

•2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped

•1/2 red onion, chopped

•1 15-oz can low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained

•1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

•1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

•3 tbsp lemon juice

•Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

•2 oz low-fat feta cheese, crumbled

•Paprika for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each pita into 4 strips and cut each strip into 1-inch triangles, splitting apart the 2 “sides” of the pita as you cut. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in oven until pita is crispy, about 10 minutes, tossing once.

2.In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, chickpeas and parsley. Add oil, lemon juice and pepper; toss well. Add feta and toasted pita and toss again. Garnish with a dash of paprika and serve immediately.

Nutrients per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 280, Total Fat: 7 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 44 g, Fiber: 8 g, Sugars: 5 g, Protein: 13 g, Sodium: 400 mg, Cholesterol: 5 mg

Easter Basket ideas

Creating an Easter basket filled with things children are ACTUALLY going to use can take some thought!   Peeps are usually a sure bet.  If they don't eat them then they still look cute... The peeps in this basket are put on skewers.  This makes for a really nice presentation.  (I think I'd use this for older children).  Then go ahead a choose a theme.


http://ediblecraftsonline.com/candy_bouquets/cb18/index.htm
Focus on a hobby they love or have been wanting to get into.  Such as painting, horse riding, scrapbooking, stamping, singing, dancing, gymnastics, leggos, sports, reading etc...
For example if your child loves to dance, fill it with a sparkly dance outfit or tutu.  A music CD they have been wanting would be nice too.  You could really have a lot of fun with these themes.
There are also magazines focused on all of these ideas.  Roll one up and tie with a big bright bow! They could go with any of these basket themes.
What child wouldn't want a soccer ball in the middle of their basket.  Add some chocolate soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs etc.  You can find these in any department store such as Target or Walmart.  For older children put a sports related chapter book inside.  What about one from the great children's author Mike Lupica. http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/news/story/0,28277,1987906,00.html
My children love those Fairy books! You could go nuts with the fairy theme! Make it all one color and choose one of the color fairy books they offer such as Ruby The Red Fairy  http://www.rainbowmagiconline.com/uk/books/books_rainbow.html
Your child will not miss a basket filled with candy( they really don't need) if it is filled with things they love!

TLC'S Extreme Couponing show

Check out a preview of TLC'S new "Extreme couponing" show... Looks good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyHHKx5tHAg&feature=player_embedded

LifeEaster Coupons - Nestlé Family

Getting ready for Easter? Here are some candy coupons worth checking out! Click on the link below LifeEaster Coupons - Nestlé Family

Coupons

While searching the web, I found some coupons worth a look!

http://www.wickedcooldeals.com/2011/04/price-chopper-save-5-on-10-corporate-brand-products-see-whats-cheap.html

click on link below, fill out the form, and get a coupon from Heinz
http://www.heinzvinegar.com/



http://www.wickedcooldeals.com/2011/04/hot-free-price-chopper-cereal-value-2.html



http://www.wickedcooldeals.com/2011/04/kodak-gallery-free-photo-magnet-for-new-members-1-shipping.html

Easter Carrots!

Today at my daughters story hour we made the cutest place settings.  They were so simple to make.  You can use orange construction paper and roll into a cone shape.  Staple or tape and stuff with large green napkin.  You can even place some garden markers inside with your guests names on them.  If you wanted you could use fancier napkins and dress them up more... So many different versions can be made.  Below are a few other "carrot" themed ideas, along with a great site for printable place settings.  Enjoy!



http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/kidcraft.html
Materials:
Orange paper napkins, dinner size
Green plastic utensils
Green pipe cleaners

Time Needed:
Under 1 Hour



Directions
1. For each carrot, fold one of the paper napkins into a rectangle. Place a set of utensils across the lower left corner of the rectangle, fold in the lower right corner as shown, then roll it up loosely.
2. Wrap one or two green pipe cleaners around the napkin and necks of the utensils, then twist them to secure, as shown.
3. Trim the pipe cleaners a bit, if desired, so they look like leafy carrot tops.

Looking for a cute place setting card for your guests?

click on links below:
http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/bleabasktplcrd.htm


http://familycrafts.about.com/library/projects/bleapeepplcrd.htm

Carrot Patch cookies

http://familyfun.go.com/easter/easter-recipes/easter-cakes-desserts/carrot-patch-cookies-998993/
Ingredients

Orange Mike and Ike candies
Green gummy candy (we used Rips licorice pieces, which are flat)
Nabisco Biscos sugar wafer cookies
Chocolate frosting
Chocolate wafer cookie crumbs

Instructions

To make each carrot, cut a slit in one end of a Mike and Ike candy with a sharp knife (an adult's job). Cut a small triangle from the green gummy candy (if needed, roll it flat), then fringe the base to form leaves. Tuck the triangle into the slit of the Mike and Ike and pinch it closed.

For each carrot planter, place a wafer cookie base on a flat surface. Form the longer walls from two whole cookies and cut a third one to fit the shorter ends. Attach the pieces with frosting.

To fill four planters, combine 2 tablespoons frosting with 2 tablespoons cookie crumbs.

Fill each box with the mixture, then press three candy carrots inside.
If needed, add more of the frosting mixture to hold the carrots in place.
Notes: We used Biscos because they're smaller than many other brands. If you use a larger cookie, increase the amount of frosting and cookie crumbs.

Slow Cooker soup recipes

I love to cook with my crockpot.  I tend to use it in "spurts!".  With today being a rather cold one, I decided it would be a good idea to pull it out.  Below are two slow cooker soup recipes, all of which are full of veggies!  The Vegetarian Gumbo recipe uses white grape juice in it.  It must add great flavor to the gumbo... Let me know what you think of that! Have you ever used white grape juice in your slow cooker recipes?  Enjoy... 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Veggie-Potato-Soup

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (16 ounces) frozen vegetable blend of your choice
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions
In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, vegetables, beans, broth, taco seasoning and garlic; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Garnish with cheese if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings (2-3/4 quarts).
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 145 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 19 mg cholesterol, 573 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 11 g protein.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Easy-Vegetable-Soup

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (16 ounces) frozen vegetable blend of your choice
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions
In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, vegetables, beans, broth, taco seasoning and garlic; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Garnish with cheese if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings (2-3/4 quarts).
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 145 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 19 mg cholesterol, 573 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 11 g protein.


Vegetarian Gumbo
http://www.cooking-recipes.net/vegetarian-recipes/vegetarian-gumbo.php
Ingredients:
1 Onion, chopped
1/2 Green pepper, diced
2 Ribs Celery, diced
1 Clove garlic, minced
1 lb Okra, sliced, fresh
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp Basil or Rosemary, minced canned
1 tsp Vegetable Bouillon granules
1/2 cup White Grape Juice
1/2 cup Water
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/4 tsp Paprika
1 lb Tomatoes, fresh, or canned
2 cup Corn, fresh or, frozen
Vegetable coating spray

In a large heavy stew pot, place bouillon and 1/2 C white grape juice, onion, green pepper, celery garlic, cook until tender, 5-7 minutes. Add other ingredients, cook over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking to bottom. Cover and simmer gently until corn and okra are done. (or simmer in crockpot 6-7 hours)

Cut fresh corn from cob with a sharp knife, then scrape the remaining corn off the cob. Four ears will make about two cups. If you use dried herbs, rub them with the palms of your hands before adding to the pot, this releases their aroma and goodness.

Easter fun with Jelly beans

JELLY BEANS!!! So many different ways to use them during the Easter holiday...


Jellybeans Could Circle the Globe
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/eastercandy1.html

•Americans consume 16 billion jellybeans at Easter, many of them hidden in baskets. If all the Easter jellybeans were lined end to end, they would circle the globe nearly three times.

•Jellybeans did not become an Easter tradition until the 1930s. They were probably first made in America by Boston candy maker William Schrafft, who ran advertisements urging people to send jellybeans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War.

•70% of kids aged 6–11 say they prefer to eat Easter jellybeans one at a time, while 23% report eating several at once. Boys (29%) were more apt to eat a handful than girls (18%).

•Children indicate their favorite Easter jellybean flavors are cherry (20%), strawberry (12%), grape (10%), lime (7%), and blueberry (6%).

Check out link below for a Jelly bean adding printable for children.  Scroll down page to find it.
http://www.teachingheart.net/easterpage.html


http://www.janbrett.com/happy_easter_eggs_coloring_page.htm

Easter Jelly Bean Fudge

http://www.showkidsthefun.com/activity/easter-jelly-bean-fudge.html
 
What You’ll Need

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 (16 ounce) container vanilla frosting
2 cups miniature jelly beans in pastel colors (or the speckled type)

Directions
Line a 9-inch square pan with foil and grease lightly.
Melt the chips according to the package directions or in a heavy saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Add the frosting and stir until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. (Fudge mixture should still be easy to stir, but not hot enough to melt the jelly beans.)
Add the jelly beans and stir well.
Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and cool to room temperature.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Remove the foil and fudge from the pan together and place on a cutting surface.
Carefully remove the foil and cut the fudge into small pieces.
Makes 3 dozen pieces.

Five Little Jelly Beans: A color recognition and counting felt board activity.

http://workofheart.bravehost.com/easter.htm
Display five different colored jelly bean cut-outs on your felt board. As you recite the poem, ask student to pull the correct colored jelly bean from the board.

Five little jelly beans,

I wish I had more!

I'll eat the red one,

Now there are four.


Four little jelly beans,

Tasty as can be.

I'll eat the blue one,

Now there are three.


Three little jelly beans,

Only a few.

I'll eat the green one,

Now there are two.


Two little jellybeans,

Eating them is fun.

I'll eat the yellow one,

Now there is one.


One little jellybean

The last one is for me.

I'll eat the purple one,

I'm as happy as can be!

Jelly bean Easter basket cupcakes

http://www.celebrations.com/content/jelly-bean-easter-basket-cupcakes

Ingredients

•1 box Pilsbury Funfetti cupcake mix
•2 eggs
•1/3 cup vegetable oil
•1 half package of flaked coconut
•1 package red (or brown) shoe string licorice
•1 package Jelly Beans
•1 pinch green food coloring
•1 can vanilla icing

Directions
1. Bake Pilsbury Funfetti Cupcakes by following the directions on the back of the box.

2. Allow to cool before icing each one with vanilla icing.

3. In a medium bowl mix flaked coconut with 2-3 drops of green food coloring. Your desired color should represent "grass."

4. Sprinkle the green coconut on top of the vanilla iced cupcakes - it should stick nicely. Top with assorted Jelly Beans.

5. Poke a piece of shoe string licorice (about 4 - 5 inches long) on either side of the cupcake so it looks like a basket handle.


My girls love these books!  Laura Numeroff is also the author of "If you give a pig a pancake, If you give a mouse a cookie, If you give a Moose a muffin, etc...."

Snow Ice Cream

My friend Michelle let me in on a special treat... Its called Snow Ice Cream.  Simple to make and the perfect activity on a snow day!  We are all home for a snow day, I'll be making these for sure!!! Enjoy.
http://www.squidoo.com/snowicecream

Snow Ice Cream Recipes
These recipes start out with the same basic ingredient, a huge bowl of snow (8-12 cups). You just stir in the other ingredients to make the snow.

Vanilla Snow Ice Cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cream or milk

Vanilla Recipe #2
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Snow Ice Cream
1 cup sugar
1 cup chocolate milk

Quik Chocolate Recipe
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
Nestle's Quik, to taste

Strawberry Snow Ice Cream
1 package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 small package strawberry-flavored gelatin

WATCH A "HOW TO" VIDEO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=A1Ar-Zbn9TI