Dear Reader,
This Blog is designed for the parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children. Each post will highlight a great book that all children should hear, with tips to enrich beginning reading skills. You will also find fun recipes that go along with each story. Enjoy reading and cooking with the children in your life.
*Read to the children in your life every day. You are giving them a gift that will last a lifetime!
All Are Welcome By: Alexandra Penfold Illustrated by: Suzanne Kaufman
Ages: Pre-school through Second Grade
This is a perfect book to read to children as they begin a new school year. It would be a great read for teachers on the first day of school and for parents to read right before school starts. The book projects the importance of inclusion and diversity and portrays school as a safe place for everyone.
Tips for Reading:
- Prior to reading the book, ask the child to tell you how they feel about going back to school.
- After reading the book, ask the child to tell you how their classmates are alike and how they are different.
- After reading, ask the child to tell you how they can help to make everyone welcome in their classroom.
Additional Books:
- Our Class is a Family By: Shannon Olsen Illustrated by: Sandie Sonke
- A Letter From Your Teacher By: Shannon Olsen Illustrated by: Sandie Sonke
- The Pigeon Has to go to School! By: Mo Willems
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates By: Ryan T. Higgens
Cooking Time:
French Toast Fingers
This is an easy and delicious breakfast treat for kids as the school year begins. Children can help by adding and mixing the ingredients.
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
8 slices day-old white bread
Powdered sugar, optional
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and salt. Set aside.
- Spread preserves on four slices of bread. Top with another piece of bread.
- Trim off the crusts and cut sandwiches into three strips.
- Heat a skillet or griddle to medium. Grease lightly.
- Dip bread strips into the egg mixture.
- Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional).
Makes 4 servings.
Lunchbox Quesadillas
This is a nutritious lunch that kids will love. Children can help form the layers on the quesadillas.
Mayonnaise
8 inch flour tortillas
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomato
Deli turkey
Deli ham
Provolone cheese
Bacon strips, cooked
- Spread the mayo onto a flour tortilla.
- Layer on the lettuce, tomato, turkey, ham, cheese and bacon.
- Top with another flour tortilla.
- Cut into quarters and pack for lunch.
Make as many as you would like.
Banana Chip Muffins
These delicious muffins are perfect to pack for lunch. Children can help by measuring, adding ingredients and cracking the egg.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line muffin tin with paper liners.
1 3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, banana and applesauce.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the egg mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Fill each muffin tin 2/3rds full.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out almost clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Remove the muffins and return to the rack to complete the cooling process.
Makes 1 1/2 dozen muffins.
