Our Class is a Family

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!

Our Class is a Family            By:  Shannon Olsen            Illustrated by:  Sandie Sonke

Ages:  Preschool through Second Grade

 

 

Our Class is a Family is the perfect book for teachers and/or parents to read on the first day of school.  Children spend most of their time in the classroom and they need to feel like their teachers and classmates are like a family in many ways.  This special book is done in rhyming verse and the illustrations are perfect for the theme of the book.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Reading:

• Before reading the story, discuss with the child or children their ideas on what makes a family.
• Before reading the story, read the title to the child or children and ask them how a classroom could be like a family.
• After reading, ask the child or children to tell you some of the ways that a classroom is like a family.
• After reading, ask the child or children to tell you what they can do to help make their classroom like a family.

Additional Books:

• Turkey Goes to School            By:  Wendi Silvano            Illustrated by:  Lee Harper
• The Pigeon Has to Go to School            By:  Mo Willems
• On the First Day of Kindergarten            By:  Tish Rabe            Illustrated by:  Laura Hughes
• A Letter From Your Teacher:  On the First Day of School            By:  Shannon Olsen            Illustrated by:  Sandie Sonke
• Curious George’s First Day of School            By:  H. A. Rey

 

Cooking Time:

Hash Brown Egg Cups

This is a perfect breakfast to make ahead and have for children as they return to school.  Children can help by measuring and adding the ingredients, cracking the eggs and pressing the hash browns into the muffin tins.

Spray muffin tins (12 muffins) with non-stick cooking spray.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

20 ounce package refrigerated hash browns

1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

8 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

5 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• Using a large bowl, combine the hash browns, 1/2 cup of cheese, salt, pepper and paprika.
• Evenly press the hash brown mixture into the bottom of each muffin tin, creating a nest.
• Place in a 450 degree oven for 20 minutes.
• After the potato mixture has baked, remove from the oven and reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees.
• While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the eggs, milk, bacon and 1/2 cup cheese.
• Using a small measuring cup, evenly pour the egg mixture into the baked hash brown cups.
• Return to the 350 degree oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes.
• Remove to a rack and allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing.

Makes 12 servings.

 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls

These rolls are a fun way to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Children can help by rolling the bread flat, spreading the peanut butter and jelly and forming the sushi roll.

Sliced bread

Peanut Butter

Jelly

• Cut the crust off of the bread.
• Flatten the bread with a rolling pin.
• Spread 1/2 tablespoon each of peanut butter and jelly on the bread slice.
• Tightly roll up the slice of bread and cut in half.

Make as many as you would like.

 

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These fun pinwheels are easy to make and perfect for a school lunch.  Children can help by adding the ingredients and rolling up the tortillas.

2 large tortillas

Lettuce leaves

10 to 12 slices of ham

8 slices of cheese, your choice

4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

• Lay the tortillas flat and spread with the cream cheese.
• Place a layer of meat over each tortilla.
• Add the lettuce over the meat.
• Place the cheese slices over the lettuce.
• Roll the tortillas tightly and slice into 2 inch sections.
• Use a toothpick to secure each pinwheel.
• Pack for lunch.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

Funfetti Gooey Butter Cookies

Cookies are always the perfect addition to a lunch box and these colorful confetti cookies are extra special.  Children can help by adding the ingredients, cracking the egg and rolling the cookies in powdered sugar.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

8 ounce package cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 ounces)

1/4 cup sprinkles

1/2 cup powdered sugar

• Using a mixer, cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add the egg and mix until combined.
• Add the cake mix and beat until combined.
• Stir in the sprinkles.
• Chill dough for an hour.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Form the dough into 1 inch balls and roll in the powdered sugar.  Place on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.
• Remove cookies from the pans and return to the racks to complete the cooling process.

Makes 30 cookies.