Ghost Pumpkin Muffins ~ Baking in the Classroom

The children at our little yellow school love to bake!  Before Thanksgiving, the children made their own individual little apple sweetie pies with apples we had picked at the apple orchard.

Cutting Apples

Sprinkling on some cinnamon and sugar.

Little Apple Sweetie Pies

For Halloween, we baked some ghost-shaped pumpkin muffins!  We used Mrs. M.'s child-friendly pumpkin muffin recipe (recipe follows).

We began by gathering our ingredients.

The Ingredients

The children took turns measuring and combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Pumpkin Puree

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable Oil

Sugar

Next the children took turns whisking the eggs and adding them to the mixture.

Whisking the Eggs

Whisking the Eggs

Adding the Eggs

Mixing

Mixing

It was time to measure the dry ingredients.  We added lots of flour.

Baking soda and baking powder were next.

Adding Baking Soda

Adding Baking Powder

This was followed by nutmeg and cinnamon.

Nutmeg

Cinnamon

Time to combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.

The muffin batter was poured into ghost-shaped muffin cups by Reynolds.  These were purchased at Target before they left us and went back to the United States.

Our Ghost-Shaped Muffins

Baking is a Practical Life skill.  Through our baking activities, the children are learning how to follow a recipe, measuring liquids and dry ingredients, and mixing substances.   They are also strengthening their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.  The pride evident when they take their yummy baked goods home is lovely to see.  We have many more baking activities planned for the school year!

Pumpkin Muffins

  

3 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, 1 large can)

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

3 cups granulated sugar

6 eggs

4 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp nutmeg


1.  Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease muffin tray or loaf pan.

2.  In a large bowl mix together pumpkin, oil, sugar and eggs.  In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients.  Add to pumpkin mixture until well blended.  Pour into pans.

3.  Bake muffins for 22 - 28 minutes.  Loaves take 45 minutes to 1 hour.


Note:  This recipe makes a very large batch.  The muffins freeze well.

Sound the Alarm! ~ A Firefighter Visit

As part of Fire Prevention Week, the children at our little yellow school have been learning about fire safety.  The children were delightfully surprised when firefighters from our local station came to our school for a visit!

Our Local Firefighters

The firefighters began their visit by saying how happy they were to be visiting our "daycare".  The children immediately corrected them and said "Daycare?  This is Montessori!  This is a school!"  They stood corrected.

The firefighters now know that they are visiting a Montessori School.

The firefighters taught us so much about fire safety.  They talked about smoke detectors, fire plans and what to do if your clothes catch on fire.  The children already knew what to do - Stop, Drop and Roll.  They were very impressed by our knowledge.

Learning About Smoke Detectors

Firefighter E. showed us his firefighter gear and put it on for us.  

He told us that firefighters are there to help us in a fire.  If we are ever in a fire and see someone who is dressed like him, we should not be afraid.  We should go to the firefighter.  The children gave Firefighter E. fist bumps and high fives.

Our favourite part of the visit was the fire truck!  The children had a chance to go inside and look around.

The firefighters had some lovely treats for us. 

Treats From the Firefighters

We also had some treats for everyone back at the Fire Station.

Coffee and Cookies for the Firefighters

Thank you to our local firefighters for the visit.  We enjoyed spending the morning with you!

 

Being Thankful ~ Thanksgiving 2017

On this glorious Thanksgiving weekend, we take the time to count the blessings in our lives.  At our little yellow school, our blessings are many.  We are most thankful for the days spent in the delightful company of the children and for the warm and loving community we have formed together.

We asked the children what they are thankful for.  Here are some of their responses.

Three and a half year old M. is thankful for the days when he gets to stay home and spend time with his mom.

Three and a half year old M.

Three and a half year old A. is thankful for her new baby brother.

Three and a half year old A.

Four year old J. is thankful for a good Thanksgiving dinner with his family.

Four Year Old J.

Four year old B. is thankful for her baby brother because he is so cute!

Four Year Old B.

Five year old C. told us "I am thankful that my daddy lets me help him build stuff.  I love to spend time with my dad."

Five Year Old C.

Five year old M. said "I am thankful that I am a graduate this year and I help all the little children at school."

Five Year Old M.

Five year old J. said "I am thankful for all the hugs and kisses I get from my family."

Five Year Old J.

Five year old E. said "I am thankful for my new baby cousin."

Five Year Old E.

Five Year Old O. said "I am thankful that my parents take me to fun places like the Science Centre.  I like doing things with my family."

Five Year Old O.

Five Year Old M. said "I am thankful that I am able to help my family and friends.  I like being nice and helpful always."

Five Year Old M.

Happy Thanksgiving!