Mel's Box of Chocolates

As a teacher, I like the idea of projects for families to do with their children. Projects provide connections between home and school and are a time for the kids to share what they're learning and for parents to spend quality time with them. Switching hats, as a mom, I confess that projects can be annoying. Finding the materials, finding the time, pestering the kid, and being tempted to just do it yourself can ruin the fun of any project. That quality time with your kid becomes a nightmare. Currently, Zoe has a book report project due for her ELA class and a project display board for her academic challenge class. Yes, we have known about both projects for about a month. One project was due this week and the other deadline right around the corner. No, we had not started putting anything together before this week. We had talked about what she was going to do, but the actually doing part was lacking. This week though with some unexpected snow days, I have had a blast working ...

Yes, I realize that Earth Day was over a month ago. I was playing in my posts and realized I never finished this one. We had so much fun I didn't want to pass on sharing!   It's always fun to celebrate Earth Day in the classroom. Usually there is such a diverse understanding of the day depending on my students background knowledge and family beliefs. Then again, that is just another day in a public education classroom. This year I hunted down some new ideas. Along with some reading, writing, and math activities, I decided we'd do some crafts too. Honestly, I find that many students don't get nearly enough opportunities to cut, glue, color, paint, and all those other crafty things. So anytime I can incorporate these types of projects, I do. One of our projects this year was creating Earth sun catchers. This was a super simple project using contact paper, tissue, and small piece of red construction paper. Oh and a coloring page of earth to use as a template to k...

My kids have always loved Play-dough and to be honest I like playing with it too.  There is just something about molding the dough and the smell always takes me back to childhood.   The other day Dylan was so excited to show me the Play-dough they made in school.  Now we have made our own playdough, salt dough, before so I was a bit surprised at how excited he was.  That was until he said his playdough was edible.  Huh?  Haven't I spent the last 9 years of his life telling him not to put the playdough in his mouth?? Turns out they had made this. Kool-Aid Playdough 2 c. water  3 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil 2 1/2 c. flour 1/2 c. salt 1 tbsp alum 2 pkg unsweetened Kool-Aid Boil 2 cups of water. Add the boiling water to the dry ingredients along with 2 tbsp oil.  Knead together until well mixed and let cool.  Store in covered container in refrigerator when not in use.  Make different colors of play dough by varying the flavo...

Happy Earth Day!! In celebration of Earth Day, I thought I would share this fun craft idea with you.  The other day at school Dylan made a Grass Head.  Isn't it cute? I decided to do it with my class as an Earth Day craft and thought you may enjoy doing it with your kids too.   The detailed directions can be found at CraftBits . SUBSCRIBE to never miss a piece of chocolate Be Sweet, Follow Mel on Twitter