September is National Children’s Good Manners Month

September 24th, 2011

Hector wants to know…what are manners? Maria says that manners are guidelines for how to behave in all social situations. Is she right?

How would you describe manners?

Bobby says manners are important because they keep us from hurting people’s feelings. Do you think he’s right?

Do you know words that show you have good manners? Here are a few: Please…Thank You…You’re Welcome…Excuse me. Can you name any others?

Let’s see what you think would be good manners.

1. You are at the dinner table, with family company, and your head starts itching. What should you do?

2. A friend comes to your house and brings a gift. What should you say or do?

3. You see your grandma on the street and she is carrying packages. What should you do?

4. You have a seat on the bus, but an elderly lady gets on the bus and there are no seats left. What can you do?

5. You need to go to the bathroom in school. You need to get permission from your teacher but  she is talking to someone. What can you do?

Do you think you have good manners? Do you ask by saying please first? Do you say thank you when you receive something or get help? What about when you need to get by someone, or you bump into someone do you say excuse me?

Can you name a few things you can do to improve your manners?

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Food Safety and Fixing an After School Snack

September 13th, 2011

nurse diane teaches after school snackNurse Diane visited the “Can Dos” in class and spoke to them about being careful when they prepare an after school snack at home.

Here is what she had to say. “You need to be careful when you make an after school  snack or you could wind up getting sick. This is what you need to do keep from getting sick:

  • First…put your books, knapsack, and sporting equipment on the floor, not on eating counters or the kitchen table where the germs on your bag, books and sporting equipment can get on the table where you are going to make your snack or eat it.
  • Wipe the counter or food preparation area before you put food on it to make sure their are no germs on the counter. Use a clean paper towel with hot water and soap to wipe the counter. Then rinse the area with another clean paper and clean, cool water. Make sure you get all the soap up
  • Clean out your lunch box and throw away sandwiches or other “refrigerator type” foods, such as yogurt tubes or cheese sticks, left over from lunch that are no longer safe to eat. Don’t eat them for a snack. It doesn’t matter if they look or smell okay.
  • Wash your hands before you make or eat a snack. Hands carry lots of germs, and not washing hands is a big reason for getting sick from making food with germ-filled hands.
  • Always use clean spoons, forks, and plates.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables with running tap water before you eat them.
  • Do not eat bread, cheese, or soft fruits or vegetables that have bruises or spots of mold.
  • Do not eat unbaked cookie dough because it may contain raw eggs that can have bacteria that can make you sick.
  • Do not leave cold items, like milk, lunch meat, hard cooked eggs, or yogurt, out on the counter at room temperature. Put these foods back in the refrigerator as soon as you’ve fixed your snack.
  • Don’t eat any food that has been  left out of the refrigerator, such as pizza — even if it isn’t topped with meat. Food should not be left in the temperature “Danger Zone” of 40 to 140 °F for more than 2 hours or no more than 1 hour if the temperature is 90 °F or higher.
  • When you finish preparing your snack, be sure to wash off the counter or food prep area with a clean paper towel.”

“Wow,” said Hector, “That’s a bunch of things to remember about making a snack!”

Nurse Diane nodded and answered, ” True, but It beats getting tummy troubles doesn’t it Hector?”

Hector had to agree!

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control

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Look Who Got Promoted With the Class!

August 24th, 2011

The “Can Dos” were all excited as they met up in the school yard before class on the first day of school.

Some walked to school with a parent or older brother or sister. Some car pooled with other kids from their neighborhood. Those who lived farthest away took the school bus.

Just then the bell rang and the “Can Dos” lined up behind the sign that said their grade. Then they all marched into the school and were led to a new classroom that would be where their class would be for the whole year.

Classroom for can do class

The tables and chairs were all neat and clean. Some had supplies on them like crayons and paper and pencils.

As they were taking their seats, a voice came from behind them, saying, “Don’t take seats just yet, class. I want to assign seating.”The “Can Dos” looked at each other in amazement. They recognized that voice. It was Miss Pat!

Miss Pat walked to the front of the room and greeted each “Can Do”  in the class by name. Smiling she said, “Since I know you all so well, I know who should and shouldn’t sit next to one another. That is why I am going to assign seats.”

The “Can Dos” knew better than to groan or make a smart comment. It was true, Miss Pat, their teacher from last year, knew them very well.

Kathy turned to Hector and whispered,”Did you read those books from the list Miss Pat gave us before summer vacation?” Hector beamed and answered, “I sure did. It took me most of last week to do it!: It was a good thing too, since as soon as they were seated Miss Pat said, “Okay, class let’s begin by reviewing the books from our must read list. You know the one, the one I gave you before summer vacation.”

Before they got started talking about the books they read and what the books were about, Miss Pat asked,”Class, does anyone have any questions about the new school year?” Eulyn raised her hand and when Miss Pat called on her she asked, “How come you are our teacher again this year? How come?”

Miss Pat smiled and said, “Why class, I got promoted just like all of you!”

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Take a Hike!

August 8th, 2011

coach campbell talking about a hike“Good Morning,” said Coach Campbell. “Good Morning, Coach,” answered the “Can Dos.”

Coach continued to talk, saying, “Camp will soon be over and we have to think about how we keep physically fit once the school year begins. I’m here to suggest an activity we can all do together outside and even include our families.

Let’s take a hike on the Saturday after school starts!”

Eulyn raised her hand and asked, “What’s a hike ?”

Coach Campbell answered, “A hike is a long walk in the countryside.

It’s a chance to enjoy being outdoors. While hiking  we can see birds and flowers we don’t usually see on “Can Do” Street.”

Coach noticed that Orrie and Mickey were looking kind of sad. “Orrie, Mickey you are going to enjoy this hike. We are going to be using a handicapped accessible trail.

Orrie, you can power your chair, and when you need a break, I will be there to help out,” said Coach. “Mickey, Muggins is going to love a walk in the country with you. He will be great on the trail. Once again, if you need anything, there will be lots of us there to help.”

“A hike sounds like fun! Count me in,” said Hector. Then all the other “Can Dos” chimed in that they wanted to be part of the hike.

“Great, said Coach,”Let’s go over what we need to know to have a good time on our hike.”

  • Weather – If it is raining hard, we will reschedule for the following Saturday.
  • Pack hooded rain jackets in your backpack,  just in case.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and pack an  extra pair of socks just in case the pair you wear get wet. Who likes soggy socks?
  • Staff will carry water, but please help and bring along your water bottles. You need to drink plenty of water.
  • There are restrooms and porta johns along the way.
  • Pack a light snack that is easy to carry.

Coach reminded the “Can Dos” to be on time…10 am in front of the community center.

Then he said,”Remember …invite your families to join you and take a hike!”

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Holy Guacamole!

July 27th, 2011

Miss Sue came into the cooking class at summer camp just before the session started and said,” Boys and girls I have a surprise for you today.”

chef raquel makes guacamoleWith that Chef Raquel, stepped out from behind Miss Sue, saying, “Is everybody ready to learn how to make Guacamole? It’s a great summer dip you can prepare with your mom or dad or a grandparent.”

The “Can Dos” all clapped and called out, “We’re ready!”

Chef Raquel smiled, opened the door and said,”It just do happens I stopped by the senior center on my way here. Look who all volunteered to come and help all of you cut, slice and chop the ingredients for the Guacamole.”

With that the grandmas all came into the class! There was Grandma Maureen, Grandma Hattie, Grandma Frances and Grandma Sue. Each of the grandmas joined a group of “Can Dos” around their individual food prep tables.

“Hmmm,” said Chef Raquel, “What is the first thing we have to do before we start making our Guacamole dip?”

As usual, Orrie was the first to raise his hand and answered, “We have to wash our hands really well and then dry them with a paper towel before we handle the ingredients for the Guacamole.” Orrie led the group to the wash sinks in the room and everyone took turns washing up. Then they went back to their food prep tables.

Soon the room filled with the sounds of chopping and slicing and conversations about what they were making. Before long the Guacamole dip was ready and it was time for tasting. Chef Raquel passed around pita wedges and everyone sampled what they made.

A couple of the “Can Dos” liked the Guacamole so much they popped their tops!  Willie was so excited about the taste he yelled out, ” Holy Guacamole!”         Willie says Holy Guacamole

Here’s is Chef Raquel’s recipe for Guacamole, in case you want to make it at home for your family.

Additive Guacamole with Pita Wedges Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 Haas avocados – peeled, pitted, and smashed

1 Haas avocado, peeled, pitted and medium diced

1 lime, zest and juiced

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ cup yellow onion, minced

3 tbs. chopped cilantro

2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, have child mash the avocados, lime juice, and salt.  Add onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic and cayenne pepper. Have him or her stir.
  2. Gently fold in diced avocado. Don’t not over mix or it will get too mushy.
  3. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately with pita chips.
  4. For Homemade Pita Chips: Cut pita bread into 8 slices. Lay flat on a baking sheet.  Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried oregano.
  5. Bake for 6-10 minutes at 400 degrees until golden. Allow to cool and serve with Guacamole.

www.apinchofsalt.com

Raquel@apinchofsalt.com

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