I warned the children to expect the unexpected on St. Patrick's Day and just as I feared, some naughty leprechauns brought havoc to our peaceful little space. We set a trap yesterday and while the children were in Music I waited for one to appear. Nothing was happening so I made a quick run to the office. They must have been watching because as I walked back through my door I spied one of the wee folk about to step into our trap. I ran over and yanked on our rope but that little guy jumped out and began running around the room.
I did my best to catch him but he was little and fast. He escaped but not before tossing chairs around and throwing some green glitter on the floor and me.
At some point I must have caught hold of him because he spilled some silver and gold on the floor. I didn't even have time to clean up before I had to fetch our class so they got to see the mess.
Our buddies arrived just as we were about to enter the room and witnessed the scene. Titus and Brandon went over first to inspect the damage and realized the silver and gold were chocolate candy coins! At least there was a little something sweet to go with the mess.
A few minutes later the children made another discovery. Our toilet water was green! We could only guess how that happened.
After putting our chairs back in place we got to the business of a new project. I had cut thousands (or maybe it seemed like that many) of paper strips. Each buddy group got a styrofoam tray and a handful of strips. After a brief lesson in standard weaving they all went to work and produced some beautiful and colorful weavings. You"ll see them decorating our wall very soon.
Our day had several other highlights in it. The Worley family (Chloe's family) sent in shamrock headbands and pinwheels for each child. They also made a traditional Irish treat called Irish Potatoes. This was a new treat for me and most of the children. They are quite tasty so the recipe is below for everyone to make and enjoy.
Yesterday we began planting marigold seeds and finished today. They grow quickly so we hope to have flowers to sell at the Strawberry Festival. I was also able to find everbearing Quinault strawberry runners and we planted them in 3" peat pots. What could be more appropriate to sell at Strawberry Festival than strawberry plants? The children have been watching them closely to see if they've grown yet. I've decided patience is a developmental skill.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and steer clear of the wee folk. I know I'll be several days ridding my clothes and hair of green glitter.
Irish Potatoes
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese (must be regular, not reduced fat or whipped)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
16 oz. confectioner's sugar
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 TBSP ground cinnamon
In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla and confectioner's sugar and beat until it forms a ball. With a spoon, stir in coconut. Roll mixture between hands to form small potato shaped balls. Roll in cinnamon. Chill for about 1 hour.
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