We are continuing our holiday studies as we learn about Kwanzaa. While this is a holiday to celebrate African roots of African Americans it honors principles we can all live by. It begins with lighting a single black candle representing unity of African descendants but when you live by "The Big One" like we do at our school it speaks of our tendency to take care of and with each other. The other six principles of self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith are all wise principles for each of us - especially in hard times.
Today we honored the principle of creativity as we beaded bracelets with our buddies in Keri's class. There were fancy "girlie" beads, square crystal-like beads, wooden beads and African beads from the Beads For Life beads made by female miners in Uganda. If you were in my room Friday or Monday you saw the beaded jewelry made by these women. I had a display to sell items to staff members (and any interested parents) and the class was so very careful around the jewelry I thought they should each have a bead of their choice for their jewelry. Several choose to not use their bead but instead keep it as an object of beauty.
We also baked a traditional goody with our Wise Owl friends. Together, the children made Coconut Biscuits which we ate during fruit break. they have requested I put the recipe on here so you can make them at home.
Coconut Biscuits
2 cups flour 2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter 1 cup milk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is pea-sized. Add milk and coconut and stir until dough is formed. Drop onto a cookie sheet to make 15 biscuits. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden. Serve while still warm.
Kinaras will finish our Kwanzaa study. Next week we study several traditions of Christmas including St. Lucia Day.
We have two very special events next week. On Thursday we will go to the Dumas Center to visit Santa and sing songs. The children don't yet know that we're going to see Santa, only that we have a field trip. We could use a parent driver with a van if anyone would like to accompany us!
Friday will be our Pajama Day. Please send your child to school in warm pajamas and shoes. They can wear slippers inside if they wish. We will show a movie and serve hot chocolate and popcorn. I also invite children to bring their favorite stuffed animal for Show and Share. The last two years weather has interrupted our last day before Winter Break fun so here's your warning - watch the Weather Channel!!
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