Spin Art

Parents are always busy during the summer and finding the time and energy for an art project can be daunting. Enter: spin art. This is an easy project that most children can do solo once they have some basic instruction.

First things first: you will need a salad spinner. Nothing fancy needed--pick one up at the dollar store or donate an old one to your young artist. The remaining supplies are easy: paint and paper. Any type of paper will do (experiment!), but you want to cut the paper to easily fit inside your spinner. 

 Directions: Place a piece of paper inside the spinner. Sprinkle a few colors of paint on the paper. Try to avoid big globs of paint in one area of the paper. Gently shaking the tub of paint as you pour usually works best.

 Put the top on the salad spinner and SPIN!! Kids always love this part. Allow them to spin as slow or fast as they want. After a few moments of spinning you can take off the top of your spinner and be amazed at the cool designs:

 That's it. Children as young as three can do this with little to no adult supervision and older children enjoy experimenting with different types of paper and paint placement. The finished art can be used for birthday cards, combined into a colorful collage, or just enjoyed on its own.

Local Market Cooking Classes for Kids

The school year has come to an end and the kids are enjoying some time at home with me before they start casal (summer camp) in July. We have been busy doing all sorts of activities, but today was extra special. Local Market is a wonderful local company that provides catering and gastronomic experiences here in Girona. Today they offered a two-hour cooking class for children. Eston and Aurelia were thrilled as they both love to help and create in the kitchen. 

 Local Market was incredibly organized and had everything ready to go for each junior chef:

Classes for children will be held throughout the summer (check their website). On the menu today was whole wheat veggie pizza. The kids learned how to make the dough and prepped their own veggie toppings. 

What cooking class would be complete without sitting down for a meal?  Each child was able to enjoy their masterpiece for lunch and the kids were thrilled to no end about their delicious creations.

 Aurelia made a heart shaped pizza with a face made out of veggies!

Both kids loved the class and are already begging to return, so we will definitely be participating in the cooking classes this summer. Local Market also offers a variety of tours and classes in Girona, so be sure to check them out if you are a resident or visitor:

http://localmarket.cat

Having kids in the kitchen can be so much fun and there are some great cookbooks out there to help you plan meals as a family. Here are a few of the cookbooks we use in our kitchen on a regular basis:

This is a fantastic cookbook with serious recipes for kids who are really excited about learning to be in the kitchen. The recipes are sophisticated, but presented in a child-friendly way. Prior experience in the kitchen might be helpful, but all of the recipes are possible with some adult guidance.

I absolutely adore anything and everything written or cooked by Alice Waters and this book is just delightful. Some find it too wordy and the recipes too complicated, but I disagree. My children and I love reading the stories and kitchen tips and experimenting with the many recipes. There are also several simple recipes that children can make on their own. Wonderful book!

Ferran Adria is basically a god here in Catalunya, but I owned this book long before we ever moved to Girona. This is a fabulous family cookbook and older children will appreciate the careful instructions and illustrations. Fantastic recipes!

Eston received this book for his birthday a couple of years ago and it is quite the book at 416 pages. This book is full of information and tips for any cook--child or adult! Excellent recipes, though many will need adult assistance.

Also a birthday present a few years back! This book is fantastic for early readers and young cooks. My kids can peruse the pages solo and learn new information or check out recipes. Great photographs and instructions. Nothing too fancy, but a great starting point for all budding chefs.

This book is a little basic, but it was a great beginner book for Eston. Super simple recipes with easy instructions and lots of photographs. Nothing incredibly tasty or complicated, but a solid introduction to the kitchen for young children.

More adventures to come!

Summer Reading

The kids are enjoying their last few days of school. Summer holidays are just around the corner and I have been organizing their summer folders after having parent-teacher conferences (more on that later). We spend many afternoons escaping the heat with a book and while Eston is an excellent independent reader, most children still love to be read to...don't we all?? I made some age recommendations, but the minds of children work in different ways and you know your reader best. Here are a few of our favorite read aloud books in English:

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White is an absolute classic and should not be missed. I read this book to Eston when he was four and it is the perfect book to transition from picture books to novels. 

Years ago I was a substitute in a second grade class. I was covering for a teacher who had major surgery, so I was with the class for over two weeks. During that time the teacher had me read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane as a read aloud and I just fell in love with the story! Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors and this story is perfect for ages six and up.

Each and every Roald Dahl book should be on this list, but this one is perfect to get you started on his writing. Kids of all ages love this story and it is a great book if you are reading to kids of multiple ages. Suits kids ages four and up. Don't just show them the movie---read this book!!

Esperanza Rising is quite possibly my favorite book of all time. I can recall reading it to my fifth grade classes in Boulder, Colorado and they always fell in love with this story. I tried reading it to Eston when he was quite young and it was a bit much for him, so I would wait until your child is about eight or so before tackling this. This book presents many social issues and your child will have lots of questions, so that is why I think it is best for older children.

This book will make you cry. No joke. I always had most of my students crying by the end of this story, but don't let that keep you from reading Bridge to Terabithia. The characters in this book will stay with you forever and your child will want to read this book again and again. Be prepared for the ending, which is why you might want to wait until your child is age five or so before reading.

Ellen Raskin wrote The Westing Game back in 1978 and the book won the Newberry Medal that same year. I feel like it does not get enough love these days, but I always read this mystery book to my students around Halloween and they loved trying to solve the "who-done-it" story. I actually had to stop them from reading ahead---that is how fantastic this book can be for readers! There are a lot of characters in this book, so kids need to follow closely, which makes it one for slightly older readers.

Kids everywhere relate to this story as the Watson family is so much like their own. The Watson's Go to Birmingham--1963 begins as a hilarious family story and your kids will laugh along with the characters as they find themselves in several humorous situations. However, be prepared for the second half of the story as it deals heavily with the Civil Rights Movement in the USA and the church bombings in Alabama. It is presented through the eyes of a child, but I would be sure your reader can handle this topic and conversations around it. That said, it is a fantastic story with wonderful characters.

Jean Craighead George could do no wrong in my opinion. All of her books are stories you want to lose yourself in and My Side of the Mountain is one of her best. I have clear memories of reading this as a child and my students always loved it. Who doesn't want to read about a young person surviving on their own in the forest? This is a great story and I always found that reluctant male readers always loved this one!

Two kids living in a museum in New York City? How can you not want to read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?! Kids of all ages laugh through this story. I think most of them start dreaming up schemes of living in museums or other public spaces, but this is a fantastic story for ages five and up. One of Eston's favorites.

This book was always a favorite with my students over the years. I read it to Eston earlier this year and he loved it as well. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh is simply an amazing story. The characters and dialogue just grab readers and kids love reading or listening to this story. There is a lot to follow in this story, so it is most appropriate for ages seven and up.

This book, Stargirl, should be required reading for those about to enter middle school. I read this to my fifth graders each and every year before they went off to sixth grade because the main character faces so many of the same challenges that come with adolescence. Individuality, conforming to the masses, first love, first kiss...it is all here. Younger kids could certainly read this book, but I think it resonates with an older crowd of 9-10+.

My sixth grade teacher was old and grumpy. She had been in the classroom for over 40 years and she should have called it a day, but she kept going. Sigh. It was pretty much a lost year for me, but I came away with two things by the end of the year. First, I decided then and there to be a teacher in order to prevent other kids from having a horrible experience for an entire school year. Second, she introduced me to this book. For that I thank her, but it ends there. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a story that will shake you to your core. My students always felt such passion for this story. A few of my students decided to research the author, Mildred Taylor and they were shocked to learn she lived in Boulder, Colorado. They were even more shocked to learn she lived next door to the first grade teacher at our school! However, Ms. Taylor lived on a ranch high in the mountains and the first grade teacher sadly told my students that she rarely left her property. Anyway, this book is a must and I recommend it for children 9+.

I first read this book for one of my classes when I was completing my credential classes and we all just loved the story. I should have prepared myself a bit better for the questions about Al Capone....haha! Imagine a first year teacher standing up in front of 25 fifth graders trying to explain who Al Capone was...slightly uncomfortable. I read this book each year to my students and by the second time around I had my Capone story ready to go. Don't be frightened, this is a fantastic book for readers of all ages!!

Okay, this is my favorite book of all time. Ever. Where to even begin with this story? Well, the characters and setting can be a bit confusing for younger kids, so I would say ages 9-10+ for this book. It could be read to younger children, but they may struggle with the enormity of the plot. This book will stay with you and your reader forever. Lois Lowry is a magician with words and even the most reluctant reader will be silent and still as you read this book. You might need a character map for younger kids to help them keep track of things a bit.

I received this book as a present in fourth grade. I was a ferocious reader, but it somehow sat on my shelf until my fifth grade teacher began reading the story aloud to us one day. I brought in my copy so I could follow along and was immediately reading ahead. Banner in the Sky is full of adventure and the main character is such a complex young fellow. I read this to my class (with my copy from childhood!) each year and they too loved this story. I need to find my copy and read this to Eston!

I know the historical events in Hattie Big Sky are not always completely accurate, but this is a work of fiction, so I can move past that a bit. The main character in this story is incredible and faces so many challenges and my students were immediately drawn to her and her story. Some have said it is more appropriate for female readers, but I don't find that to be true. 

I am always surprised when people have not heard of this book.  Author Jerry Spinelli brings up racism and homelessness and the main character is an orphan, but this book does not dwell on sadness. It balances the challenges with happiness and kids always enjoy this character and story. Ages seven and up.

This book is not warm and fuzzy. It will not leave you with a feeling of peacefulness or joy. It will, however, introduce young people to the experiences of Jewish and non-Jewish families in Europe during WWII. Number the Stars is another riveting story by Lois Lowry and though children might struggle with the realities of the topic, it is a story for all to read. 

This story is always a favorite for kids of all ages. Adventure on the high seas...what could be better??  Avi is a favorite author of many and this story keeps kids on the edge of their seat. I love that it has such a strong female character and this is a page-turner. Your readers will not want to stop reading this story. 

Ah, the Mysterious Benedict Society. Get ready, because you will be purchasing this entire series once you read the first book. Kids love these books and are instantly addicted! I think this action-packed story is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Fun plot with fantastic characters make this the perfect summer read for families!

I read this for years to my students and this mystery story is always one they enjoyed. Relatable  characters and this book always seems to get kids interested in ancient Egypt, even though the story does not focus solely on that topic. This book makes for a fun read aloud! It is not overly complicated, but sometimes we just need a light-hearted book to read.

I know this book sometimes scares readers a bit...a girl living by herself?! I think that even frightened me a bit the first time I read this book. I know schools have stayed away from it recently because of some have topics--death of a main character, death of Rontu, etc. I don't think that is a reason to stay away from this fantastic story because kids do love reading this book. Appropriate for ages 7+.

Eston and I just finished reading this book a few weeks ago and he loved it! My students always went nuts for it as well. Though the book can be sad, the characters are really what keeps this story going. Readers will instantly fall in love with the people in this town and want to hear all about them. Ages 6+.

I love books and could go on and on with my favorites, but these books are prefect for summer reading!

Healthy Baked Goods

Cooking in a different country is always an adventure. In the first few months of living here I was constantly wanting ingredients from home and would have my mom or various friends ship things over to me. As time went by I either found substitutes or adjusted to cooking with the ingredients readily available here in Girona.

Girona is known for being a haven of gastronomic wonder, so it is hardly difficult to shop and cook with the ingredients found in our local market. Fresh fish, eggs, local fruits and veggies...we are spoiled, truly.

So what things are slightly more difficult to find? Well, there are many, but over time I have forgotten about most of them and now there is only one thing that I still insist on having imported. Baking soda. Now, you can find baking soda here, but something about it is different. Don't ask me why, but things don't rise in the same way with Spanish baking soda. I also use it for cleaning just about everything, so I thank the friends and family members who bring or mail me boxes of baking soda.

My children eat pretty healthy and we limit the sweets and treats. This can be difficult because baking with children is so much fun and my kids really enjoy it. I am always on the lookout for healthier treats to bake, so I was excited to try the following recipe, which came from www.foodanddecor.net via pinterest.

Healthier Cookies
3 mashed bananas (ripe)
1/3 cup apple sauce (Many brands are laden with sugar. Buy organic or make your own)
2 cups oats (We used just slightly over 2 cups)
1/4 cup almond milk (Again, be careful with the brand and any added ingredients)
1/2 cup dark chocolate cut into small bits
1 tsp vanilla (This is can be hard to find in Spain. We didn't have any and it turned out fine)
1 tsp cinnamon (We used closer to 1.5 tsp)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients and roll into small balls. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

This is incredibly easy for kids to make with very little supervision. Eston did most of it himself while Aurelia was napping. These have been a great after school snack and you could add lots of things to this basic recipe (nuts, dried fruit instead of dark chocolate, etc).

Aurelia the Toddler

Aurelia is a toddler and I am having so much fun with her. This can definitely be a tricky age as they learn right from wrong and test their boundaries a bit. I am very consistent with both of my children and this helps enormously. 

Aurelia likes to be included in whatever we are doing. She adores responsibility and giving her tasks to accomplish only helps with good behavior.

Here she is pulling my grocery cart:

 I do lots of projects with the kids on the weekends (we just don't have the time during the week since school does not finish until nearly 5:30).
I saw this idea on Pinterest, but it is kind of hard to see. Aurelia is painting with a cotton ball attached to a clothes pin. Well, you can't actually find cotton balls here in Spain, so she is painting with a little craft poof ball. Oh, how I miss you Joanne's and Michael's. Seriously, I miss the craft stores in the USA. You can't find a whole lot here, so I have to be a bit more creative with our supplies.

This is one of Aurelia's favorite activities and it takes all of 10 seconds to get started. Save your empty spice containers (the ones with little holes, not one big hole) and have your child place toothpicks in the small holes. This is great for their motor skills and concentration. Aurelia

loves doing this and will play for quite some time!

 Aurelia is working on letter recognition as well. I used these great cards and letters with Eston several years ago and I think I got them via a Montessori website, but it would be simple to make your own. I only do a few letters at a time. Aurelia loves matching the letter with the correct card. This is also an activity that Eston does with her when I am trying to get something done. Older kids love being the teacher!

My kids love helping around the house as well (well, most of the time). They each have a chore chart, but watering the plants is one of their favorite things to do. I am embarrassed to say that we have been using random containers to water thus far, but yesterday I went and purchased two inexpensive watering cans. I can't wait to give the cans to them tomorrow morning. We will also be doing some of our winter seed planting tomorrow!

 Aurelia would wash dishes all day long. We have a great step stool from Ikea and she drags it over to the sink and goes to work. I just make sure the sharp knives are elsewhere and she has so much fun washing everything. I use an organic dish soap so they are not exposed to a lot of chemicals.