Five for Friday: Testing, apples, & a recipe!

 

You will see where I am going with this quote from my weekly wrap up =)

We are going to really dive into our apple theme next week so we did our KWL chart today. I was surprised with how much information they already knew that I might have to doing some additional research this weekend! Nothing like keeping a teacher on her toes =)

 

I have to tell you that I am thrilled I have finished all of my testing. September is a very difficult month as so many things have to happen: hazardous training videos, professional growth goals, staff and grade level mtgs, KRA and iReady testing. PLUS, I had to do my own assessments since those two tests don't give me any of the important information I need to tailor my instruction. I really have never felt the pressure of the testing until this year. I think it is crazy that my lil kinders had to take two exams back to back and one will be used for the third grade guarantee. First, most of these kiddos use tablets and rarely use a desktop. I can't tell you how many times I had to go adjust the test because they were clicking the wrong mouse button. Second, they are only five years old and taking a state test on a computer in the first month of school. I actually had two little friends just stop and put their head in their hands crying.  How horrible is that? This will probably be my longest post for the week because it has consumed my every moment for the past two weeks. I saw the pic in my heading and the one below and felt they were very appropriate. Isn't it the truth? I was and still am a horrible test taker. I feel sad for these kids. OK, rant over. I am SOOOO excited to dive into the curriculum and have some fun NOW =)

I had to interject a little bit of fun to relieve testing drama (plus my tables were a gluey mess!). I got the shaving cream out and we practiced printing our names, letters, and high frequency words. The decibel level in the room was a little crazy but I think they needed it!

This is probably the most precious thing I have ever had made. I always pass this little quilt shop near my school and think to stop in because of the numerous cars parked there. I have kept a bucket of all of the special clothes my three boys have worn as babies: outfits home from the hospital, visiting special people, gifts from others, etc. I took this tub of clothes and the lady from the quilt shop turned it into this beautiful blanket. I almost cried when I saw it! I think it came out great and will always hold so many precious memories for me. I could tell you what pics I have of each square and who was wearing it. I will treasure this forever!

Now that we have finished the first week of school, I retired all of the back to school books. I have to admit that it felt pretty good. I think the first month is by far the most challenging and I simply love the Fall! I have an apple kicked cooking in the oven right now for the staff tomorrow morning. It smells delicious! These are some of my favorite reads that we will be doing along with some baking. I am just tickled that we don't have any allergies in my room this year (first time in several years) so I plan on doing some recipes with my kinders!

We will be making apple biscuits on Monday. I tried to find a picture that sort of resembled what I make and this was the closest I could find. I will definitely post some of the real products next week. My kiddos love these treats and they are super easy. PLUS, they make the room smell delicious!

Ingredients

butter

light brown sugar 

 

cinnamon 

apples (I use Gala) : 1 apple per two kids

1can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Flaky Layers Butter Tastin'® refrigerated biscuits ( yields 8 biscuits)

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. I unroll each biscuit container and allow each student to grab one. Remember to have a piece of paper nearby so that you can mark where each kiddo is making their biscuit on the tray.

3. I have already taken the skin off the apples, diced, and put into a bowl. The student will place their biscuit onto the baking sheet, smash it down gently in the center, and then scoop a bit of the apples onto the center of their biscuit.

4. They then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon over the top. 

5. I add a small slice of butter over the brown sugar.

6. Once you have filled the sheet up with the completed biscuits, follow the baking directions on the container.

These are very easy and a fan favorite. My own family loves them too!! Enjoy!

Have a great weekend!