maple cookies feb. 20th

Blocks, blocks, blocks on the brain! At lunch I was telling Carl how much I enjoyed watching the kids play with the blocks. There was a learning process going on that I hadn't a part of, and it was probably better learning than I could have taught them myself. Ususally, when Carsten plays with his blocks, he like Carl or I to join in...usually resulting in parental building, and Carsten watching. Today though, Riley, Carsten, Anneclaire, & I all sat at the table playing with blocks. Each of the kids had their own pile and therefore, their own creation. They would build for a bit, and then tell me what they were doing. Then, their idea would cause their playmate to come up with another idea or build on the one suggested. It was really facinating. Here's a little more play by play as to how it went down...



Riley was focused, building a tower of some-sort. He was content to continue to build without communicating what he was creating, until Carsten announced that he was building a train (lining his blocks in a row). Then Riley announced that he was making a tunnel, and would peek through the opennings in the blocks at us. Soon, they were building barns, and "cow barns", "bridges", and "snakes." It was amazing. I just smiled, congratulated them and sat there watching the whole thing unfold. Even Anneclaire seemed interested in what they were doing. Mostly, she just watched and clapped when they had a new creation or made it crash to the table.

During centers, Riley was soo good to make sure everyone had spoons.

Maple Cookie Recipe

1 cup plus 2 tbs unsalted butter

1/2 cup plus 1 tbs raw sugar

1 tsp maple extract (I used hard strap molasses)

2 1/4 cups flour (I used spelt)

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325. Cream the butter and sugar. Add in the remaining ingredients. Roll into small balls and bake for 15 minutes.

We added some frosting from a box that Carsten had found in the store, specifically to cook with Riley. I chose this recipe because there weren't many ingredients, which gave more time to discuss what we were doing, using, etc. They love it when I am looking for something in the fridge and can't find it without their help. :) The other reason for the choice was that lack of eggs. Lately they want to taste everything. This way they can taste some of the dough while the cookies are baking.

I am amazed at how patient the boys are while we cook. We also ate snacks during the cooking event: cheese sticks and cereal. They love to be a part of each step and to hear what comes next. While we were watching the mixer do it's part, Carsten began to sing, "ring around the rosies."

We sat and read together for a bit. The boys wanted to read the "If you give a Pig a Pancake" and "O Sullivan's Stew." Though there were many new books to choose from, they chose familiar books with which they were interested. Both of course have to do with cooking and food :).

During Train time, the boys were busy making tracks in the carpet. They like to make long lines with their trains and then show them to me.

Looking forward to next week!