Kids in Need

I wanted to share with my blogging world a great resource for teachers in Cleveland. Kids in Need is an organization that helps teachers in low income school districts by donating FREE (everything is free) books and classroom supplies for the students! I have been fortunate to visit the warehouse in downtown CLE four times over the past three years, since I have worked in low income schools during all three of my three years as a full-time educator. The supplies and resources are incredible, and so I was blown away to find out they donate books as well!

This past week I went to a special books-only donation and I was allowed to choose two books for each of my students. I also received class sets (20 books each) of two books – one was about A Bug’s Life and the other was a beginner reader book. I was impressed with the selection for early childhood teachers and I was able to choose some fantastic books for my students. See the photo for part of the selection! Then I took the books to school and randomly chose sticks (apple sticks with each student’s number on it) to see who would pick their books first. We did two rounds until every student got their two books. They were very pleased with their choices and I can tell they were so grateful to have brand new books! Each student got a sticker from me to label their book with, which they loved. I also noticed my students were reading the books at lunch and recess and they begged me to let them read the books at 3:15 during our “fun reading” time!

Reading is such an important part of education and it helps our students become better learners. I am finishing my K-12 Reading Endorsement this summer and have done a lot of research about the importance of reading and the benefits of having a print rich environment full of books! Thanks, Kids in Need!! 📚

Pineapple Salad

This post is about one of my Easter dinner recipes – pineapple salad! My wonderful mom helped me make it while she was in town for the holiday with my dad and one of my sisters. The recipe is a staple at many of our holidays and special occasions, and it is a recipe from my Mom-Mom. Enjoy! I did not take any pictures of it though, as it was eaten too quickly!

Pineapple Salad

Ingredients:
1 can pineapple tidbits
2 heaping TB cornstarch
1 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 bag mini marshmallows
1 small box whipping cream (I think the box says 1/2 pint)

*you can also add maraschino cherries on top if you wish — I like when my mom does this at Christmas.

Directions:
1. Drain pineapple, save juices.
2. Combine egg, sugar, cornstarch, and pineapple juices in double boiler on the stove. Cook until thick, stirring continuously.
3. Next, take double boiler off stove and add pineapple tidbits to the mixture. Cool (in refrigerator) for 4 hours or overnight.
4. Whip the whipping cream (using electric mixer) and gently fold into pineapple mixture.
5. Add marshmallows, stir, and serve.