Kindergarten B

KB Highlights

January 15, 2009


Dear KB Families,


This week in KB we studied the role of firefighters and firestations in our society.  In addition to discussing fire safety in class we also learned key vocabulary words like siren, gear, engine, rescue, and prepared.  We capped our study with a visit to the local Broad St. firestation yesterday.  Below are some photos from our visit.

It was a fantastic visit.  Thanks to fireman Ralph and fireman Vinny for all their help. 

One more week till reports cards are due.  I will be doing several assesments of your students next week.  Look for these report cards in early February.

Next week is Peace Week at Highlander.  Look for more detailed information throughout these Highlights.  We have been talking about Dr. King in class so please review the life of this great American with your child at home over the long weekend. 

Other Notes: 

KB's Wheat Bread Recipe

Try it at Home!

Whole-Wheat Bread

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup milk
1 packet yeast
1 cup water
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
*optional - rhymes or verses about bread to sing during the bread-making process (see below)

  1. In a small bowl, microwave the milk for about 20 seconds or until just warm; stir in yeast and set aside for a few minutes while you measure out the remaining ingredients for the next step.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients (including the milk and yeast) and stir until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to your kneading surface and knead for six to eight minutes, or until it becomes smooth and supple. (Sometimes we toss everything in the Kitchenaid and let it do all the work, but usually the girls really enjoy the sensorimotor experience involved in the mixing and kneading.)
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise until puffy and almost double in bulk.
  4. Transfer the dough to the kneading surface; press and fold over a few times to redistribute the air bubbles. Shape into an eight-inch log and place in a lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and allow to rise until the dough has crowned about one inch above the edge of the pan. Use a sharp knife to slash it down the middle - this will keep the loaf from splitting as it finishes rising in the hot oven.
  5. Bake in preheated 350-degree F oven for about 40 minutes, tenting it lightly with foil after about 20 minutes. Test for doneness by removing from pan and thumping on bottom - it should sound hollow. Cool on wire rack before slicing, and store in a plastic bag at room temperature.

(to the tune of Frere Jacques)
Making bread, making bread.
Mmmm good, mmmm good.
I can smell it baking.
I can smell it baking.
Smells so good, smells so good.

Making bread, making bread.
Mmmmm good, mmmm good.
Now its time for tasting.
Now its time for tasting.
Tastes so good, tastes so good.
....................

Slice, slice, the bread looks nice.
Spread, spread butter on the bread.
On the top put jam so sweet,
Now it's nice for us to eat!