Some Ideas to Share

I’ve recently noticed that the kids and I seem to need something to help us transition from our morning routine into “school mode.” So, I thought I’d share an idea that has been helpful for us in making this transition... We really enjoy watching videos on You Tube and, some of our favorites are from the group GO FISH. Well, this group just happen to have a version of “This is My Father’s World,” which is the theme song for our My Father’s World curriculum. So, we have been using that song to begin our school day and help get us into gear.

Along with that song, we will choose one or two other songs from GO FISH. They have great songs that are so much fun, while teaching us about God's Word and of His love for us. Some of our favorites are:

The 10-Commandment Boogie

The Bible Book Bop

I’ve Got the Joy

Jesus Loves Me

After watching 2-3 favorite songs, we will then watch a video from CRAWFORD THE CAT. Your young ones (ages Pre-K through 1st grade) will really enjoy these short videos, but our 2nd grader and special needs 12-year-old also enjoy them. They are 5 minute cartoons that teach Health, Manners and Social Skills. You can find these videos on You Tube also, but here is the main website where you can watch the videos, as well as find out more info about Crawford: http://www.crawfordthecat.com/

Last week, we finished up week 17 of ECC (Exploring Countries & Cultures - through My Father's World)and finished learning about Germany. We took a moment on Wednesday night to talk with our friend, Rein, who was born in Germany and lived there until he was 9 years old. He said some words to us in German, and told us about some of his favorite German foods. I didn’t get a chance to make a German dish yet, although we do enjoy pork and sour krout on occasion. I also found a recipe for Spaetzle that I want to try soon. Here is the recipe, if anyone else is interested in giving it a try. It came from the book "Cooking the German Way" by Helga Parnell:

SPAETZLE

Especially popular in the Black Forest region of Germany. Usually served in place of potatoes or noodles, along with a roast.

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 to 3/4 cup warm water
2 TB butter

Sift flour and 1/2 tsp. salt together in bowl. Add eggs and 1/4 cup warm water. Slowly stir to mix the flour and liquid. Stir in remaining water, little by little, until cookie dough consistency. Beat with wooden spoon until small bubbles form. Fill a larg saucepan half full of water and add 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil. Scoop up small pieces of dough with a wet teaspoon and drop into the water. Cook only enough at a time to fill the pan without them touching. Boil, uncovered, 6-8 minutes. Remove from water with slotted spoon. When all of spaetzle is done, rinse with cold water and drain well. Just before serving, place spaetzle in medium saucepan with the butter. Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until butter is melted. Serves 4-6.