Recipes & Resources

Other Parents Recommend:

  • “Even Firefighters Hug Their Moms” is a children’s book for the imaginative, active preschooler. One of my all-time favorites that features local illustrator, Mike Reed.
  • “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline For Children 2-12″ – a parenting resource that really works!
  • “Baby Signs” – another parenting resource. This book brought my family months of happiness as we enjoyed communicating with our toddler.  Easy to teach, wonderful tool.
  • Earobics – This computer program breaks down the writing skills necessary for beginning/struggling readers
  • BOB Books – Another resource for beginning/struggling readers.It develops skills with simplicity and consistency. Look for them in the Scholastic Book orders too!
  • Magnatiles – Toys - Little builders love the unique designs that can be made from these manipulatives.
  • Star Prairie Trout Farm – Local Excursion – Beautiful setting right across the border in Wisconsin.  My boys had the best time even on a rainy day.  They caught more than enough fish to feed our family.  Reasonably priced and tons of fun!
  • All You Need is Love – Children’s music that is enjoyable for everyone!
  • Snap Circuits – Toys - If your child can follow Lego instructions, they can build these circuits.
  • KinderSite.org – An online catalog of educational games for children.

Ms. Sara recommends:

  • Highlights – Publication - High Five, ages 2-6.
  • Sandra Boynton – Children’s books – Ms. Boynton is an author who really knows how to tickle a child’s funny bone. All of her books are wonderful!
  • Jake’s Happy Hour – Mom & Dad fun - Cheap and good stuff to eat and drink. Located in Maplewood.
  • Parent Tip:When tucking my kids in at night, I say “Tell me 2 good things about your day”.

Ms. Michelle recommends:

  • Lillian Vernon – Online Store – I love personalized things. I shop here often.
  • Nick Jr. – Website - We’ve always loved the programming on Nick Jr. The website is great too.
  • Minnehaha Falls – Local Excursion – Rent a tandem bike or a paddle boat, sit at the cafe or hike a trail. The scenery here can’t be beat.
  • Izzy’s Ice Cream - Local Excursion – Who can resist a good ice cream cone?  This is the best.
  • Choo Choo Bob’s – Train etnhusiasts must visit this store.

Ms. Pat recommends:

  • GreenHour.com – Website - Get back to nature with these ideas and activities
  • Windstorm Creative - Books by Me - One of my favorite hobbies is writing children’s books. They are available from my publisher.
  • Hearthsong – Website
  • Education Toys – Website

Favorite Recipes

Caution: This recipe involves cooking!  Be sure to let playdough cool before handling.
This is our favorite recipe.  It smells good, has a great consistency and lasts a long time!

Colored & Scented Playdough

  • 2 Cups water
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 pkt. Kool-Aid Unsweetened
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 Cups sifted flour
  • 2 Tablespoons alum

Directions

1. Combine salt and water in saucepan and boil until salt dissolves.

2. Remove from heat and tint with food coloring, tempera powder or Kool-Aid

3. Add oil, flour and alum.

4. Knead until smooth

5. Store in an air-tight container or plastic bag.  Playdough will last for 2-months or longer.

Ms. Sara’s Favorite Playdough Recipe

Mix together in a large pan*:

  • 1 Cup Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Cream of Tartar

Mix in small bowl:

  • 1 Cup Water
  • 5 Drops Food Coloring
  • 1 Tablespoon Oil

Pour liquid into dry ingredients.  Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.  Knead dough for 2-3 minutes on a clean countertop sprinkled with flour. Store in a container with tight fitting lid. *Electric frying pan works well!