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How Busy Parents Can Stay Involved
There are ways that busy parents can
stay involved in their children's educational growth. Whether you work outside
of the home, run a home office, or take care of other children, you too can
be a part of your child's school life that they will remember for a lifetime.
Baking
Schools have many different events throughout the year for which they need
baked goods. Whether it be a bake sale or a school carnival, cupcakes and
cookies are always welcome. Make it a fun activity with your kids by having
them make the goodies with you. To cut down on time if you are really pressed,
buy prepackaged cookie dough, or make your cookie dough and store it for
baking day. Here is a basic cookie mix that you can make and store in an
air tight container for up to 10-12 weeks, this recipe makes 16 cups of
mix:
These recipes were found in
"Make
a Mix" by Karine Eliason
Cookie Mix
8 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 granulated sugar
2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3 cups vegetable shortening
In a large bowl combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt and baking
soda until well blended. With a pastry blender or heavy duty mixer, cut in
shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal in texture. Put in a large airtight
container, label with date and contents. Store in a cool dry place.
From this mix you can make the following recipes:
Snickerdoodles
2 1/2 cups cookie mix
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 egg
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Preheat over to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine cookie mix, baking
soda, cream of tartar, and egg. Mix well. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a
small dish. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll in cinnamon/sugar mixture.
Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls slightly.
Bake 8-10 minutes until lightly browned with cracked tops. Do not overbake,
makes about 24 cookies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
3 cups cookie mix
3 tbsp milk (more if necessary)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 cup nuts or coconut (optional)
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease baking sheets. In a large bowl combine
cookie mix, milk, vanilla, and egg. Blend well. Stir in nuts or coconut and
chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-15
minutes or until golden brown. Makes 24 cookies.
Story Time
Every employer gives you a lunch break. Many don't take advantage of the
lunch break in order to get as much work done as possible in the short time
they have at the office. Why not take one lunch break per month and head
over to the school and read your daughter's class a book at story time? Imagine
the smile on that little girl's face when you walk through the classroom
door on that special day each month.
The library is a great place to go for children and adults alike. One Saturday
per month is all it takes to show your children that you are interested and
that their education matters to you. Libraries have many activities, groups
and reading times for children of different age groups. Ask for information
at your local library.
Be sure to read a book with your children each night. Stories are wonderful
ways to wind down a rambunctious youngster at the end of the day, and a great
way to snuggle with those you love. Reading encourages imagination, creative
thought and instills a love for learning.
Together Time
Turn off the TV, look through your child's backpack with him and go over
any graded school papers and additional class notes. Be sure to go through
the backpack each day as your child's teacher uses this as their main connection
between you and the school. Important meetings, behavior reports, special
kudos and planned field trips are just a few examples of what you will find
inside.
Do Your Homework
Many parents would love to be able to volunteer at the school, but are unable
due to time constraints, their job or little ones at home. If you are unable
to volunteer inside the classroom, why not ask for some homework? Teachers
are always thrilled at the prospect of parents helping and becoming involved.
There may be some cutting, sorting or other such tasks that your child's
teacher could use help with that do not require your presence at the school.
What a great way to encourage your child to get his homework done. Now you
can do it together!
Staying involved in your child's school life will show him that you care
about him and his future. It will encourage him to work harder if he knows
that you will be there to tell him what a great job he did on his Math test
or on that Science project. Get involved, your child will love you for
it.
About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and her
husband live in southern Nevada. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com
Magazine at http://familycorner.com She can be reached at
mailto:WebMom@familycorner.com
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