{photos by Jessica Wilson}
Happy Veteran's Day! Did you download our Veteran's Day Resource packet?
Today’s moment of wonder comes from our Jr. K classroom. Almost everything that happens at school inspires wonder in these young, enthusiastic minds! Today we hear from Jr. K teacher Amy Turner, as she relates an especially memorable activity that tied into one of their literature books:
Another part of our lesson was baking bread. Michelle Perlich (Lucian’s mom) generously led the class in bread baking. The children took turns measuring out the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and water. We all watched the mixture take form in the Kitchen Aid. Almost like magic the dough was ready (Michelle had batches of risen dough ready for kneading). The children formed their loaves and gave them a final brush with egg whites. Michelle took the loaves home to bake and brought them back to school at the end of the day. The look of wonder on the children’s faces when they saw the bread they had made was priceless. I am so thankful to Michelle for sharing her talent of baking with the class.
Here is the recipe Michelle used with the kids, if you’d like to try baking your own bread at home:
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoon dry yeast
1 2/3 cups warm water
egg white or olive oil
Directions:
In the mixer add flour, salt, and vinegar.
Stir together 1/3 cup warm water and yeast in small bowl until yeast is dissolved – then let stand for 5 minutes (it should foam). With mixer running, pour in yeast mixture and remaining warm water. Mix for about 3 minutes until it forms a ball. Let dough rise for 1 hour.
Divide dough in half and form two 13-15 inch loaves. Brush with either olive oil or egg white and let stand again for 30 minutes.
Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes on upper rack of oven with a roasting pan on the lowest rack that has 1-1 1/2 inches of water in it. Flip bread over and cook for another 5 minutes.
Pull out and let cool.
And here are more photos from their delightful day of breadmaking:
The kids also played outside with flour – so fun!
Thank you, Amy and Michelle! It’s a real treat to peek into the classrooms and see the wonders and love of learning happening each day. These photos are priceless!
Parents and teachers, if you have a moment of wonder to share on the blog, please email Down Home and tell us about it! We love encouraging each other with stories from home and from the classroom.
