​During our Christmas Break, my family enjoys visiting the Indianapolis Zoo.  The Christmas lights are so beautiful. I was blessed this year to be given a Christmas gift of free admission, parking, and rides for my entire family from one of my students.  What a special and thoughtful gift!  

My family was finally all home at the same time, so we were able to go out to eat at one of our family favorite restaurants (Red Lobster) and then head downtown to see the Christmas lights and animals at the zoo. 

​Indiana became the 19th state to join the United States on December 11, 1816.  We celebrate this each December by decorating a chocolate chip cookie cake ~ shaped like the state of Indiana. 
 
I give my students a copy of the state map to locate the major rivers and cities.  Students are busy using markers to highlight and name the rivers, cities, and bordering states....while they wait their turn to decorate a portion of the cookie cakes.

I usually buy the store brand roll of chocolate chip cookie dough and the cheapest cookie trays along with tubes of blue and yellow frosting.  I have two classes of students for Indiana history ~ about 55 students.  So I make 6 Indiana shaped cookie cakes the night before.  

I roll out the cookie dough right onto the disposable cookie trays using a little bit of flour as I roll.  I then free-hand the shape of the state before baking.  I usually check half-way through the baking process to reshape (using a spoon) the indentations of our state.  This can also be done right as the cookie is removed from the oven...while it's still hot.  

I'm sure this could be recreated for most states.  It makes for a memorable experience and something fun to do before Christmas. 

​Nearly record breaking snow and cold temperatures delayed school reopening in Indiana. We had 11.3 inches of snow in one day (the day before school was supposed to resume after winter break.)  Now the temperatures are -12 below...but feels like -40 degrees.  

I'm taking advantage of these extra days off from school/work to get organized.  My closets and cabinets are finally cleaned out and organized here at home.  Also cleaned out my "teacher bag". Wow, teachers have way too many papers to organize!  Feels good to have time to get my head above water... or snow (ha, ha).  

After shoveling the driveway and cleaning more than normal, I need that extra snow day to rest. I'm sure my students are taking advantage of these extra days to practice their multiplication facts.  Ha...Ha.  Well, one can only dream!  Wishing warmth and happiness to my students and families.  Missing all of you and hoping you are well.  Be ready to learn all about fractions when you return.