Earlier this summer I was invited to a  pre-party of our local libraries summer reading program. My kids have always participated in this program. We are a family of readers so it is really a no brainer for us. Reading = get free stuff. Yet,  I didn’t go to the pre party because really in theory I am totally against the idea of rewarding kids with tokens and or coupons for reading. Yes=I am a bit of a party pooper. No, I don’t over analyze everything and get on my soap box tooting my horn at every main stream activity! But I saw this post on Controversial Summer Reading Programs and it gave me just the nudge I needed to finally come out of the closet.

Now, don’t get me wrong I LOVE our library and I especially love my local branch.  We visit our library as well as other neighborhood libraries often. We rely on our library and appreciate all they do for us. But I just can’t get comfortable rewarding kids (or adults) for reading.  I didn’t (still don’t) want my librarians to know this-I am embarrassed to admit this to them. I just don’t have very high hopes that they could even begin to understand my reasons. They see me as one of their best patrons and I feel like I am letting them down by knocking  their attempts to get kids into the library and reading more. Rewards for this, rewards for that, rewards for reading over the summer too?  There must be a better way.

I don’t live in the dark-I realize that most every family  lives by these arbitrary rewards.  ( Some may even try to call them incentives.)  Homes and schools are run this way; allowance for chores, stickers for pizza parties, candy for potty training, money or presents for good grades.   I call them –just another way to coerce kids into doing what adults want. It’s all a cover up kids!!

Back to reading programs–It is true that these programs start off working as an incentive to read or at least to check out more books. (which is great for libraries–higher circulation is a primary goal of libraries. Higher circulation = more money)  Kids gear up by visiting the library and checking out lots of books and that is a great thing! Then  for 20 minutes–(checking the clock the whole time) they/you  read a book and then get to mark off a square. How many times do they bring that sheet to you asking, “Can I mark off another one? Can you read some more—-so I can mark off another one?”  See what I am getting at? It may seem like it’s all for the love of reading but it’s not–it’s for the love of filling in the stupid square and the the stupid free bookmark or  book bag or back pack that they are rewarded for finishing the summer reading program. How many parents get pissed off and just tell their kids–”Fine! Just mark off 1 square!”  *(clue #1 -kids know if they finish quickly they will get their reward)

I wonder if this reading enthusiasm wanes after they get that backpack?  We hope not-we hope the Summer reading Program turns kids into “readers” but it is doubtful that book marks and bike raffles are going to have that lasting effect on young readers.* (clue #2-once kids get there prize they are not keeping up the frantic reading pace) There is an alternative.  Really, you can avoid all those yucky feelings about keeping track of the chore called The Summer Reading Program.

As I said earlier–We are readers and my kids participate in the summer reading program and yet I am against rewards for reading. But I have a sneaking suspicion other families are going about filling in there squares a little differently than we are. As  readers, we read books, the newspaper, magazines, listen to books on tape as well as podcasts. We read while on the computer and while playing games and writing out lists or following directions both in the car at the grocery and while texting and while cooking.  These same encounters with reading are happening in your family too I bet. Reading is reading. Not just when you set the timer and read from a book.  Sort of how you can’t stop learning new things, and how school isn’t the only place to learn them. Well the summer reading program, like schools leads you to believe that reading occurs in a box  and rewarding this not only takes the enjoyment out of it but it belittles the sheer act of reading by placing an extrinsic reward on it.  I know I am a party pooper! I love a good book and totally love snuggling up with my kids to share a story. And I am all for that kind of reading too!! (I know there is a difference between reading a book and day to day literacy) But for us, ALL reading counts towards those little squares. If my kids ask if they can fill in a square I always say of course you can! See, it doesn’t matter if the timer was set or the reading was taken from a library book. You can feel just fine in saying “Yes to the square”–it’s not cheating. Use it as an opportunity to show your kids just how much they are reading. Probably more than you and they think!

So, we don’t keep track of how long my kids read from a book that someone else deems as legitimate reading material and thinking I need to make sure my kids are following the rules of the program or keeping it secret that I let little Johnny fill in a few extra squares (even though we quit reading at 15 minutes instead of 20).  In the end it is all about the prizes for the kids. Yes, they may be reading more for a short time during the summer but isn’t there a better way other than tricking them into it? And why does reading have to be a competitive sport? Isn’t it meant for totally selfish purposes?! Getting the facts and pure enjoyment?

I am not fooled by these programs–we read all the time. We feel fine filling in the squares and taking advantage of the coupons that we can use to get good stuff! I don’t use these programs to coerce my kids into pressured reading for extrinsic rewards. If you think I am batty-which is fine-you can check out what best selling author, Alfie Kohn has to say on the subject!! There are studies that prove these reward based programs are even hurting your summer reading program participants.

Can’t libraries offer new and exciting programs to lure kids in. Come on–get with the times. Kids read while playing video games!! Bring in some game designers and pull some of those books off the shelves. No, they may not be the classics but they are full of words and kids like them! Have an American Girl Summer Reading Club complete with doing some of the crafts from the books-reading the directions as well as the stories. Have a skate boarding or break dancing demo with those non fiction books pulled as well as those that lead the demo share some of their favorite books.  Have a rapping story time. Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Comic book writers could hold a workshop also. ( I am full of ideas if you want to hire me!!!)

I know there is so much more that is behind those little boxes that I don’t have answers to. Not all kids  live in literacy rich homes. But really , it is just not right to give kids stickers for reading. Don’t be fooled by thinking success equals a high number of participants and circulation. Don’t be fooled that these programs are producing kids that love to read. Maybe these summer readers are really fooling you-

*clues #1 and #2 show just how kids know how to work this rewards system

A few weeks ago we stocked up on pretty pillow cases at our thrift store on 50% off everything day. Today we finally got around to re -purposing them into grocery bags.

We used 2 pillow cases per grocery bag.

First off use a seam ripper and take top of pillow case off or just cut it off.

Take this top piece you cut off and cut it in half. These will be your straps.

Pick out some pretty colored thread for your project!!

Fold strap pieces in half (with pattern on the in inside) and sew the ends together.

Now take the two pillow cases and turn the one you will be using for the lining inside out. Stuff that one inside the outer one.

Now either sew the two pillow cases together at the top or just fold it down as far as you like to show the liner on the outside of the bag and sew. Don’t forget to sew on your straps!

Presto–really big  and sturdy grocery bags!!

So easy-I even managed to make the blue one all by myself!!

Looking for a healthy breakfast cereal? Looking for a handmade gift? Homemade granola fits both bills! Store bought granola can be expensive and often unhealthy, but making a large batch at home can save you some money as well as allowing you to customize the ingredients.

We made two different granola recipes in the past few weeks. Both are really good and when put in a pretty jar make a great holiday gift.

The first recipe is taken from a new favorite cook book of mine, FEEDING THE WHOLE FAMILY

MAPLE BUTTER NUT GRANOLA

Makes 8 cups

Pre-heat 325

3 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 Tablespoon nut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients

In a small pan melt buter, add maple syrup, and nut butter and stir to blend. Remove from heat and add extracts

Slowly pour wet over dry ingredients.  Fold and evenly coat dry ingredients

Spread on cookie sheet or shallow pan and bake until dry and golden-45 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 to 20 minutes so that it toasts evenly.

I added some of this to a bowl of pomegranate seeds and literally thought I had died and gone to heaven!!! No milk necessary.

The next day I added dry coconut and a banana to my bowl of granola/pomegranate. Equally delicious!

The kids had theirs parfait style. (In a tall glass, layered with frozen fruit and almond or coconut milk)

The second recipe is from the files of Abby, who swears she doesn’t know where she got this recipe.

MIX AND MATCH APPLESAUCE GRANOLA

3 1/2 cups rolled oats

2 cups puffed rice cereal

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

pinch ground cardamom (don’t skip this!!)

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup plain applesauce

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

up to 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds…..)

up to 1 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries, blueberries, raspberries…….)

Pre-heat 325 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or two smaller ones)

In a large bowl combine oats, cereal and spices. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Pour wet over dry, adding nuts and stir to combine.

Spread on baking sheet in an even layer

Bake 30 minutes, turning over and baking 15 more minutes or until golden brown

This recipe was great for snacking. It was more clumpy than the first recipe. The cardamom really gives this one a warm taste.

You can find some cute glass containers at the grocery or the thrift store. Add a pretty label with the recipe and you have a wonderful handmade inexpensive gift that anyone would love to receive!

This weeks unplugged theme is plastic. I had a great, I mean insanely great project to share but I couldn’t get the supplies together in a timely manner. I had grocery shopping (3 different stores!) while the girls visited with MiMi (my Mom) and a library program also today. But trust me it was great! So instead I stole the idea to make shrinky dinks right off the Unplug Your Kids site!

I cut some #6 plastic (salad bar containers, lids to aluminum cake tins…) up into different size pieces. They shrink by about 40%.

The kids colored on the plastic pieces with Sharpies-permanent markers.

We placed them on a foil sheet and put them straight on the bottom rack of a 350 degree oven.

I grouped like size pieces together for each batch. The first ones to go into the oven were large pieces and they didn’t come out so good-they curled up and melted. All with in a few minutes-so watch carefully!

The next batch curled up and then flattened back out and worked great! This is what is supposed to happen so don’t freak out while watching the metamorphosis. We punched holes in them before we baked them and some of the holes closed up so be sure to make them large.

I don’t know what the packed “shrinky dinks” are made off but let me warn you-you may want to do this activity outside with a toaster oven because the fumes can’t be good for you! When I taught pre-school, 137 years ago, We used to use Styrofoam trays and a toaster oven outside for that same reason. I don’t know why I thought plastic would be any different. But these are way cool and easy. The girls wanted to do more but I radiated, I mean microwaved their leftovers and threw them out in the fresh air to eat dinner while the house aired out.

Then we rode our bikes to get ice cream. I had a tasty pink grapefruit sorbet with chocolate sprinkles-delicious!! It tasted just like OceanSpray Ruby Red! This shop has some crazy flavors! Fish and chips? Guinness? I tasted the pear Riesling sorbet but went with the pink grapefruit.

Tomorrow we are off to pick strawberries with Dawn, who I am so thankful to for making my blog look so great! I owe her 1 zillion dollars for all her hard work! But I don’t have any money so I will continue to publicly thank her and buy her dinner soon! Thanks Dawn web designer extraordinaire!!!!!

And I promise to share my most insanely excellent project soon!

This weeks special guests to the market…. Cheese making demo!!  There was a great article in Mother Earth News all about making cheese and lactose free  dairy products  you can make at home.  I am really excited to try making some cheese with raw milk and goats milk.  The cheese makers had several samples to choose from.  Molly and Ginger picked lemon zest cheese to bring home.

Free 1/2 gallons of milk out of the back of a truck!   Snowville  is a local creamery  trying to get the local big name grocery down the street to carry their milk products.   My lucky day!

We again brought home asparagus and green beans.  But no need to purchase any greens as my garden has gone wild!!

When we got home Ginger found a slug and went searching for one of our bug habitats.  Next thing I know she was screaming, “There’s a butterfly in the box!”

And sure enough there was a swallowtail flapping around in the box.  We had forgotten about the chrysalis that wintered over in the box.  We opened the box and it flew out only to return to my head!

And then to Ginger….

And then to Molly…

Here in Columbus we often skip Spring. It seems to go from cold to hot almost overnight. But not this year. We have had chilly nights and 60 degree days and lots of sun and a good bit of rain. But not today. Today was another beautifully breezy day. Only warmer. Which is fine by me. I am a girl of summer!

We filled the baby pool with water and added blue food coloring, shiny star marbles, jewels and a fishing pole and fish.

And after lunch we tried to make bracelets out of old tooth brushes. It didn’t work, at all! I hate when there are directions for a project and it fails.

First we tried to pull out the bristles with tweezers. Ha-If you didn’t have carpel tunnel before you started this project You certainly will when your finished .

Ginger enjoyed trying to do this, but Molly turned to scissors!

So that was the first hint that this project was going to be tough.

Next we boiled a pot of water, added the tooth brushes.

We carefully removed one and with a towel wrapped around the HOT tooth brush, we tried to bend it around the bottom of a glass.

It barely bent, we re-boiled several times. Dancing on chairs and stools seemed to help the time pass.

tried different brands of tooth brushes…. Failure #1

Failure #2, after boiling and bending several times:

Then we Threw in the towel. Actually I threw the now germ free tooth brushes into the stack of cake pans still on the counter from the metal tooling project and headed out to drop the kids at my Mom’s for some cable TV while I grocery shopped.

So my advice is Don’t Try This At Home!!!

But I like the photos from this-they are so unexpected.

I am thinking about changing the furniture around here at chez Pepper Paints. So, if you wonder over one day and think I got rid of your favorite post, it probably just got moved to a new spot. I am fickle like that. With the change of seasons I change the furniture around in most rooms of my house. It drives my husband batty.

I had a revelation the other morning while out walking. I am NOT a simple person. And that is OK! I often ponder becoming a more simple person. I am sure it is an easier life, but it just isn’t in me.

I can usually spot a person that lives a simple life. You know those at the grocery that have a cart with only the items they will use in the next week. They don’t belong to food co-ops which buy in bulk, shop at several different grocery stores, or stock up in case of the bird flu or killer bees. They shop at the thrift store, but again buy only what they need, not every cute thing they find because it’s only a buck. There kids have a few precious toys that they actually play with, not toys in every room of the house. That’s just not me.

I love my stuff, my hand mirror collection, various rocks, shells and sea glass from all over the place. I love my marble collection, our stamps and coins. I love art supplies and other materials that most people consider junk. I see the possibilities in almost everything. I love other peoples cast offs. I rarely shop new and I love a good bargain. Flea markets and thrift stores make me coo! As does a pile on someones tree lawn.

I know those that live a more simple life, only bite off what they can chew. That concept right there would make my life more manageable. They don’t increase the size of their garden every year if they can’t tend to what they already have. They actually leave the library with only a book or two. They don’t try to jam pack every day to the fullest. They pace themselves and have a Zen way about them. And they don’t move all their furniture around every few months because they are bored. But again, that’s just not me.

Tomorrow, I will be going thrifting with some friends and I will find a few treasures that I want more than need and I will purchase them . And I will make more work for myself-more laundry, finding a place to keep these treasures. But that’s OK. Because it will make me happy. And I may just find the perfect thing to add to my kitchen I plan on rearranging on Saturday.

Shhh, don’t tell my husband.