Kid’s Craic: Ahhhhh … Spring is in the Air!
By Megan Lardie
The word spring has several different meanings. It can be a noun or a verb. As a verb, it means to move, sometimes forcefully. As a noun, most think of it as the season between winter and summer, a time of growth and development, a time when the grass begins to grow and flowers start to peek through the soil.
Spring is a time of rebirth and a time to reenergize especially this year! It feels as if we have all been in a sort of hibernation since last March. It is as if the sun shines brighter, feels warmer, and is more welcoming this spring.
You have all been through a year like no other. You have learned to adapt and survive when it was confusing, scary, and hard. You are all superheroes! Take time this spring to embrace each new day and our new normal. There is literally more light at the end of this tunnel.
Fun Fact
The official first day of spring, usually March 20th, is called the vernal equinox. On that day, there are twelve hours of daytime and twelve hours of nighttime. After that, there will be more minutes of daytime until the summer solstice in June.
Question
How did eggs and chicks become symbols of Easter and spring?
Eggs have been a symbol of spring since ancient times. An egg also is a symbol of the tomb that Jesus came out of when he rose from the dead. A baby chick, hatching out of the egg, is a symbol of rebirth or new life.
Recipe
Peep Smore Dip
Ingredients
Peep’s marshmallow candies, about 25
3 to 4 cups milk chocolate morsels
Graham crackers and/or butter cookies
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour milk chocolate morsels into a round pie plate. Spread into an even layer. Top milk chocolate with peeps marshmallow candies.
Place in oven for eight to ten minutes or until the chocolate has melted and the peeps are golden. Be aware that the milk chocolate morsels may retain their shape but will be glossy when melted.
Keep checking the chocolate. Make sure it does not burn and the Peeps are just a bit toasted. Serve with graham crackers or butter cookies.
To reheat or to soften peeps: Place pie plate in the microwave and heat for 20-30 seconds. Watch carefully as the peeps will expand and bubble.
Literature Corner
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling – Can you ever have too much of your favorite food? As a chocolate lover myself, I say no! Can you imagine having everything that touches your mouth taste like your favorite food?
Young John Midas is upset after his parents and his doctor tell him that he must only eat healthy food. Find out what happens when John goes for a walk to clear his head, and finds a unique coin that changes everything.
Easter Jokes
Q: What kind of bean cannot grow in a garden?
A: A jellybean!
Q: What kind of music is the Easter Bunny’s favorite?
A: Hip-Hop!
Gab in Gaelic
The weather is beautiful today = Ta an aimsir go halainn inniu (pron. taw an eyeim-shur guh haul-inn inn-you)