Pancakes with Maple Syrup: A Slice of Life

Writing teachers need to write themselves.

I am participating in the Slice of Life 2015 Challenge, 

where I attempt to write stories and narratives about moments in my life.

I apologize if this blog post veers off the informative "literacy lens" I usually write through.

This month I am pretending to be a writer, for my students' benefit (and my own).

Writers write. 

#SOL15

     The forest was covered in snow.  A class of preschoolers and their moms made tracks through the snow, plodding our way through Pilcher Park.  It was their first field trip ever, and they were full of energy and aware of everything... at first.  The trees, the twigs, the birds chirping, the cold of the snow when it would sneak into their boots or mittens.  But, as the group trekked on, the journey seemed loooooooooonger.  Even a hollowed out tree stump to climb in and a trip to the Sugar Shack wouldn't satisfy my daughter much longer.

     "Mom?  When can we eat pancakes?!?!?!?" her little face stared up at me, pleading for those warm treasures waiting for us inside.

     "Soon, dear.  Soon."  In my mind, I was screaming the same thing.  Boy, were my toes frozen.  Maple syrup would warm them up.  I was sure of it.

     REAL maple syrup.  Pats of butter melting on circles of pancake goodness.  Sausage multiplying on my plate, since my daughter didn't want it anywhere near hers.  Bellies were full, and hearts were warm, at Pilcher Park this 2nd day of March.  

                     

Note to Teachers/ Parents:

If you have never been to Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet, it might be worth a trip!  In the winter, you can see how they make maple syrup from right from their trees.  During the rest of the year, I hear it is beautiful.  Experiences are a wonderful gift to give our students/ children.