DAY 12: Foods 1

Students today made their altered chocolate chip cookie recipe. I was a little worried because with it being Friday and on a short schedule I didn't know if students would have enough time, but they worked really hard and were able to accomplish the task. I am constantly amazed at what the students can do and still have fun doing it. I have a great group of students this semester!

DAY 12: Foods 2

Students participated in a salsa competition today and let me tell you that it went SO good! I can't believe some of the salsas that my students made. THEY WERE DELICIOUS!!! Some were downright spicy and I didn't think I got that spicy of ingredients. Students were given a few basic ingredients and then they could add whatever else they wanted to create their concoction. Monday the winning teams will be announced and given their prize. I must say that I was VERY IMPRESSED! I am very happy that we did this because I think students were surprised with what they could make themselves. GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!!

DAY 12: Clothing

We have now finished our patchwork pincushions so we are ready to move onto our next project. We are still dealing with straight lines and seam allowances with this project. Now we are working on our pillowcases with French seams. Students should have brought their own fabric for this project (if for some reason you can't get your own fabric, come and talk to me). I talked about some of the instructions so that the students can be successful on this project. Students then went back and started working on cutting out their fabric. For this project we are mostly using the rotary cutters so remember to BE VERY CAREFUL! The fabrics that students have brought are so CUTE! I am addicted to fun, cute fabric!

DAY 12: Interior Design

Students learned about the 4 different patterns of design (naturalistic, stylized, geometric, and abstract). We went through our notes in our packets and then students were assigned the portfolio pages for the section.

DAY 11: Foods 2

We completed our first knife cut lab today. Students practiced their julienne knife cut on potatoes which we then turned into spicy oven french fries. What are french fries without a bit of ice cream?

So using our BlendTec blenders we created chocolate ice cream (over the labor day weekend I watched a demonstration of the blender and they made ice cream so naturally I really wanted to try it). The ice cream turned out GREAT! We will have to try several different varieties in our blenders over the course of the semester.

Good job on your knife cuts! I was impressed that you performed it correctly and also that you held the knife correctly!

DAY 10: Foods 2

In class today we began talking about knife skills and the 6 different knife cuts. In foods 2 a good majority of the state test deals with being able to demonstrate as well as identifying these knife cuts.

We went through our notes and then we got to play with play dough. Students demonstrated the 6 knife cuts using their play dough and a butter knife. Now this was a lot harder because play dough moves quite a bit, but they got the concept of the knife cuts. They will be using these knife cuts in their next couple labs so they need to understand them.

DAY 9: Food 2

Welcome back from your long weekend. I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day holiday, I know I did. I always hate coming back from a holiday so I wanted to do something fun in class. We made brownies today and then students were able to top them with ice cream. They all turned out great and they were quite tasty.

DAY 9, 10, and 11: Clothing

Students are continuing to work on their patchwork pincushions right now. We are moving along quite nicely and there are some beautiful pincushion coming out of this project. I am very impressed with the color schemes the students are using to create their project. They are quite BEAUTIFUL! Let's keep up the good work!

**Remember your pillowcase material is due Friday September 7th. You need 3/4 yard for the main body, 1/4 yard for the band, and either 3" thick ribbon or fabric for the trim.**

DAY 10 and 11: Interior Design

Students are continuing to work on their chair designs. It is amazing to look around the room and see what creative pieces are being built. There is some hidden chair building talents in our class :) The chairs will be due next Wednesday the 12th of September. If you are behind make sure you catch up either before or after school or take it home to work on it.

DAY 9: Interior Design

Students were given the challenge to design a mini scaled chair. The chair doesn't have to support weight but they are to create a chair that serves the function, to sit in. They are to use their decorative design skills while creating the chair.

We briefly talked about the brainstorming process and how you have to envision what you want your final outcome to be. Students can use whatever resources and materials they want. On the day of our test students will present their chair to the class.

DAY 8: Foods 2

Since we had such a short day, students made strawberry smoothies and completed the "What is in it?" worksheet out of their folders. They were to look through their cabinets and drawers to see what is in them. Next week we will spend some time talking about knife skills and doing several labs. Have a wonderful weekend and I will see you on Tuesday!

DAY 7: Foods 2

Ms. Anderton did a stir-fry demonstration while we reviewed our cooking terms. Students completed their worksheet and then we were able to enjoy some stir-fry. Thank you to my volunteers who help to make our food! You are truly appreciated!

DAY 8: Foods 1

Since classes were so short today with the assembly we reviewed measuring and made homemade slurpees. We didn't complete our review so we will finish it on Wednesday after the long weekend and our lab on Tuesday. Have a wonderful weekend students and I will see you on Tuesday!

DAY 7: Foods 1

Students went back into the kitchens today to demonstrate how to properly measure. They completed their brown sugar muffins lab. I was quite impressed with how well the students measured all their ingredients. Their muffins turned out especially well too! Good job students on your hard work and dedication!

DAY 7 and 8: Clothing 1

We are now starting into our 1st project in clothing. We are making patchwork pincushions so that you can have a set of pins right at your own table. Students began cutting out their patterns and fabric. Remember to transfer all your markings so that you are ready to go!

We also filled out our sewing equipment sheet so make sure to get those notes.

DAY 7 and 8: Interior Design

In class we talked about the difference between structural and decorative design. Students were assigned to work on their portfolio pages. I am excited for this topic because we will get to design our own personal chair. I look forward to this!

DAY 6: Foods 1

Today we learned how to  properly measure so that we can be successful in our labs. While students completed their notes, Ms. Anderton made peanut butter bars and demonstrated how to properly measure.

While the peanut butter bars baked, students completed their kitchen management study guide. Make sure that if you missed you can get the notes and your study guide completed.

Tomorrows lab, I will be looking to see that students are properly measuring!

DAY 6: Foods 2

We started off class by taking our bell quiz #2. Make sure if you are missing class that you are taking these bell quizzes. I can guarantee you that you will see the questions again so it is to your benefit to take the quizzes.

Next we went back into the kitchen and watched as our volunteers (THANK YOU) made goop. They weren't given the instructions but rather read some INTERESTING steps like 1/2 a dit dot of salt. They were to make the concoction without asking the teacher for any help. It was interesting to hear all the talk that was happening while the demonstration was happening. We then talked about what the real recipe said and how sometimes reading a recipe can sound like some foreign language but if we know the cooking terms we can accomplish our task and be successful in the kitchen.

We then completed our READING A RECIPE notes and then students practiced reading a recipe. At the very end students were able to sample the goop and I must say that our volunteers did an EXCELLENT job with what they had to work with.

DAY 6: Clothing 1

Journal Entry #3:
Is there such a thing as going too far in fashion? Explain your answer.

In class today we worked on our clothing sample packet. You were given two 6" squares and were to complete the sample #1 and 2.

Luckily we didn't have too many problems with our sewing machines and we were able to get going. The students are working really well and it will be fun to see how they progress throughout the semester. Keep up the GOOD WORK!

DAY 6: Interior Design

Today in Interior Design we had a work day. You were to catch up on all the assignments because we are going to be moving along now. Your assignments you need to have done include: your design collague, your 6 business cards with 1 professional card, your 2 lettering assignments, and your favorite room portfolio page. If you weren't able to get it all completed you will need to complete them on your own time.

Remember when you are doing your block lettering to give yourself space between your lines and to keep everything nice and straight. You are all doing a wonderful job on your work! Keep it up!

DAY 5: Foods 1

We started class off today by taking our bell quiz #1. We then moved back into the kitchens where we did our "GOOP" demonstration. Several volunteers (THANK YOU) were given a "recipe" and asked to follow it. They couldn't ask the teacher for any help. I am trying to teach students how to read a recipe and that you have to know the lingo before you can be a successful cook. Our volunteers did EXCELLENT for what they were given to work with!

Next we moved back into the room and went over our READING A RECIPE notes. Students were then given a recipe and asked to label and circle different parts.

DAY 5: Foods 2

In Foods 2, Ms. Anderton cooked Chinese Chicken Salad while we discussed kitchen safety and sanitation. We also took our 1st bell quiz. We then reviewed kitchen safety and sanitation by completing our review page.

A big thanks to the wonderful volunteers for helping with the salad. You all did AWESOME!

DAY 5: Clothing

We have now labeled the whole sewing machine. We also practiced threading both the upper and lower part of our machines. We also learned how to wind a bobbin. At the end of class we discussed what you do if your machine malfunctions. We are now ready to begin sewing!!!

DAY 5: Interior Design

We started off by talking about the presentation methods and students were assigned to do their "favorite room" page.

You should now be working on your lettering assignments (graph paper and copying sentences), your design collague, your business cards and now your "favorite room" portfolio page. Tomorrow we will have a work day where you can catch up on your work.

DAY 4: Foods 1

Today was our first cooking lab experience. Students were able to go back into the kitchens and discover what is in their unit. They did this by working on their "What is in it?" worksheet found in their booklet. While students worked on this they were able to make a fruit smoothie. Students did really well and their smoothies turned out GREAT! It is going to be an amazing semester!

DAY 4: Foods 2

We had our first day of cooking today. Students demonstrated their knowledge of prevention for food-borne illnesses and cross-contamination. We made taco rings which turned out really well. I was quite impressed with the cooking skills the students have. GOOD JOB on your hard work!

DAY 4: Clothing

We started the day off by writing in our journals. Students answered the following: What is YOUR definition of fashion? Next we moved to talking about measurements and seam allowances. We worked on the measurement pages in our booklets. We even practiced showing the different measurements on our sewing machines.

After we started talking about the different parts of the sewing machine. We are labeling the sewing machine.

Remember to bring a spool of thread to school for your sample book and so we can learn how to thread the machine.

DAY 4: Interior Design

Today students finished up their business cards and design collagues. We then moved into talking about presentation methods. Students started working on their block lettering techniques. We are working on assignment #6 in our packets right now.

DAY 3: Foods 1

It is FRIDAY! We made it through our first week of school! Now we are well on our way to being able to cook in the kitchens.

We started class off today by watching a short clip from Sleeping Beauty. It was our introduction to our Unit 1--Introduction to Cooking. We are going to be talking about kitchen management and just how to cook in this unit and everything that goes into it.

Next we learned about our new cooking terms and the equipment needed to complete that term. We learned about the equipment and just how to take care of it.

Be ready to cook on Monday. We are going to go into the kitchens and discover what is in each lab. While completing our assignment we are also going to make fruit smoothies in the blender. It will be a fun day so don't miss out :)

DAY 3: Foods 2

It is FRIDAY! We made it through the first week of school! We are now on our way to being able to cook this semester. I am excited to get you all back in the kitchen and applying what you are learning.

Today we reviewed food borne illnesses along with cross-contamination and the danger zone. Students learned about the temperatures that meat should be cooked to in order to prevent food borne illnesses.

You will need to get the notes from someone in class if you missed.

Be ready to cook on Monday. I will be looking to see that you know how to prevent food borne illnesses and cross-contamination.

DAY 3: Clothing

It is FRIDAY! We made it through our first week of school! We have now gone over all the first week of school stuff and we are ready to get to our sewing machines and start to sew.

In class today, students took a pre-assessment to see what they know already and where we need to focus some time. I am sorry it was such a LONG test...I promise to never give that long of a test again!

DAY 3: Interior Design

It is FRIDAY! We made it through the first week of school!

Today in Interior Design, students continued to work on their design collagues (they are looking awesome if I might add). Students were also given their 2nd assignment which is to make a business card. They can be as creative as they want to be or as simple. You can find all the instructions to your business card assignment in your folder. You will need to create 1 professional looking business card at the end.

DAY 2: Foods 1 and 2

In Foods we took the pre-assessment to see what students already know and where we need to spend more time on the class material. We also corrected the test in class. Now we are ready to move on and start into the actual class. Thank goodness the first days are over and now we can move into all the FUN stuff! Also remember to turn in your disclosure if you haven't already.

DAY 2: Clothing

Students finished up their inspiration journals. The first journal entry was given today. Students were asked to answer the following: Describe your personal style...either  in words or in pictures. After students finished decorating their journals we talked about class procedures and policies. Students also signed up for their extra duty.

Day 2: Interior Design

In Interior Design we took our design personality quiz and talked about what design style we prefer as individuals. We then began working on our assignment #1 design collague. You need to look through magazines and find pictures that represent your design style. This is the first page in our portfolio.

DAY 1: Welcome Back Students!!!

Welcome to another year at RHS! I am so excited to have you taking my classes.

Today we introduced ourselves to each other by a few get to know you activities. Let me remind you about me. I LOVE runny ice cream, I have GIANT feet, and I am a NEAT FREAK! I am sure you will find out other weird things about myself as we go through the semester :)

We then went over the disclosure and learned what is expected of you in my class. If you weren't in class you will need to get your class folder and read through the disclosure.

Again I am so excited to have you in class this semester! Let's make it a FABULOUS semester!