Long Island Kosher Mom

Questions to ask when choosing a school

2013-03-06T16:50:00.001-05:00

I have a lot of friends who are trying to choose between one day school over another or decide between day school, public school, or another private school and are having trouble deciding where to send their child. I began to think about the kinds of things I want for my children in their education and thought I would share.

I believe very strongly that I want my children to be challenged as much as possible. I obviously do not want them to be set up for failure, but I want them to be pushed to expand their capabilities. If they can't handle a dual curriculum, then I want to know the school will be able to assist them in the right services to allow them to succeed.
I have seen with both of my children who are hyper verbal that a great teacher can make a world of difference in helping them to succeed and not be bored. I have also seen how easy it is to be bored. I want my children to love learning and be excited more often then not with what they are learning in school.

I want them to be exposed to 21st century learning because it makes sense and there is a purpose in integrating it into the curriculum and not because it's the new flashy term of education. I also believe that they need a strong foundation in writing and reading because it's a part of everything. I also believe that math, science, and technology need to be strong.

Having thought about all things I want in education, I put together a list of questions that I thought would be good starting questions with the school you are trying to decide about. Note that some of these are specific to a Jewish school:

General
What is your handwriting program?
What reading program are you using?
What is your science program like?
Besides smart boards, how is technology integrated into the curriculum in each grade?
What kinds of project-based learning occurs in the elementary school?
What kinds of blended-learning opportunities are there and for what ages?
What kinds of real world skills are offered to a student?
At the end of 5th grade, what skills does a Schechter student have?
What is the estimated class size for each grade?
What is the maximum class size?
What kinds of music does a student learn throughout elementary school?
How much time does the average student spend on homework?
Do you teach about evolution?

Judaics
What subjects are done entirely in Hebrew for each grade?
What are the Hebrew language programs?
What is Tefillah like in the Elementary school?
How do you deal with theology questions like Does God exist? Or who wrote the Bible?

After-school/Enrichment
What kinds of enrichment programs do you offer?
Are there any extended day programs or early drop-off?
Are there any sports offered in the elementary school and if so, what grade do they begin in?

School Culture
Any differences based upon gender?
How do you deal with same sex parents, is the school inclusive?
What kinds of opportunities does the school offer for families from different areas to interact with one another?
How does the school handle birthday parties held on Shabbat or that have non-kosher food?

DVDs on Sale at Amazon under $5

2013-03-05T15:12:00.001-05:00

If you are interested in expanding your DVD collection, there are a few that are on sale for under $5. Amazon often changes their prices, so be sure to check out the prices before purchasing.

Airplane! for $4.99 on DVD

Horton Hears a Who (Single-Disc Edition) for $4.99

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Single-Disc Edition)

Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition) for $4.99

Passover for Kids

2013-03-05T14:52:00.002-05:00

Here are a few items I have found that I thought might add a little fun to your Passover Seder. Our girls are getting old enough where it will be important to have shtick for the seder to keep it going or let them play during the seder.

Passover Kid's Melamine Seder 9" Plate for $9.67

Rite Lite Judaic Plush Passover Finger Puppets, Set of Ten - 2013 Version for $12.99

Rite Lite Passover Flying Frogs - 8 Frogs, 1 Pack for $8.59

Amazing Passover Seder Plate Wood Puzzle with Matching Pictures Underneath and Handles for $14.90

Passover Wood Puzzle for $12.99

My Deluxe Soft Seder Setfor $25.31

Fun Frog Shower Capfor $8.99

Children's Animal Shower Cap - Cow for $4.99

Amazon: UDraw Game Tablet for $13.50

2013-02-25T02:14:00.001-05:00

uDraw Game tablet with uDraw Studio: Instant Artist

High Definition - Utilizing the full capacity of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, users can play, draw, print, and share their creations in HD.
Touch Screen Creativity - From pinch-and-stretch zooming to free-form finger-painting, the uDraw GameTablet responds directly to your touch.
Built-In Controller Functions - Xbox 360 and PS3 controls are directly integrated into the uDraw, eliminating the need to dock a controller.
Tilt Functionality - Tilt, shake and jump through games with enhanced tilt and motion features.
Pressure-Sensitive Stylus - The uDraw stylus offers 256 points of pressure sensitivity, providing amazing freedom to bring your creations to the screen in detail.
Built-In Controller Functions ? Xbox 360 and PS3 controls are directly integrated into the uDraw, eliminating the need to dock a controller.
High Definition ? Utilizing the full capacity of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, users can play, draw, print, and share their creations in HD.
Touch Screen Creativity ? From pinch-and-stretch zooming to free-form finger-painting, the uDraw GameTablet responds directly to your touch.

Amazon: Cinderella Carriage for $34.25

2013-02-25T02:03:00.000-05:00

Cinderella Transforming Carriage Doll Accessories

Inspired by the classic Disney animated film, Cinderella
Girls will love recreating their favorite scenes from the movie
Help Cinderella turn this pumpkin into something magical
All it takes are 3 easy steps to change this pumpkin into a carriage
A great gift that any Cinderella fan is sure to love

In December, this was down to $20.24, but this is one of the lowest prices for this.

Amazon: American Dolls for as low as $16.31

2013-02-25T01:49:00.002-05:00

American Dolls for as low as $16.31
These are the mini version of the dolls.

Here's a link to patterns for American Doll Dresses as well.

Amazon: Magic Eraser 77 cents an eraser

2013-02-25T01:42:00.001-05:00

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Cleaning Pads, 8-Count Box
Regularly: $6.99
Subscribe & Save Discount: $6.64
-Coupon: .50
=$6.14

=$0.77 per eraser

Amazon: Disney Onesies $1.91 per bodysuit

2013-02-25T01:33:00.000-05:00

Disney Cuddly Bodysuit with Grow an Inch Snaps, Minnie Mouse "Floral Rainbow" 3 Pack for $5.38

Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton
Machine Wash
Double row of snaps gives an extra inch of length to "grow" with your baby for longer wear
Lap-shoulder neck opening makes dressing baby easier
Safety stitching on all seams for extra strength
Holds its shape, with minimal shrinkage after repeated washings
Tagless neck label protects baby's delicate skin

Amazon: Crayola Twistables $5.97

2013-02-25T01:25:00.002-05:00

Crayola 30ct Twistables Colored Pencils

30 vibrant colors
Clear barrels for color identification and viewing the twisting action
2.0mm lead doesn't need sharpening
More colors now in one pack
Kid requested

Passover decluttering challenge

2013-02-21T10:15:00.003-05:00

With the start of lent, I saw a bunch of posts on organizing and purging for lent, basically 40 bags in 40 days. What a great idea for getting ready for Passover. I use it as my time to do spring cleaning, even when we will be gone for the holiday. So I'm challenging you to use the time between Purim and Passover to clean up the house, purge, organize, donate, and share. Here's my list of places to clean and purge:
25 entry hall closet
26 bookcases
27 dining room
28 living room
1 play room
2 rest from cleaning
3 pantry
4 dishes
5 bathrooms
6 laundry room
7 guest bedroom
8 under sinks
9 rest from cleaning
10 attic
11 linen closet
12 office
13 family room
14 master bedroom
15 master bedroom closets
16 rest from cleaning
17 kid room
18 kid room
19 bathrooms
20 kid desk
21garage
22 garage
23 rest
24 refrigerator, freezer, counter tops
What would your plan be?

36 Hamentaschen for Purim

2013-02-20T23:56:00.000-05:00

When I first learned how to make hamentaschen for Purim, I was taught to pinch the sides. But I found that for the most part the hamentaschen didn't end up staying together. Last year in search for a recipe that might yield prettier hamentaschen I learned about a folding method. I have found that folding the hamentaschen actually makes prettier looking hamentaschen and if you don't put too much filling they stay together much better.

From Knit & Bake.com

Here are some ideas for Hamentaschen fillings:

1. Apple Butter
2. Apricots
3. Brownie (Dairy or Pareve)
4. Heath Bar Crunch (Dairy)
5. Chocolate Chips
6. Jellies
7. Dates
8. Figs
9. Prunes
10. Lite Cherry Pie Filling
11. Nutella (Dairy)
12. Chocolate Spread

Here are some ideas I have collected (along with two friend whom I share the board with) on Pinterest Board other "Hamentaschen" ideas:

13. Pizza Flavored (Dairy)
14. Italian Fried
15. Candy Cane Cheesecake (Dairy)
16. Rabbi Olitzky's Chocolate Cream Cheese (Dairy)
17. Cinnamon Bun
18. Samoa Filled
19. Berry Tarts
20. Pumpkin Whole Wheat
21. Chocolate Raspberry
22. Hamentaschen Cake Pop
23. Hamentaschen Challah
24. Cinnamon Dulce Delecha
25. Meat Empenade
26. Salty Sweet Caramel
27. Chocolate Caramel
28. Midnight Chocolate
29. Smores
30. Gingerbread with Apple Filling
31. Salted Caramel with Chocolate
32. Neopolitan Hamentaschen
33. Cherry & White Chocolate (Dairy)
34. Hamentaschen Cupcakes
35. Spinach Kinish
36. Hamentaschen Sushi

Amazon: Wilton Cookie Cutters

2013-02-15T01:15:00.000-05:00

Wilton 2304-1050 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set
$12.98

101 colorful plastic cookie cutters; average size measures 3-1/2 by 3-1/2 inches
1/3-inch comfort edge and deep blade for ease of use
Shapes for Valentine's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, even Super Bowl Sunday; complete alphabet for fun cookie messages
Great for cutting out cookies, sandwiches, all kinds of foods, into different shapes; fun for crafting too
Easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe

I love that they are so easy to clean adn they can be tossed right into the dishwasher. They are also a great birthday favor gift.

Free Kindle Books

2013-02-15T01:01:00.001-05:00

Here are a list of some books you can get for free on your Kindle, or for a Kindle app:

1,001 Best Hot and Spicy Recipes

25 Tasty Slow Cooker Recipes: Soup, Chicken, Beef, Pasta and Pork Slow Cooker Cookbook
I would skip the Pork recipes, but often I find great recipes in cook books like these and the recipes can easily be modified.

36 Cupcake Recipes All Year Round

Frugal and Delicious: Secrets to Saving Thousands in the Kitchen

Amazing Cakes

10 Fun Things To Do With Your Microwave

Before Damage is Done: Safe Guarding Your Child on Facebook (Proactive Parenting Series)

Baby Sleep Time - The Ultimate Baby Sleep Solution For Tired Parents

Amazon: Movies on Sale

2013-02-15T00:50:00.000-05:00

The Prince of Egypt for $4.99

Monsters vs. Aliens fopr $5.99

The Adventures of Milo and Otis for $5.00

Antz for $4.99

Amazon prices change at any time and availability and distributor can also change, so check out prices before ordering.

Amazon: Organization Items on Sale

2013-02-15T00:44:00.000-05:00

Twirl-a-Tie Tie Rack/Organizer for $3.42

Holds up to 20 ties
Hangs from a standard closet rail
Keep your ties neatly displayed and organized
Fingertip spinning provides for easy selection
Set of 1 twirl-a-tie

Rubbermaid FG1H4209BLA Pan Organizer Rack, Black for $11.99

Creates additional storage space
Fits up to 2 14" pans and 3 9" pans
Accommodates up to 6 large lids and 2 pans
Easy to install with adhesive or screws

Spectrum 33300 Mop And Broom Organizer
for $6.50

AMAZON: Super Why Puzzle $9.95

2013-02-15T00:23:00.001-05:00

Super Why Giant "Super You Sized" 50 Extra-thick Piece Floor Puzzle - Measures 3 feet Tall (Ages 3+)
Amazon changes prices constantly, so be sure to check.

Graco Nautilus still on Sale

2013-02-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat, Matrix
$129

3-in-1 multi-mode car seat for longer use; 20-100 pounds and 27-57 inches
EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective impact energy management and steel reinforced frame for durability
3-position recline helps keep your growing child comfy on your many journeys together
Rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards; side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5 point harness system
Five-point harness car seat from 20-65 pounds that converts to a belt-positioning booster from 30-100 pounds and finally converts to a backless booster from 40-100 pounds
Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

We love this car seat. It's great. But you have to rethread when you want to move sizes. A better option might be this one:

Graco Argos 70 Car Seat Martin Grey
$199
This advanced 3-in-1 car seat, featuring the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System, now keeps your child harnessed up to 70 lbs and converts to a booster seat up to 120 lbs for years of use. Higher weight limits for children 20-70 lbs forward-facing in a harness, 30-100 lbs in the belt-positioning booster and 40-120 lbs in the no back belt-positioning booster Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System is safe & simple with a one-hand, no re-thread harness that automatically adjusts Side-impact tested* (*In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable US safety standards, the Argos 70 car seat has been side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5 point harness system) Engineered & crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213 Steel-reinforced frame provides strength and durability 3-position recline helps keep your growing child comfy One-hand, adjustable headrest easily adapts to your growing toddler’s needs EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective impact energy management Integrated child's cupholder keeps drinks close by Contoured armrests with cup holder and storage pockets Open-loop belt guides help you correctly position your vehicle’s seat belt LATCH-equipped 29" x 20" x 22"  

Pots on Sale

2013-02-14T23:57:00.001-05:00

There are a few sets of pots on sale. If you are looking to replace some of your old Passover pots, here are some good options.

Cuisinart 77-17 Chef's Classic Stainless 17-Piece Cookware Set
$179.99

1-1/2-, 2-, 3-quart saucepans; 8-, 10-, 12-inch skillets; 4-quart saute; 9-quart stockpot; 7-3/4-, 9-1/2-inch steamer inserts; with lids
Mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel with inner core of aluminum for fast, even heating
Riveted stainless-steel handles stay cool on the stovetop
Matching 18/10 mirror-polished stainless-steel lids seal in moisture and nutrients
Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Wolfgang Puck Stainless Steel Cookware Set - 18 Pc
$112.54

18 Piece Set Includes:
# 1 qt. saucepan with pour spout and colander cover. # 3 qt. saucepan with pour spout and colander cover
# 5 qt. dutch oven with glass cover. # 8 qt. stockpot with glass cover
# 8'" omelet pan. # Omelet pan. # 11" sauté pan with glass cover
6 tools (slotted spoon, solid spoon, solid turner, slotted turner, whisk, fork)

Le Creuset Cookware Set , 20 Piece: Caribbean

List Price:	$1,347.00
Price:	$699.95
You Save:	$647.05 (48%)

Free $5 credit at Red Mango

2013-02-11T13:37:00.002-05:00

There is an opportunity to get $5 credit to Red Mango by registering with them and creating an account.

Go to their website and register to earn a $5 credit.

KosherWine.com Free Shipping on Cases

2013-02-10T23:09:00.002-05:00

In January, KosherWine.com was running a sale on Kosher Wines with free shipping. They decided to extend it into this month. So if you order a case you get free shipping. An adult of legal drinking age must be home to sign for the package. Here are some of the ones we ordered last week.

Yarden Gewurztraminer

Barkan Pinotage

Baron Herzog Jeunesse Cabernet Sauvignon

Bartenura Ovadia Estates Chianti

Amazon: Belkin Surge Protector $10.66

2013-02-05T22:55:00.001-05:00

Belkin SurgeMaster 6 Outlet Wall-Mount Surge Protector

6-outlet surge protector offers surge protection for your entry-level computers, peripherals, kitchen appliances and more
1045 Joule energy rating provides standard protection for your basic electronic devices
6 surge-protected outlets supply complete protection
Illuminated LEDs indicate your devices are ground and protected
Lifetime warranty; $50,000 connected equipment warranty

Maisy Game for $7.99

2013-02-05T22:40:00.002-05:00

Maisy Game

For ages 3+ and for 1 - 4 players
Contents: 4 game boards, 24 play pieces, 4 maisy figures, 1 spinner
Develops visual, matching and manual dexterity skills, also promotes creativity and imagination
Brightly colored, charming and engaging illustrations

Reminder Amazon does change their prices. So check prices.

Super Why Wand $8.99

2013-02-05T22:34:00.001-05:00

Learning Curve Brands Super Why - Wave and Learn Magic Spelling Wand

Combines learning with role play for hours of fun, interactive play
2 interactive learning modes the teach word reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, following directions and fine and gross motor skills
Game play and difficulty levels are designed to grow with your child
Ages 3 and above

Another drop in price on the Summer Infant Baby Monitor $169.79

2013-02-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

Summer Infant Baby Touch Digital Color Video Monitor

Product Features

Size: one size | Color: White/Black

3.5" color video display
Digital technology, pan, scan and zoom
2-way talk back feature
Docking station for easy charging, battery indicator on screen tells you how much battery life the parent's unit has left
Up to 400' range

Car Seat Laws Changing

2013-02-04T20:24:00.002-05:00

Next year a new law will go into effect about NOT using LATCH for older children. Apparently LATCH cannot handle more than 65lbs. This is the combined weight of your child and the car seat. If I add my oldest daughter's weight + the car seat, it comes out to 63lbs.