Make Your Own Maple Syrup {A Tap Your Trees Review}

"Whoo hoo!" my kids cheered when I told them that we would be able to review the Starter Kit with Aluminum Buckets from Tap My Trees. They love maple syrup and for years have been asking if we make some ourselves.

Until now, I admit, I have responded to my children's pleas to harvest our own maple syrup with a half-hearted, "We'll see..." For I just was not sure I had the knowledge, means, nor energy to take on such a project. However, now that we have the Tap My Trees' Starter Kit in hand, my "We'll see..." has become a "You bet!"

Yes, 2016 will be the year my kids finally get to try their hands at making their own maple syrup! 

Everything You Need for Sugaring Except a Drill and a Tree  

Although I knew what we'd be getting in our Starter Kit before it arrived, I was still pleasantly surprised when our Tap My Trees came in. For I just love a company that has personality and pays attention to detail, and, from the first moment I saw our kit all packaged up, I knew Tap My Trees is a company to love. 

Every item in the box was received was carefully (but not excessively) packaged and the box itself spoke of the company's story:

Joe McHale took a simple way to teach his family about nature and the origin of food and became the #1 supplier of maple sugaring supplies for hobbyists, no doubt, by making sugaring accessible through a clearly written, step-by-step guide that takes you from identifying tress to tap to boiling sap into maple syrup, and everything in between. 

The guide clearly describes how to:

• select trees for tapping
• tap trees
• collect and store sap
• clean and sanitize supplies
• make maple syrup
• use sap for purposes other than maple syrup
• wrap up the sugaring season

The book also contains Frequently asked Questions, a Resources list, a Quick Reference Checklist, and blank Note pages.  

Joe McHale paired this slim, yet complete 44-page guide together with everything you need to begin your own family adventure in maple sugaring in order to make a kit that can get anyone with a drill and a tree started. The provided supplies include:

• 3 2-gallon Aluminum Buckets to collect sap in as it drips from the spile
• 3 Metal Lids to prevent rain, snow, and foreign material from entering the bucket
• 3 Stainless Steel Spiles (taps) to be inserted into drilled holes to transfer sap into a bucket
• 3 Hooks to be attached to spiles and used to hang the buckets
• 1 7/16 Drill Bit with 3/8 shank in order to drill tap holes into your maple trees
• 1 Cheesecloth used to filter any solids (such as pieces of bark) when transferring sap from the collection buckets to a storage containers

Getting Started 

Right on the box of the Starter Kit is a handy flow chart of how and when your maple sugaring season might progress.

As noted on it and in the clip below, ideally, you identify which trees to tap in mild weather: 

 

Or, if you are silly like my daughter and I, you wait until after you've got a good layer of snow and then run out, all excited to get get started, less-than-appropriately dressed for the season.

 

"Mean Mama" that I am, I would not let my kids dive too far into our Maple Sugaring Starter Kit until after the Christmas season was over and I had a chance to read through the included guide (which took very little time once I actually finished seasonal hoopla and sat down with it!) So, when I finally okayed the kids to unwrap, read, and be read to, my daughter literally jumped with excitement (this the blurry picture): 

And, without pausing to put on leggings or snow pants, got right to measuring one of the trees in our front yard: 

And, then, she measured another, and another... 

After doing so, we headed back inside and referred back to the guide, where we affirmed that we could put all three of our buckets on one tree. However, for fun, my daughter would like us to tap more than one tree. 

My oldest boy, meanwhile, has been reading up on our next maple sugaring steps on his own. I dare say he'll be an expert on both the how-to's and the why's of maple sugaring in no time.  

For, having enjoyed sap straight from trees on past maple sugaring tours and at a friend's house before, he fancies the idea of drinking sap straight from our own trees. And, now, he knows it is purported to be healthy to do so as well!

Of course, he doesn't want us to drink all the sap, though. Some, he says, must be made into syrup so we can make "sugar on snow" like he did after a recent snowfall, but, this time with our own homemade sugar. 

Yes, indeed, none of us can wait to see something like this right out our own front door:


With the guide book read, trees picked and supplies on hand, soon the tapping and sugaring can begin! Whoo hoo! 

Learn More 

We are well-pleased with the quality of he guide and supplies contained in the Starter Kit by Tap My Trees and think other families seeking to learn about maple sugaring and to try their own hands at it would be, too. So, if you have maple walnut, or birch trees nearby and want to begin home-based maple sugaring, head on over to Tap My Trees to get started. You'll find all the supplies and information you need there and get free shipping on it all. 


You may also wish to read what 15 Schoolhouse Review Crew families think of Tap My Trees. 


Or, perhaps you'd like to get social with Tap My Trees at: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TapMyTrees/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tapmytrees
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapmytrees/   
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tapmytrees0518/    
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6yQre-XsOl6bo6dO-K5Xw 

Might this be the year YOUR family begins maple sugaring, too? 

The Accidental Provocation: A Stranger in the Woods Becomes a Mini Reggio-Inspired Experience

Reggio Emilia Inspiration

A Reggio Emilia-inspired education is something I long to whole-heartedly embrace with my young children, synthesizing it with other methods that appeal to me, such as Montessori.  But, being a novice –and a busy mom and independent contractor one at that, with limited time to truly research and apply Reggio concepts – I find myself simply dabbling at Reggio.  Layering a piece of inspiration acted upon here.  Immersing myself in a concept reflected upon there.  Coloring our days with a tint of the philosophy, but not being enriched by the full, deep hues of it yet.

It is with this pale wash of Reggio Emilia philosophy that I share a bit about the other afternoon, reflecting on an accidental provocation, which is a complete oxymoron in Reggio-speak.

Provocations

You see, a “provocation” is an experience organized by an adult that invites children’s curiosity and makes their interests and wonderings visible.  It is a thoughtful, deliberate action on the educator’s part to provoke children to discover learning.  It is designed with a clear intent, usually to help teachers discern what children know, what misconceptions they have, what they are wondering about and what sort of project might unfold.  Thus, if you are a Reggio purist, there can be no “accidental” provocations.  They are all well-planned.

I am not a purist.  I am a mom who needed to do this:

 Yep, bathe the baby while keeping his two older siblings peacefully engaged in something within eye and ear-shot – preferably something that was a “treat” (and, thus, something they would remain occupied with) that was not simple mind candy.  Something that was simple, but would give them a bit to chew on.

Now, don’t laugh heartily as I share what that was:

Yes, a video!

Now, let me preempt the protests I hear coming:  I know Reggio classrooms would likely not employ the use of videos for much, especially provocations; videos are far too passive.  And, I do not allow a ton of screentime in our home.  However, Luke and Nina have been loving the Stranger in the Woods book (about animals trying to discover who the stranger -- a snowman that children have built and set food out on -- is in their wooded area), Winter Friends board book and all things snow-related, so I thought that watching Stranger in the Woods, the Movie. would be an acceptable "exception" as  away spark some further interest and learning.

Was I ever right?

The Experience Unfolding

As Jack “oo”ed over his siblings ideas...

 Luke and Nina asked if they could raid the fridge and winter gear baskets for materials for their mini-project.  I allowed them to do so, and, then, agreed to let them go outside to literally construct their learning as I watched from the window while nursing Jack.

What a joy it was to see them working together to build their very own snowman, deciding how to use the turnip and radishes as a face and where to find some sticks and twigs in our snow-covered yard, all while working together as a team so nicely.

As I witnessed their cooperative "work", I smiled, thinking about the joy they were experiencing in taking the lead in their own project and the inherit learning of that project.  Also, I was simply happy to see them interacting with such focus and compassion for each other and for the creatures around our home.  So, I was more than happy to help them get bird seed out of the cabinet when they came tromping in to ask for some.  

Of course, they wanted to put it on snowman’s hat and sprinkle it on the ground to feed the birds and squirrels.  And, I was equally happy to say "yes" when they asked for the camera to document their own work -- including the trail of food they left to lure the animals in...

and their snowman feed-the-animals sculpture...

In fact, Luke and Nina enjoyed all this so much, they later asked if they could raid the fridge again – this time for radishes and a potato in order to build a “sideways turned” snowman, that they photographed on their own again. 

Then, the next day, they ran out to see what, if anything, the animals had dined upon, as well as to collect their mittens and hats so animals and wind would not carry them away.

Reflection

So, now the question:  Was this a deep, well-facilitated Reggio-inspired project?  No.  Was it a somewhat accidental provocation that encouraged a curriculum of curiosity where the children experimented with what sorts of food might appeal to wildlife creatures, how they could construct a snowman without help, how they might photograph their construction and how they could work together?  Yes. 

Shades of Reggio colored this experience in that I did not say to the children, “Watch this video and see how you can copy it.”  Nor did I ask, “Would you like to feed critters by building your own snowmen?”  Nor did I direct, “Let’s build our own snowmen, put food on them, leave them out and check on them in the morning.”  Instead, I simply offered a provocation (the video – however poor and unimaginative a provocation any “real” Reggio educator would say that was – and free reign of  our refrigerator produce drawer) and, then, observed what the children happily set about exploring and doing as a result.  In doing so, I came away with some questions/ideas for future learning:

• What animals near our yard like which foods?
• Do certain foods seem to freeze more than others when left outside, making them unappealing to animals?
• Are there other reasons certain foods might not be appealing to local critters?
• How can you roll, pack, shape and stack snow to make a sculpture?
• What angles allow you to take the best photographs?
• How does light and shadow play into photographing a subject, especially in the snow?
• What other sculptures might we build?
• How else could we be kind to creatures in the winter?

Will we explore these questions?  In all honesty, probably not many of them anytime soon.  But, simply through setting out the provocation and letting the experience unfold as far as it did, we all came away with something to chew on:

• Luke and Nina learned a bit about teamwork, kindness to critters, properties of snow, etc.
• I ended up with more to reflect upon.
• The animals got some new nibbles.

• And, Jack had a peaceful moment to explore his toes!

These are the days I love the freedom of homeschooling!

This post is being shared at sunrise learning Lab’s Reggio Wednesday, plus at We Are THAT Family’s Works for Me Wednesday (because Stranger in the Woods really works for us as an impetus to enjoy an afternoon of snow fun) and at A Mommy’s Adventure’s Story + Art (because the art of the snowman “sculptures” stemmed from an interest in the Stranger in the Woods video that was preceded by a week of loving the Stranger in the Woods book.)  Enjoy the ideas others share at all of these link-ups.

Special Days, Snow, Space, Secret Recipes and More

What a delightful and eclectic week it’s been!

~1~

Groundhog Fun

Luke Groundhog in His Snow-Burrow

 We spent the early part of the week reading groundhog books, doing Groundhog puppet shows, building burrows, inside and out, and doing a Groundhog storyhour at home (because the real library story got snowed out for us – we could not get out of our road to make it there!) Lots of fun and learning – especially with flashlight-shadow discoveries!

~2~

Oops!  Missed a St Brigid Reprise

Last Year's St. Brigid's Day Liturgical Table

Despite having Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story out from the library, I completed blanked on having our second annual St. Brigid celebration.  Bummer!  we had so much fun with it last year, and we so love having Saints Teas and Celebrations.  So, I have put a reminder for next year on the December page of our current calendar and am wondering: What do others do to organize and remind themselves not to forget celebrating their Special Day celebration recipes, activities, teas, etc ideas?  Do leave a comment to share your ideas or link to blog posts about them.  I find others organizational strategies so inspiring!

~3~

Spaced Out!

Luke holding two self-made paper space ships in his and Nina's spaceship construction...

While Nina and I were out at the library the other day, so I could to tutor a friend’s son while Nina enjoyed 100% one-on-one attention and story reading with his Mom, “the guys” stayed home together.  Yep, Mike was snowed out of work, so Daddy, Luke and Jack had “guy time”.  Somehow, Saturn came up, which provided an opening for Mike to share one of his childhood passions with Luke – planets and space.  Now, our home is filled with impromptu space exploration in the form of puzzles, constructions, youtube videos, books and drawings among other things.  So, we would love links to your favorite kindergarten/pre-K astronomy ideas and printables and we also want to alert everyone tabout a giveaway we have going until Sunday that includes an awesome Montessori astronomy album as part of a free seat in an online course.  (No homework or assignments necessary with the course, either.  Just go at your own pace to learn as you wish.  All courses should be so easy!)

~4~

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Nina headed out to shovel.

We have had so much snow lately.  And our Nina is starting to like cold and snow better.  As a matter of fact, after helping me make breakfast the other morning, she ran, got her boots on with her jammies and headed out to the front walk, saying, “I’ll shovel for you, Mommy.”  Oh that she always would keep her willingness and delight for work.  Oh, that all we adults could model it – approaching all tasks with love, joy and vigor.  Maybe we should have named our little girl after her nana and St. Therese afterall. J

~5~

Stanger Secret Recipe

Luke's Lip-Lickin' Good "Stanger Recipe"

  

What do you get when you leave two Stanger kids in the kitchen while taking a business call?  A big mess and a challenge that leads to lip-licking yumminess (at least according to Luke.)  Yep, I came out of the bedroom this morning to discover that Nina and Luke – with light speed – had started “making you a surprise cake, mommy”.  After helping them clean up a mess of chocolate powder and questioning what they had already put in the bowl (cocoa, cinnamon, a bit of corn starch, milk, sugar and agave among other things),  I helped them add more to their mix to try to “save” the ingredients they’d used.  Some eggs, more milk, coconut flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder and olive oil later, we had a mix that seemed an okay consistency and taste to make “cupcakes” with.  Not sure we have a keeper recipe here, but Luke sure liked the results!

~6~

Belly Laughs and Reaching Out

Jack on a mission to get one of his siblings paper plate skates...

  

Sometimes, God speaks loudest with no words at all.  I cannot express how many times this past week that witnessing Jack’s belly laughs and watching him reach out to grasp something has moved me to reflective, but happy tears or warm, rich smiles.  At just seven months old, he is a constant lesson to me to savor simple moments, wonder at the marvel of natural development God designed so incredibly and understand that life is a joy. 

~7~

Writing Tips, Please

Daddy has been frustrated that his job does not allow him many opportunities to use his truer gifts and talents and has been rediscovering a passion for writing outside of work.  As such, he has published a few Bleacher Report articles, Super Bowl XLV: Steelers and Packers Are Success Stories for the NFL Model and Ben Roethlisberger Apologist: Why I Give Big Ben a Pass, (combining his interest in writing with his love for sports, particular his beloved Steelers!).  He is also looking into a college writing course to take outside work hours and wants to learn more about income-generating online writing and publishing (maybe self-publishing) a novel he has been dabbling at for years.  If anyone has some tried-and-true tips, resources, leads, links, etc., do share!  We’d love to use Daddy’s writing as an example for the kids about how to follow your passions to best use your gifts and talents and any direction from those who have done so before is always appreciated!

This post is being shared at Conversion Diary’s 7 Quick Takes. 

Our Sensory-Friendly Five in a Row for The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

~1~

A Little Library Inspiration

 Ages ago, I borrowed Five in a Row (FIAR) from the library after a curriculum recommendation from a friend.  I loved FIAR's concept, but I just couldn’t see purchasing a copy on our tight budget.  I figured between my experience and the Internet I could very easily “row” books on my own, honing in on my kids’ personal developmental needs, while occasionally borrowing FIAR again when I needed inspiration.  Since that time, I have discovered that FIAR is such a popular book that it is nearly impossible to reserve from our library system on a regular basis.  But, that hasn’t stopped us from rowing in our own way.

How do we row?  Merrily, merrily, merrily through the week, when I remember to, and catching the currents of life – sometimes veering off course or in one direction or another – when I don’t. Even in the snow... 

~2~

The Snowy Day

 This past week was a merrily-in-the-snow week.  Each day, we ready Ezra Jack Keats The Snowy Day, a charming little tale we had on hand in board book form that seemed very appropriate considering the world outside our window: snow-covered and cold!

For those unfamiliar with this classic, it is the story of a boy who wakes to discover snow has fallen during the night and, then, bundles up to go enjoy the magic of a snowy day – experimenting with foot prints, knocking snow from trees, creating snow angels and trying to save a snow ball for another day, among other things.  It was 1963 Caldecott Medal winner and has simple, but beautiful illustrations made from cut-outs, watercolors, and collage. 

So, what are some of the things we did as we rowed along on snowy days?

~3~

Sensory Movement Monday

After reading The Snowy Day, I facilitated an adapted version of Jenny Clark Bracks’s wonderful Learn to Move, Move to Learn!: Sensorimotor Early Childhood Activity Themes (book reviewed here) Winter Snow lesson. (Sensorimotor snow lesson details here.) Since then, the kids have been enjoying their own inside-snow events, such as crib mattress sledding and building their own creative indoor "snowman" constructions!

~4~

Storytime Tuesday

 

Tuesday brought a full The Snowy Day-inspired storyhour (full details, with fingerplays and song lyrics included, here), complete with craft and snack, to our home.  The keeper from that?  Among other things, Stranger in the Woods.  Luke has requested it as our book of the week for “not next week, Mommy, because its groundhog Day, but the week after”.  (So, if you have favorite groundhog books or Stranger in the Woods activities, suggest away!)

~5~

Snow-Time Wednesday

 Wednesday, since the most recent mini-blizzard began, we did not do indoor activities connected with our reading The Snowy Day.  Instead, we enjoyed some weather-based Physical Education and Care of Home: shoveling, sledding and climbing of snow “mountains”.

~6~

Just Like Peter Thursday

 At bedtime, Thursday, we read The Snowy Day and talked about which of the things that Peter did that we had also done.  Among the kids’ favorites were climbing up a snow mountain and sliding down, hitting trees with sticks to make the snow fall down and – not that Peter did this – building snow forts!

~7~

Co-op Friday

 So long as we can get out of our road today and safely drive a couple towns over, we will be joining in the fun of a new pre-k/kindergarten co-op we are involved in where doing a snowman craft is part of the plan.  (That ever-important and questioned "socialization" piece of homeschooling!) The new co-op is supposed to meet only the second and fourth Friday’s of the month, but last week got rescheduled to this week because – you got it – SNOW!  Sure has been a lot of it around here this winter.   

We don’t mind.  It is instant PE, great outdoor time, a no-brainer for Luke’s daily sensory diet and an inspiration for the kids to construct some great learning around their own ideas as well as through the sensory-friendly, motor-based plans I come up with.  Plus, it's fun to see the snow on our front walkway get taller than the kids (as in the picture above!)

This post is being shared at Conversion Diary’s 7 Quick Takes.