Millie Waits for the Mail
by Alexander Steffensmeier
Now that spring has officially arrived, a trip to the farm seems like the perfect way to brighten any day. Join us this week as we visit Millie the cow, her friends the chickens, the farmer, and their mailman for a hilarious adventure in the country. Be sure to spend lots of time exploring the pages as you will not want to miss any of the comical detail Alexander Steffensmieier includes on each and every page. They are guaranteed to have you and your young reader giggling out loud. Millie Waits for the Mail
In this Issue
Making Paper Boxes and Envelopes
Even in today's digital world, pretending to be a postal delivery person is still a favorite for kids. Build on this imaginative play by inviting young readers to create their own boxes and envelopes for hours of creative fun.
How to Make a Paper Box
Supplies
- Paper
- Art materials for decorating
Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate picture illustrating each step, beginning at top, from left to right.
- Start with a rectangle of paper, colored or decorated as desired (1). Fold the paper in half lengthwise (2). Unfold (3). Fold each long side so the outside long edges touch the middle fold line and crease (4). Unfold (5).
- Fold paper in half widthwise (6). Unfold. Fold the short side of the paper so the outside edges touch the widthwise middle fold line (7 and 8). Do not unfold.
- Make a triangular fold at each corner: one side of the triangle should touch fold line nearest the corner (9).
- Fold back the long edges at the center, over the triangles, to form a cuff (10).
- Gently pull open cuffs to open the box (11). Crease corners as necessary.
Making Paper Envelopes
Supplies
- Paper
- Tape
Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate picture illustrating each step, beginning at top, from left to right.
- Start with a square of paper. Lay square on a flat surface so it resembles a diamond (2).
- Fold one corner so the point is slightly past the center fold line (3). Do not unfold.
- Repeat with opposite corner (4). Do not unfold.
- Repeat with the other two corners (5 and 6). The fourth corner will be the opening flap. Unfold the fourth corner and secure the other three folds with tape.
Pinterest Picks: Millie Waits for the Mail
Here are a few picks from the Off the Shelf Pinterest boards...enjoy!
Homemade Ricotta
Young readers are sure to get a kick out of making their own ricotta cheese. See the transformation from milk (from cows like Millie) to cheese in your very own kitchen!
The following is a basic outline of how I made ricotta. For very detailed instructions and tips, please see How to Make Homemade Ricotta - Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn.
Homemade Ricotta
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon 2% milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, from 1 1/2 or 2 lemons (I used the juice from 1 lemon and topped it off with white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoons salt
Special Equipment
- Candy thermometer
- Cheesecloth
- Pour the milk into a large pot. Slowly heat the milk to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Pour in the lemon juice and salt, stir gently to combine, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- Line a strainer with cheesecloth. If you want to save the whey, place the strainer over a large bowl.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the strainer, catching the curds. Let the curds continue to strain for 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how thick you want your ricotta.
- Transfer ricotta to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Use within one week.
Ways to Use Your Ricotta
- Garden Shell Pasta Bake
- Shapes and Colors Pasta Salad
- Snowman Pizza (perhaps in a rabbit shape?)
Mooo-re Fun with Millie
Where does milk come from? Watch this video to find out!
Then, take a field trip to the post office with PBS Kids!
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