Facts about Cookies

Last week, the emphasis was on expressing gratitude for various items and experiences that start with the letter B. Today, we encourage you to share something you are thankful for that begins with the letter C. This practice aims to cultivate a spirit of appreciation and reflection among participants. Your contributions are valued and play a significant role in promoting gratitude.

I'm grateful for Cookies. What are you grateful for that begins with the letter C?

🍪 A Sweet Bite of History: The Delicious Journey of Cookies

Ever wonder how cookies became the irresistible treats we know and love today? Their story stretches back to 7th-century Persia, where bakers first began experimenting with sugar in innovative (and delicious) ways. As baking techniques spread, so did the popularity of these sweet little bites.

The Dutch brought us the word “cookie,” from koekje, meaning “little cake.” From there, cookies took on a life of their own, evolving into a global snack that’s as diverse as the cultures that embraced it.

🍫 The Chocolate Chip Surprise

One of the most charming origin stories? The creation of chocolate chip cookies! In 1930, Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn, ran out of baker’s chocolate and chopped up a Nestlé bar instead. She expected it to melt into the dough. It didn’t. Instead, the gooey chocolate chunks stayed put, and the world rejoiced.

🌍 Cookies Around the Globe

Cookies wear many disguises:

• Brits call them biscuits.
• The French delight in sablés.
• Italians savor crunchy biscotti.
• And those crispy little fortune cookies? Surprise, they were invented in California, not China.

🏆 The Fame Game: Cookies by the Numbers

If you're looking for cookie royalty, the crown goes to the Oreo, the top-selling cookie on the planet. In the U.S. alone, people consume 2 billion cookies a year. That’s roughly 300 cookies per person. Zero judgment here.

🎉 Trivia Crumbs

Need a sweet fact for your next quiz night? Try this:

• The world’s largest cookie weighed in at over 40,000 pounds. Yes, really.
• December 4th is National Cookie Day; mark your calendars, holiday bakers!
• And here’s one from the land of puppets: on Sesame Street, Cookie Monster's cookies are actually painted rice cakes. Gotta protect those Muppet mouths!

There are many things to be thankful for! Expressing gratitude is beneficial for your well-being. It makes others happy as well as yourself. So, always remember to be grateful! 

Hey everyone! 🌟 Next week, we're in for a treat as we celebrate everything that starts with the letter D! Let's come together to share our gratitude for all the delightful things, from cozy comforts to intriguing curiosities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate all the lovely things this letter brings! Can’t wait to see what you all come up with! 

Get your cookie worksheet here:

🍪 C Is for Cookie: "Create-a-Cookie Gratitude Plate"

Let children decorate pretend cookies with colorful expressions of what they're thankful for—using art, imagination, and maybe a little frosting flair if you're feeling adventurous!

🖍️ What You’ll Need:

• Paper “cookie” cutouts in round, star, or heart shapes
• Markers, crayons, glitter glue, stickers, or scrap craft materials
• A paper plate or placemat labeled “My Cookie of Gratitude”
• Optional: Real sugar cookies + edible decorating supplies (frosting, sprinkles, etc.)

🎨 Activity Instructions:

• Give each child a set of cookie shapes (you can pre-cut or let them trace and cut).
• Ask them to decorate each cookie with something they’re grateful for: words, pictures, patterns, or textures.
• One cookie could say, “Mom hugs.”
• Another could be drawn to look like their pet
• A third might show sunshine, books, or their favorite silly joke
• Arrange cookies on a paper plate and invite them to share the "flavors" of their gratitude.
• Bonus: Display their plates on a wall under the title “We’re Thankful Batch by Batch!”

🧁 Optional Extension:

If you’re baking real cookies, let kids decorate one with their name and a thankful word before snack time. A sweet treat and a sweet thought!

Return to the Alphabet Hub!

Facts about Tug Of War

Tug of War Facts

Did you know tug-of-war was an Olympic team sport from 1900 to 1920? Teams consisted of 6 to 8 people. The United States won three medals during the tug-of-war years at the Olympics: a gold, silver, and bronze medal. Belgium, France, Great Britain, Sweden, and the Netherlands have also won medals in tug-of-war competitions.  

What is Tug Of War? It is a contest where two teams pull on a rope at opposite ends of each other. The first team to pull the rope over the central line wins. You have to have some strong teammates to win.

Here is a list of the Nations that played tug of war during the 1900-1920 Olympics:

United States

Denmark

South Africa

Belgium

France

Italy

Greece

Great Britain

Sweden

Netherlands

Tug of war was also part of the ancient Olympics, dating back to 500 B.C. After the 1920 Olympic games, tug of war and 33 other sports were removed from the program because there were too many people competing.

Facts about Tug of War:

1. Tug-of-war dates back thousands of years and was practiced in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, India, and China. During the Tang dynasty in China, large-scale tug-of-war games involved ropes up to 548 feet long and more than 500 people on each end.

2. In ancient Greece, the sport was called helkystinda, ephelkystinda, and dielkystinda, derived from the verb helkō, meaning “I draw, I pull.”

3. Tug of war was an Olympic event from 1900 to 1920. It was part of the Summer Olympic program during those years. Only in the 19th century did it become associated with the athletic contest we know today.

4. A tug-of-war pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. The teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to bring it a certain distance in one direction against the opposing team’s pull.

5. Different versions of tug-of-war existed, including hook-pulling versions in ancient China and hand-holding versions in ancient Greece. The game was used for strength training and battle preparation.

6. Tug of War remains popular at Scottish Highland Games, social gatherings, and even as a children’s game. It continues to be a fun and competitive outdoor activity enjoyed by people of all ages.

Now that you know some facts, grab that rope and some friends and enjoy the exhilarating challenge of tug of war!

Facts about Avocados

 🥑 AVOCADO FACTS🥑

Did you know that the avocado was initially referred to as an "alligator pear"? Yes, that's correct! This quirky name dates back to 1696, when the esteemed botanist Sir Hans Sloane bestowed it upon the avocado tree, likely due to its bumpy, green skin, which resembles an alligator's texture.

Furthermore, avocados are classified as fruits, not vegetables, and they come in a stunning array of varieties, each with unique flavors and textures. Interestingly, avocados boast a higher potassium content than bananas, making them a great choice for individuals seeking to increase their nutrient intake. Their creamy consistency makes them an excellent substitute for butter in many recipes, adding richness without compromising health. With their impressive nutritional profile, avocados are not only delicious but also packed with a powerful punch of essential vitamins and healthy fats.

Here is a list of some of the nutrition you get when you eat an avocado:

Folate

Magnesium

Potassium

Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B5

Riboflavin also known as Vitamin B2

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3

Vitamin C

Lutein

Beta carotene

Omega 3 fatty acids

Delicious Facts about Avocados:

1. Most avocados come from Mexico, where the year-round growing climate allows for abundant production.

2. The avocado is believed to have originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. 

3. Spanish explorers arriving in Mexico during the 16th century were the first Europeans to consume avocados. As a result of the Spanish Conquest, avocados spread to South America and Central America.

4. Irishman Sir Hans Sloane called it an “avocado” in 1696 in a Jamaican plants catalog. He also dubbed the avocado tree the “alligator pear tree.”

5. Avocados gained popularity in the 1950s in the coastal states of California, Florida, and Hawaii before becoming mainstream nationwide.

6. An avocado falls firmly into the fruit category due to its botanical classification.

7. The avocado tree belongs to the Lauraceae family of flowering plants.

9. Avocados’ peak season in California is from April to July.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with these fascinating avocado facts! They'll love learning something new, and you’ll be the star of the conversation!

Facts about pizza

Let me share some fascinating facts about pizza with you. This beloved dish ranks among the most popular foods globally, enjoyed by millions of people from diverse cultures. The allure of pizza lies not only in its delicious flavors but also in the variety of toppings available. From the classic pepperoni and gooey cheese to savory sausage and an array of fresh vegetables, there’s something for everyone’s palate. Additionally, when it comes to crust, you can indulge in a thick, hearty crust ideal for holding generous toppings, or opt for a thin and crispy base that offers a delightful crunch with every bite. The world of pizza truly offers endless possibilities for customization, making it a favorite meal for any occasion.

B is for Bananas

Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter A. Today, we invite you to participate by sharing something you are thankful for that starts with the letter B. Your contributions can foster a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I'm grateful for Bananas. What are you grateful for that begins with the letter B?

Facts about bananas:

Bananas Are Berries: 

Contrary to common belief, bananas are classified as berries under botanical definitions. This might seem surprising, especially since strawberries, which are popularly called berries, do not meet the scientific criteria to be categorized as such. In technical terms, a berry is a fruit produced from the ovary of a single flower with seeds embedded in the flesh, and bananas fit this profile perfectly.

5 extra pays

Hey everyone! Joey has a question for all of you. Did you know that approximately every 5 to 6 years, those of you who are paid weekly actually receive an additional paycheck? Typically, you receive 4 extra paychecks throughout the year, but due to the way the calendar is structured, there are certain years when you’ll get 5 extra paychecks instead.

This phenomenon occurs because in a 12-month calendar year, while most months contain 4 weeks, there are 5 months each year that have 5 weeks. As a result, over the span of several years, the timing of these extra pay periods aligns in such a way that you end up with those 5 additional paychecks rather than just the usual 4. It’s a nice surprise for those affected, so keep an eye out for when this might happen next!

Here is a list of those years:

1897, 1904, 1909, 1915, 1920, 1926, 1932, 1937, 1943, 1948, 1954, 1960, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1982, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2004, 2010, 2016, 2021, 2027, 2032, 2038, 2044, 2049, 2055, 2060, 2066, 2072, 2077, 2083, 2089, 2094, 2100, 2106, 2112, 2117, 2123.

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Facts about the four Seasons

The year unfolds in a beautiful tapestry of four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter. Each season brings its own unique essence, characterized by a variety of weather patterns and cultural customs that reflect the natural rhythms. 

Spring emerges as a vibrant awakening, with blossoms bursting forth and a gentle warmth replacing the chill of winter. It’s a time of renewal and growth, as gardens bloom and animals awaken from hibernation.

Summer follows, enveloping the landscape in lush greenery and sunshine. This vibrant season is often marked by longer days, outdoor festivities, and a spirit of adventure as people revel in the warmth and enjoy leisurely afternoons at the beach or barbecues in the park.

As summer fades, autumn arrives, painting the landscape in a stunning palette of golden yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds. This season signifies a time of harvest, with many cultural traditions centered around gathering crops and giving thanks, as cooler breezes signal the approach of winter.

Finally, winter settles in, transforming the world into a serene, icy wonderland. The air becomes crisp, and snow blankets the ground, creating a peaceful silence. This season is often associated with festive celebrations, cozy gatherings, and reflective moments as people stay warm indoors, savoring the beauty of the chilly, quiet landscape outside. 

Together, these four seasons weave a rich narrative of change and wonder, each contributing to the cycle of life.

Let’s explore them:

Spring:

A time of growth and rejuvenation. Flowers bloom, trees sprout new leaves, and the weather warms up. Animals awaken from hibernation, and birds return from migration.

Summer:

Associated with warm weather, outdoor activities, and vacations. Longer daylight hours allow for more fun in the sun. Beach trips, picnics, and ice cream cones become summer staples.

Autumn (Fall):

A season of transition. Leaves change color, creating a vibrant landscape. Harvest festivals celebrate the bounty of crops.

Winter:

The coldest season. Snow and ice cover many regions. Holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah bring warmth and joy.

Earth’s Tilt and Seasons:

The Earth’s axial tilt (about 23.5 degrees) causes the seasons to change. Different areas receive varying amounts of sunlight as the Earth orbits the sun. The Northern Hemisphere experiences summer when the Southern Hemisphere has winter, and vice versa.

Reversed Seasons:

In the Northern Hemisphere, summer corresponds to winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The hemisphere tilted toward the sun receives more sunshine during its summer months.

Remember, the seasons shape our world, influence our activities, and connect us to the natural rhythms of our lives!

Books about the seasons:

1. The Squirrels’ Busy Year (A First Science Storybook) by Martin Jenkins

2. Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

3. My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

4. A Tree For All Seasons by Maryse Guittet