Snow

Invite your child to sit next to you on a soft palate by the fireplace.  If it's not currently in use, pretend that you're sitting in front of a roaring fire.  Bring some snowy weather accessories (i.e., scarves, hats, mittens) for you and your child to wear.  Offer your child some warm apple cider (Martinelli's is our household favorite).  Once cozy, read from the following book suggestions:

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson

Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee

Snow by P.D. Eastman

Science Experiment:

Catch snowflakes.  (Please note that it needs to be snowing to do this project.)  Give your child the opportunity to see for themselves that every snowflake is unique!  Put a piece of black construction paper in your freezer for 10 minutes.  Have your child hold this chilled piece of paper outside to catch snowflakes.  Help them to observe the snowflakes that they catch using a magnifying glass.  Point out how the snowflakes are different from one another. 

Fine Motor Skills:

Create a snowflake ornament.  You'll need: washable white paint, glue, uncooked wagon wheel pasta, a bowl and spoon, wax paper, baking sheet, glitter, and yarn or ribbon.  Combine ½ cup of pasta, ¼ cup of white paint and 2 tablespoons of glue in a bowl. Mix until the pasta is well covered.  Cover the baking sheet with wax paper.  Have your child arrange their pasta into a snowflake shape on the wax paper.  Make sure that all of the pasta is touching.  Allow your child to sprinkle glitter on top of their snowflake. Allow the snowflake to dry for 24 hours.  Gently peel off the wax paper and attach the yarn or ribbon for hanging.  Source:  www.busybeekidscrafts.com

Photo:  www.busybeekidscrafts.com

Math Skills:

Prior to this activity, cut out pieces of a snowman from felt or construction paper.  Specifically, you should cut out 3 white circles (for the body), 1 orange isosceles triangle (for the nose), 5 small black ovals (for eyes and buttons),  5 small black circles (for the mouth), 1 black square and 1 black rectangle (for top hat), 2 long skinny brown rectangles and 6 short skinny brown rectangles (for arms and hands).  Help your child identify and count each of the shapes.  Then assist them in putting the snowman together.  Use glue to secure the pieces.  

Gross Motor Skills:

Play where is the mitten?  Hide a mitten in a room.  Ask your child to find the mitten.  Offer assistance by telling them whether they are getting "hot" or "cold" in relation to the mitten.  After your child finds the mitten switch roles and play again.  Source:  www.123child.com 

Photo:  www.stitchyourartout.blogspot.com

Snack:

Snow cones!  You will need a snow cone maker to do this.  Make the "snow" as per the directions from your snow cone maker.  For a healthier option than traditional snow cone syrup, www.feedingthekids.blogspot.com recommends using 100% fruit juice frozen concentrate, melted.

Photo:  www.amazon.com