IT'S SNOWING SOME WHERE --- BUT NOT BY YOU???

You don't live in a snow-belt? Create your own arctic blast with movies and activities where you can pretend the world is your snow globe.

PLAN A SNOW THEMED DAY... 
     • Watch a movie that splashes snow across the screen: Snow Dogs, The Gold Rush, March of the Penguins, Groundhog Day (If kids are older)...Or any of the Disney Type snow movies...
 
     • Read snow-themed stories to the kids such as Mr. Popper's Penguins, The Snowy Day, The Snow Queen, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs or The Snow Geese: A Story of Home.

     • Buy some fake snow to pile on a table so kids can create wintry scenes with tree branches, play figurines, and miniature houses.
 
     • Turn up the air conditioner and make some hot cider or cocoa to drink while decorating cookies with a winter theme. Read about Hot Cocoa Party Idea here!
 
     • Play a game such as in the WINTER GAME CATEGORY...or some of the winter activities from this site!

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BRING THE SNOW INSIDE!

  • When you have a lot of snow and it's too cold to play outside, have the children help you fill large tubs with new snow and carry it in!

  • Fill your sensory table, large tubs, or a sink with the snow. The children can use gloves to play in it.

  • Variations include filling the empty sand table or other large containers with snow and then ADDING pre-made colored ice-cubes of different sizes.

  • So the children won't soil their own mittens, collect old mittens for them to wear while they play with the snow and the melting colored ice.

  • Another idea is to use water color sets and have the children use them in the tubs of snow. As the snow is painted the colors will blend!

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When working with younger children and using a sensory table try this fun idea for a winter theme! FREEZE SMALL TOYS  IN ICE-CUBE TRAYS, and in various size containers; place them in the sensory table. Give the children plastic and wood mallets and have them chip away the ice to find out what is inside! Great fun and they'll be sure to rush to you to show you their "prizes"!

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DRIVING ON ICE
(This could be a winter science activity for young; however, the novelty of playing with cars on indoor ice is fun for many ages!)

Directions:
Fill three jellyroll pans with water and freeze.
Gather small match-box cars. You'll also  need spoons, salt and sand.

Have children try to drive the cars over the ice.

What Happens?
 
Spoon salt over one sheet of ice and sand over another.

     • What happens when the children try to drive the cars over these surfaces? 
     • What implications can be drawn for driving on ice?

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THE GOOD ELF! (A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS ACTIVITY)

1. Challenge children to do random acts of kindness for others for one day.
2. Advertise, post info, and make a big deal about the day!.
3. Tell youth that they are not to reveal that they have done these nice things and if someone should ask them, "did you put away the dishes...or games..or whatever..."? They reply, "Must have been a good elf".

This activity helps children realize we don't always have to be recognized when we do something for someone else. If playing with preschoolers or kindergarteners, you may want to send a note home explaining how parents can help.
I can't remember where I first saw this, but we do it every year! Cassie/Mi.

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HAVE A WINTER PICNIC!
 
This is a good idea for a full day program. Take lunch and blankets to a room where you usually don't eat. Play a Nature-Sounds or Winter Music CD.

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A SNOW DAY IN FLORIDA!

Living in Florida the children do not get to see snow. In our class though, snow arrives in January via potato flakes.

We suspend a tarp from the ceiling filled will potato flake (25 pounds.) As the teacher is telling the snowman story which she draws on the chalkboard, I slice the tarp at the appropriate time and it snows on the children. They each receive their own pail & shovel. Each child is dressed like a snowman by wearing white Glad garbage bags with the red draw string. The kids wear their gloves and hats and we turn the air conditioning on as low as we can. They have a ball! (A clever idea posted at  perpetualpreschool.com) 

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 CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKES
1.  Cut a white pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections and twist it together to make a six-sided flake.
2.  Tie a string from point to point to form the pattern.
3.  Also, tie a piece to the top of one of the pipe cleaners and tie the other end to a pencil (This is for the snowflake to hang from)
4.  Fill a wide mouth jar, cup or glass with boiling water.
5.  Mix in Borax one tablespoon at a time (3 Tablespoons per cup of water) and stir it until it’s dissolved. (It’s alright if there is some settling.)
6.   If desired, add a little blue food coloring at this point to tint the snow flake.

Totally immerse the snowflake in your solution. Rest the pencil on the top of the container letting the flake suspend freely in the solution. Wait overnight and the next day the children will have a snowflake covered with tiny crystals.

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If you've spent some time on this site---you've seen the Hokey-Poky adapted to many seasons and themes.
Here is the "WINTER POKEY"!

Put on the children's winter clothing and do the
WINTER HOKEY POKEY DANCE...
 
Verses are:
1. You put your mitten in, you take your mitten out
2. You put your boots in, you take your boots out
3. You put your coat in, you put your coat out
4. You put your hat in, you put your hat out
5. You put your scarf in, you put your scarf out
..........And that what it's all about!

Tip! This would make a great transition game before you leave for outside!

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FAT KEEPS ANIMALS WARM! (Young Children's Science Idea)

1. Fill a bucket with ice water and have the children stick their hands in it. They'll see that it is cold.
 
2. Put shortening (Like Crisco) in a plastic bag.

3. Place the shortening bag into another bag so that the children's hands don't actually touch the Crisco.
 
4. Have the children put their hand in the bag and stick it back in the ice water. It won't be cold because the Crisco serves as a layer of fat.
 
5. Talk about how the fat layer keeps animals -such as polar bears warm

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FOOT PRINTS IN THE SNOW (A fun decorating idea)

  • Cut several of each child's foot shape out of black construction paper. 
  • Place white butcher paper on the floor and have children attach their foot shapes to make "footprints" on the white paper "snow". 
  • Leave "snow" attached to the floor for a path--or put up on wall and onto the ceiling!

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FOOD FUN!

FROZEN KOOL-AID

Give each child a gallon Zip-Loc bag filled with crushed ice. Then give them liquid Kool-Aid in a smaller bag. Add ice crème salt to the gallon bag and put the smaller bag in it. Zip up the large bag. Mush arount the small bag... the Kool-Aid will freeze quickly.
When removing--be sure not to get any salt as you take out the frozen kool-aid.

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MAKE SNOWFLAKES TO EAT!

Ingredients: 
  • Flour Tortillas 
  • Oil 
  • Powdered sugar
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave so you can fold them. Next fold the tortilla into half, then half again. Cut out designs just like you were making a paper snowflake.
Put a small amount of oil into a skillet. Fry the tortilla until crisp. About 30 seconds on each side. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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SNOW CANDY #1 Ingredients:
2 cups of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup water.
Bring water with other ingredients to a rolling boil.(boil for about 10 minutes)

Have children make a smooth place in clean snow - pour the snow candy on it. You can pour in any desired design or pictures. Don't touch until it has cooled.

If snow on the ground bothers you---scoop up some clean snow and place it in a bowl or dish---you can also take the snow inside and make your candy there!

SNOW CANDY #2
If you use real Maple Syrup and boil it the same way, you get an all natural treat that doesn't require any measuring or mixing of ingredients. Fans of Laura Ingall Wilder may remember the author’s vivid descriptions of this candy: It is warm, buttery in flavor, gooey, and delicious when eaten outside while making a snow fort with your daddy.

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IGLOO BLOCKS (OUTSIDE POPSICLE STICKS)

A fun activity during winter. Have children pick their favorite drink (fruit punch, apple juice, etc) and then pour this into an ice cube tray. Have kids write their name on a popsicle stick and place it in the tray. Last, put this outside and let it freeze (if it is not cold enough you can put it in the freezer) The children then have an igloo block for snack.

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FOR THE ANIMALS!

A TREE FOR THE ANIMALS

Decorate a tree in the woods or around you program property for the animals. Use fruit, vegetables, nuts and peanut butter on pinecones so the animals will have food to eat when it gets colder.

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WINTER NECKLACE AND ANIMAL FEEDER

You'll need:
Large needle
String or fishing line
Popped corn
Dried fruit; raisins, cranberries, apple and apricot
Pieces of orange peel (optional )

How to Make It:
Measure the length of line that you need to fit the necklace over a child's head. Don't forget to leave enough for tying off. Thread the needle and string the popcorn and other items alternately.
Children can wear their necklace for a while and then hang the necklace onto a tree or shrub for the local wildlife.

Tip: The orange peel adds a very pleasant scent. Put a bit of all natural peanut butter on the necklace before placing it outside. The oils and protein are great for the birds!

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OUTDOOOR CREATURE POPCORN WREATH

Cardboard wreaths
Peanut butter
Birdseed
Popcorn

Cut wreath shapes out of cardboard. Give each child a wreath and a plastic knife to spread peanut butter over the wreath shape. Put birdseed over the peanut butter covered wreath. Use spots of peanut butter to "glue" pieces of popcorn onto the wreath in a bow shape. Hang the wreaths outside where they will be seen---good for birds and other outdoor creatures... 

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FEEDER Materials: Lard, String, Pine cone, Birdseed
Tie a piece of string around the widest part of the cone.
Mix the lard and seed together, then press the mixture into the branches of the cone.
Use the string to tie the cone up in a tree pr bush for the birds to enjoy.

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FEED AND OSERVE WINTER BIRDS

What you need: An empty plastic milk or water bottle, or a milk carton, scissors, string, bird seed

(1) Wash the bottle or carton and rinse it well. Cut several small (2-3") holes in the sides, about 2" from the bottom. Cut or poke two small holes near the top and thread a long piece of string through them.
 
(2) Fill the bird feeder with seeds and hang from a tree or shrub. Scattering some seeds on the ground can help the birds find the feeder. Watch the birds. Be patient. Try different types of seeds and different locations. Record your observations.

 There are 14 Bird Feeder Ideas in the Bird Theme! Click Here...

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MEDIEVAL WINTER CELEBRATION from Giraffe Lady in Saginaw, MI.

(Although Giraffe Lady celebrates this as a prelude to Christmas, this would be a great winter celebration theme in general!)

Instead of having yet another generic Christmas party, my students and I have a Medieval celebration. For the two weeks prior to the last day of school before winter break, we build castles out of boxes (and anything else we can find), decorate plastic goblets with jewels, make medieval style hats and brown butcher paper tablecloths that look like wood, and talk about life in the middle ages. (Last year we spent an hour and a half talking about the plague and what silly things people believed to be medicinal.) I even got brave last year and showed them bits and pieces of "Monty Python's Holy Grail" because it depicts the attitudes and customs of the day in a humorous way that (I was somewhat surprised to find) the student related to well.

Then, on the day before we break for Christmas, we have our "feast". We turn off all the lights and use battery-operated candles for light. We lay down the "wooden" tablecloths over the cafeteria tables and put some natural looking garlands down the centers of the tables. The students get a hard roll torn in half as their charger, and we serve them torn up roasted chicken (Meijer's are good, and they're only about $5 each), hunks of cheese, and oranges for dessert. They drink sparkling grape juice from the goblets they've made, and wear their medieval hats. The students get a somewhat healthy meal (or enough to serve as a snack) and they love the novelty of the entire set up.

 The first year we did this, it was supposed to be a week-long project for the 6th-8th grade group. They enjoyed building the castles so much that they spent two weeks on just that! I have done this every year since. 

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Winter Inside Fun
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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 SUGAR CUBE IGLOO

First talk about how igloos are made and their use.

I've read that you can use either sugar cubes and frosting or ice cubes and salt which helps stick the cubes together ---but the below is one of the most complete methods I've seen. I copied it long ago but don't remember from where...sorry.

Start by laying a base row of sugar cubes around a 7-inch-diameter cardboard circle, leaving space for the entrance. Using a mortar of 2 egg whites mixed with 3 cups confectioners' sugar, add subsequent layers of cubes, one row at a time, decreasing the circumference gradually as you go.

Apply the mortar to the top cubes, not to those already in place. Be sure to work alternately left and right from the entrance toward the back of the igloo and stagger the cubes the way a builder lays bricks.

Build a total of 10 layers, stopping halfway through the construction to let the igloo dry. Make the arch and roof separately, working on a flat surface. When they are dry, glue them in place. Allow the igloo to dry completely, then sprinkle with a blizzard of sugar.
(If you ever do this--would you please comment?)

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BALLOON AND YARN SNOWBALLS

 

Blow up a balloon to a size of a softball; cut about a 2 to 3 foot of white yarn and put it in bowl of Elmer's glue. Take out the yarn and begin wrapping it around balloon. When done wrapping --- sprinkle it with white or silver glitter. Hang the balloon to dry for 24 hrs or till the glue is dry--- then pop the balloon! You have this pretty snowball to hang from your ceiling or on branches.

Sample photos courtesy of  More mom time...

 

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SPARKLING SNOW DOUGH

2 cups water
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
4 tsp. oil
iridescent glitter
Combine ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan. Form dough into a ball, place on waxed paper and cool. Knead in glitter. This in the play dough recipes--but good for winter time!

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SCENTED PINE CONES
Scented Pine Cones Materials:
Pine cones, Pine or fir pure essential oil, Lidded container, box or plastic bag, Facial tissue

1. Fill container, box or plastic bag with dry, clean pine cones.
2. Liberally sprinkle tissue with essential oil and add to bag or container.
3. Seal the bag or container and allow oil to penetrate cones for several days before removing (the longer the cones are contained, the stronger the fragrance will be). 

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MITTEN PRINTS
 
Great if you have younger children-but  some of the older may also think this is fun.

Put out old mateless mittens. Place sponges in shallow containers and pour in tempera paint. Have kids put on the mittens and press their hand on the paint-soaked sponges. Place mittens on the paper to make prints. (A little different then traditional hand-print!)

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TOILET PAPER TUBE PRINTS

Take toilet paper tubes and make DIFFERENT length cuts at the end of the tubes. Bend back the ends and flare them out.. Dip the flared edges in white paint. The tube make a great holder!

As each tube is cut differently, you will have a variety of snowflakes! When finished- sprinkle the snowflakes with glitter.
For variety, cut the strips in the cardboard tubes with wavy edged scissors... each snowflake will have different patterns.

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CONSTRUCTION PAPER & TOOTHBRUSH EVERGREEN TREE

Cut an evergreen tree out of green construction paper. Place it inside a box lid to catch the splatter. Dip toothbrush in white paint. Moving the brush above picture, gently rub thumb across tops of bristles to spatter paint. The tree will look like it's been caught in a snowstorm

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DOILEE ART SNOWFLAKE PRINTS 

Place dollies on black or dark colored paper. Sponge paint over the dollies with white paint. When the dollies are removed your pictures will look like snowflakes!

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SNOWFLAKES FROM STYROFOAM BALLS 

Need for one snowball:
Seven toothpicks, 1 inch styrofoam balls, 1/2 liquid starch, 1 cup laundry powder, electric mixer, waxed paper, 24 inch oiecer of string, glitter.

Tie the 24 inch string to one toothpick. Push 6 other toothpicks into the ball in a starburst pattern. Beat the starch and laundry powder to make a stiff paste. Working on the wax paper, dip the "snowflake" into the starch/soap mixture. Sprinkle it with glitter while it is still set. Hang them from the ceiling by the string to dry and display!

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ICY JELL-O OR KOOL-AID ART

Need: Kool-Aid or Jell-O (in powder form), Ice, Paper
Make ice in a Popsicle mold or an ice-cube ray with toothpicks stuck in before frozen. Sprinkle Kool-Aid or Jell-O (powdered Tempera paint ok too) on the paper. Use the ice Popsicle to push the powder around and design.

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CHALK SNOWSCAPES

Materials:
Dark construction paper
White chalk
Winter stencils/template shapes
cotton balls.
 
1.Create some winter stencils and templates in advance.
2.Trace winter shapes onto cardstock or manila folders. Carefully cut shapes out.

3.Place the template on a sheet of dark construction paper---The paper should be at least 2" larger than the stencil or template on all sides.
4. Use chalk to trace around template/stencil.
5. While still holding the stencil firmly in place, gently brush chalk line toward the edges of the paper with a cotton ball.
6. Remove the stencil. The shape will be defined by a crisp line, but surrounded by soft "snowy" shadows.

You can also use snow-scapes to create winter cards.

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TWO MOBILES ON HANGERS...

#1 NIGHT SKY MOBILES
Make moon and star shaped templates for the children to trace and then cut out. (Use a card-stock paper) Decorate the shapes with sliver glitter. Punch a hole in shape-top... and hang individual shapes from the hanger with yarn... at different levels.
 

#2 SNOWFLAKE MOBILES
 
Need lightweight paper for cutting in about 4" x 4 squares, hole punch, scissors, hangers and yarn.

Round the corners of the paper to create a circle. Fold the circle in half....and then in half again....
Create your design with scissors and/or a hold punch. Paste several (about 3) snowflakes down one line of yarn...tie the yarn to the hanger. Do this 3 times. There should be three lines of snow flakes hanging from your mobile.

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PRETZEL SNOWFLAKES 

Take 4 mini pretzels for each snow flake. Pour white paint into a container/baggie/pie tin...Coat the pretzels with the paint and let them dry.
 
When the pretzels are dry,form the snow-flake by gluing the four pretzels to each other. Do this by glueing corners to corners---points to points. We use a hot glue gun. You can also dip the flakes in glitter or craft snow.
When dry... tie on string, yarn or ribbon to hang.

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ART TO GO WITH THE BOOK "DREAM SNOW"

by Eric Carl (Or just a nice idea on its own!)
Materials: 9x12" white paper, sharpies, crayons, watercolors, transparancies, white tempera

First read Eric Carle's Dream Snow and then draw a winter scene.
After coloring and painting the picture, tape a transparancy to the front.
Paint snow on the transparancy to "hide" the figures, much like Eric Carle did! Art by a student of Michal Austin

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 IDEA #1:  MAKE WINTER TREES by glueing plain white rice on a drawn tree with branches for snow...

IDEA#2:  IN YOUR WINTER OPEN ART CENTER...
Add lots of white materials, such as doilies, cotton balls, coffee filters, dried beans, felt, yarn, Styrofoam and tissue paper for interesting texture collages.

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Q-TIP SNOWFLAKES

On some wax paper -- have children position the Q-tips end to end. Take glue and put it where the Q-tips meet. When dry remove them from wax paper and suspend from the ceiling.

 ANOTHER way to do this is to squeeze a puddle of glue into the middle of a sheet of wax paper. Give the children several Q-tips cut in half (or whole) and then position them around the glue blob. If using half a Q-tip- be sure the swab end is sticking out so it looks like a snowflake.

Insert a loop of string in the glue puddle for a holder. Children can sprinkle glitter onto the glue. The snow-flakes will need a couple of days to dry; then peel them off the waxed paper! (This would also be a nice gift) Photo courtesy of Busy Bee Crafts

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PAPER SNOWFLAKES IN GENERAL...

Materials:
Piece of white paper
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Start with a square sheet of white paper. Fold paper in half diagonally, forming a triangle.
2. Fold paper in half diagonally again.
3. Hold paper so triangle base is at bottom. Fold paper into thirds from the center point. The resulting shape should resemble a piece of pie.
4. Using scissors, cut off excess at the bottom part of the pie shape to reveal a small triangle.
5. Cut small shapes around the outside of the triangle, using designs of your choice.
6. Unfold paper to reveal your snowflake.

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COFFEE FILTER SNOWFLAKES

Fold the filters and then cut out designs and then unfold. Easy! Hang about the room. (Photo from Just for Fun)

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DIP AND DYE SNOWFLAKES

Materials:
Cone or square-shaped coffee filters (or paper towels cut in circles or squares), Scissors, Small bowls of dye (diluted food coloring or strong tempera paint)

Directions:
Fold coffee filters or paper-towel circles or squares in half, quarters, thirds, and so on.
Dip them into a bowl of dye, blot, open up, and let dry.
When dry, fold again and make snowflakes by cutting small shapes along the folded edges.

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SNOWFLAKES FROM PAPER BAKING CUP LINERS (For young children)

Flatten cupcake baking liners and fold them in fourths. Have children cut notches along the folds. Unfolded they'll have snowflakes with different designs.

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MARSHMALLOW SCULPTURES

 

Materials:
Mini and Large Marshmallows
Toothpicks or pretzels
Create sculptures by using toothpicks or pretzels to hold sculpture in place. Let marshmallows dry and get hard before moving around.

You'll notice that young children's sculptures will be longer and flat. The older the child, the taller and more intricate the building will get.

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MAKE SNOW SCENES

Whip Ivory Snow powder with water until the mixture is soft and fluffy.
Have  children finger-paint with the soap mixture on sheets of heavy white paper or tag board.
While the mixture is still wet, have kids add Styrofoam packing pieces for snowflakes and cotton balls for clouds.
Sprinkle on silver glitter to add sparkle to the snow scenes.

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COLD WEATHER BODY TRACING. If you're tracing around children's bodies this winter---add details of mittens, scarves, boots and hats!

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STAINED GLASS

Have children use a mixture of black tempera paint and white glue to squeeze designs onto thin white paper--such a rice paper. When the glue has dried have children paint their paper with watercolors (inbetween the black).

With a hole punch, attach a fish line or string and hang the paper in the window for the light to shine through.

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LIFE SAVER CANDY SNOWFLAKES

Glue together popsicle sticks in a snow-shape pattern. Glue on white minty lifesavers to the sticks. Add glitter to all and hang them from the ceiling.

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PASTA SNOWFLAKES

Need: Wheel shaped pasta, White paint, White glitter, Dry Tapioca pudding mix, Paint brushes, Elmer's glue

Take round wheel shaped pasta and glue them together in a circle shape. When dry--paint the entire snow flake white. Before the paint dries sprinkle on glitter mixed with dry Tapioca pudding mix.
To hang from the ceiling, insert a piece of string or yarn through one of the wheel holes after the snow flake is dry.

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WINTER MAGIC WANDS

Materials: tubing any diameter (home depot plumbing dept), plastic end caps (home depot), water, corn syrup, baby oil, glitter/sequins, beads,
food coloring, hot glue

Fill an end cap with hot glue and push it onto the end of a tube (cut to the length you would like) Let dry. Fill 1/2 with water and 1/2 with corn syrup or baby oil as above. Add food coloring or sequins/beads etc. Fill another end cap with hot glue and press onto the top of tube, let dry.

Uses:
They are soft and flexible! Show the children how to turn them upside down and watch the water move. If you have younger children...they can wear them as necklaces, or pull them around like snakes.
Held up to the sunlight they are dazzling. Put different colored wands over each other and watch the "new color". Source: Unknown, Cassie/Mi.

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SNOWFLAKE PICTURES
Fold a circle of paper in half, then half again. Snip out
shapes and open out. Clip the snowflake on top of another sheet of paper and fill in the shapes by patting with a paint-soaked sponge or rag. Allow to dry, and then remove the snowflake to reveal the pattern.

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COCONUT SNOWMAN
Place glue on a piece of paper in the shape of a snowman.
Have the children add coconut to the paper.
Use raisins for the eyes and buttons.

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TWO SNOW GLOBES

SNOW GLOBES OR PAPER WEIGHTS ...Version #1

1. Either supply the group  or have children bring in an empty jar such as baby food, jelly, pickle, etc. Any small, clear jar with a screw-top lid will work.
 
2. Cut a piece of felt or construction paper the size of the jar lid and glue it in place to the top of the jar lid.
Fill the jars within 1/2 inch of jar top with a mixture of 1/3 light corn syrup and 2/3 warm water. Use popsicle sticks to stir until it's mixed.
 
3. Add about 1/2 tsp. (or more depending on size of jar) of glitter --any color of child's choice will do--also add a few snowflake-shaped sequins.

4. After screwing the tops on tightly have an adult hot-glue the lids on the jars so there is no leaking.

Tips: Using a mixture of water with corn syrup "thickens" the liquid and keeps the glitter in suspension longer.
Don't use white glue to seal the lids. It's water-soluble and will turn the water cloudy.

You can also use a non-water soluble glue such as rubber silicone to glue a figure or seasonal item to the inside of the lid.
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SNOW GLOBE #2

Idea origianally from Martha Stewart
You will need:
A jar with a secure lid, Super glue, Glitter, Decorations for the inside of the snow globe, Glycerin (optional)

1.  Jar selection is important; choose one that has a large enough base and is tall enough for the diorama you want to create; make sure that the glass is clear enough to see though.

2. Assemble your diorama on the inside of the jar lid, and when you're happy with how it's going to look, use super glue to stick all your pieces down to the lid. Let this dry according to the instructions for the glue you're using.

3. Fill the jar almost to the top with water and add some glitter. If you've got some glycerin handy, add some, as it will make the glitter fall more slowly. Then carefully turn your lid upside down and immerse the diorama in the water. Make sure you fasten the lid securely, and turn the whole thing upside down. Shake repeatedly!

4. Good Idea! We decided to use a thin piece of lego as the base that we glued onto the inside of the jar lid; this means that when we get bored of watching a polar bear in a snow storm, we can easily take him off the base and add some other pieces of lego to make a completely new scene for our snow globe. Cassie/Mi 

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PINE TREE BRANCH ART

Materials:
Small pine tree branches, green paint, white construction paper, red ribbon and glitter

Put paint onto a small pine tree branch.
Press the branch onto a piece of white construction paper.
Press again in another spot or re-paint the branch before pressing again.
Usually, several pressings can be made onto one paper.
Sprinkle some glitter sparingly onto branch painting.
Tie a red ribbon into a small bow and glue onto the painting when dry.
Try experimenting with different color combinations to see what turns up! By H. Williams in KinderArt.com 

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 WINTER SNOW RECIPE FOR PAINTING

Ingredients: Soap flakes (such as Ivory, water, liquid starch, and white powdered tempera.

   • With a hand beater-mix soap flakes with water into a thick paste. 
   • Add a small amount of liquid starch and tempera.
   • Designs are made by painting with this mixture. 

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SALT CARDS

Need: Holiday cards with 'Winter Scenes', glue, salt

Paint the snowy area with glue and then sprinkle it with salt. It will look sparkly with the glue is dry!

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MAKE A SNOWMAN FROM A FOOT

Paint a child's foot white.
Press the foot onto a piece of blue paper.
When dry add eyes, nose and mouth to the head (heel of the foot) and other features.

You can also trace a shoe and paint or color it in to look like a snowman.

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JINGLE BELL WIND CHIMES
Materials for each chime:
Unsharpened Pencil
10 Bells
Yarn
1. Cut 12 pieces of yarn.
2. On 10 pieces of yarn tie a bell at the end of each one.
3. Tie a plain piece of string on EACH end of the pencil for hanging.Tie them together at top.
4. In-between the end strings, tie the yarns with bells on them onto the pencil.

HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

Looking for inside acitivities? Be sure to visit  Random Winter Ideas!!!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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FOOTPRINT TAG
Play tag as you normally would...but stepping only in others' footprints.

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SNOW BASEBALL

• Set up a baseball diamond with a mound of snow representing home plate and first, second and third bases.
• Place an empty water bottle on the top of each mound.
• The pitche stands in the middle of the diamond and hurls snowballs first at home plate, then around the bases.
• Whoever knocks down the bottles with the fewest pitches wins.

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SNOW GOLF
Take some time to smooth out a fairway and a green. Take an open can and plant it in the snow--this is the hole.
For golf balls, use hockey pucks. For clubs, use hockey sticks or real golf clubs.

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POWDER-PUFF FOOTBALL (Play out in the snow!)

• All you need are two teams of three or more people to play, along with a spray bottle filled with a mix of water and food coloring to mark the playing field (a large rectangle with a centerline should suffice).
• The teams line up at opposite ends of the field (the North and South poles) for a kickoff.
• Once someone on the receiving team catches the ball, he tries to move it back across the defense's goal line by running with it or passing it to a teammate.
• Play stops if the person with the ball is tagged by an opponent or slides out of bounds.
• The teams then face off again on the spot. After four tries, or a touchdown, the ball goes to the other team.
• The game ends when either team gets cold.
  Source:familyfun.go.com

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FIND THER SNOW FLAG!
Tie a white cloth to the end of a short stick. Give each child a chance to hide it by staking it anywhere within an area with boundaries. Note how long it takes for the rest of the group to find it. Whoever hid the flag with the group that took the longest time to find it wins the game!

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JUMP SNOW HURDLES
Lightly pack a lot of basketball-size snowballs and then use them to build a course of hurdles to jump over in a round of 'Follow the Leader'.

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ROPE SNOW TUG

• Team up for a slip-sliding variation of tug-of-war.
• Tamp down a wide, shallow trench in the snow to serve as the mid line. Then, take up positions at the ends of a long, thick rope and let the tugging and towing begin.
• Whichever team pulls the entire opposing group over to its side of the trench wins.
  WE have a winter Olympics and this is one of the things we do! Frodo/Colorado

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***In the winter students (and adults) like to throw snowballs. PLACE A SNOWBALL TARGET in a conspicuous place where it's fine to throw snowballs. Make sure rules are established so no one gets hurt. It's a great source of exercise for all kids, even those that are not athletically inclined.
No snow? Roll up those 'saved" pieces of white paper and pretend they're snowballs!

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SNOWBALL STRIKE OUT GAME
Good for older Kids!
First mound up snow to create three bases and a pitcher's mound--the three mound piles should each be about 2 feet high and 20 feet apart. Next, build a tin can pyramid on each base. The challenge is to knock down the stacks in order--from first to third base by throwing snowballs from the pitcher's mound. The child who succeeds with the fewest pitches wins.

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SNOWMAN HAT TRICK

 Build a plump, snowman in the yard/play-field. Make a game of taking turns trying to land a hat on his head by throwing it Frisbee style from 10 or so feet away.

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GET ON A ROLL
Pair up for a contest in which the object is to finish with the biggest snowball. The contest ends when the teams can no longer roll their entries or when you run out of snow.

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SNOW-BOOT TWO STEP
You'll Need: Snow boots, Winter clothes

• This tough-to-master version of follow the leader requires 2 or more players. The leader makes a path in freshly fallen snow.
• His or her teammates must try to step in exactly the same spots.
• The object of the game is to make it seem as if only one person has taken a walk through the snow.
• Can you pull it off? It takes balance and agility! Be sure to bundle up to stay warm and dry.
  Source: creativekidsathome.com

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WINTER TAG (NATIVE INDIAN)

5 or more players, ages 5 and up, played outdoors in the winter.

Players prepare the course for the game, consisting of a maze of parts in the snow over a field or ice. The parts should be wide enough for one person to run on, about one meter wide.

What follows is a simple game of tag played in lanes in the snow. Players must stay on the paths always, but the person who is 'it' may jump from path to path in pursuit of his opponents.

This imaginative modification of tag in the winter could lead players to inventing their own unique games for the winter season.  Source: Thunder Bay Multicultural Association

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...Also Check out  OUTSIDE WINTER TIME FUN!  Lot's of Ideas!

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SNOW MOLDS
Just like sand, snow is wet and dense--and can be formed into shapes. When you go outside...take out the sandbox toys, buckets, containers and molds. Create a snow castle (instead of sand castle) -- Create and have fun!

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BUILD A LARGE SNOW WORM (or Caterpillar) Great for kids-no lifting heavy snow!

Materials: Food coloring, snow, sticks, fruit or vegetables (oranges, carrot)

• Make several large snow balls. (One bigger than the rest for the head.)
• Use the fruit or vegetables to make eyes and a nose. Like you would with a regular snowman.
• Mix the food coloring in with some water and fill up a spray bottle to spray your worm with whatever color you want. (or not) A fun winter "Earth Activity"!

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JELL-O IN THE SNOW
Make Jell-O according to directions on package. Pour into clean baby food jars-one for each child. Place containers in large tub and fill the tub with snow. When Jell-O is seT--enjoy!

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CREATE A BIRDSEED SNOW ANGEL
This angel is easiest made together. One partner lies down to make a snow angel while the other partner stands by to help the maker get up without messing up the imprint. After the imprint is formed, pour cups of birdseed into the angel, filling the head and body with bands of variously colored seed. For a finishing touch, add pine boughs for the angel's spreading wings.

Extension Science Idea:
Watch this spot daily and record your observations in a journal. The journal can be made with paper and a construction paper cover. At the same time every day, write down what the weather is like, including temperature, how the sky looks, if it is snowy or sunny and what animals you see, and how they look to you. Are they feeding? This can be a fun spectator activity!

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SNOWMAN BUILDING RACE  (A game-but primarily building a snowman!)
Here's how you play.
1. Pick 2 teams. The 2 teams make a snowman bottom.
2. Someone yells GO!
3. The 2 teams start to finish the rest of the snowman---The body, hat, nose, etc.
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ICE MAN
Fill three balloons with water (one big, one medium, and one small). Let freeze overnight. Peel the balloon off and stack the balls (use salt between to help them melt and stick together. Have kids clothe him,put a carrot nose,stick arms, etc. 

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SNOW TREASURE  HUNT
Hide a chest full of 'fun' in the snow, then watch kids track it down clue by clue. 
Need:
Cooler
Treats
Magazines (optional)
Paper
Markers
Plastic bags

• Pack a cooler full of treats and then hide the "treasure chest."
• Create a series of clues leading to the chest. Use either pictures from magazines or create your own with markers and paper.
• Place each clue in a plastic bag and hide it in the snow.
• Begin the hunt by handing the players their first clue.

VARIATIONS:
For more sophisticated players, give them their clues in riddles or use rebuses.
TIPS:
Look around the yard for good clue hiding places and plot them on paper. Then create the picture clues for each spot and hide them in order (keep the master list just in case a clue gets lost). Source: familyfun.go.com

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FREEZE BUBBLES!

Tips:
This is a good science lesson...

• When the temperature dips below the freezing point, many changes occur in our environment: water turns to ice, and rain turns to snow. The bubble activity demonstrates this.
• It's a good idea to first chill the containers of bubble solution in the refrigerator;outside it has to be below freezing temp.
• Have children observe the bubbles closely as they blow. They will notice ice crystals forming on the surface of the bubbles.
• What happens when the bubbles pop? They shatter.
• If the outside weather is below 32 degrees, you can make bubbles outdoors. Blow a bubble and catch it on the wand. Wait and watch as it freezes. It will turn into a crystal ball and then shatter like glass; you'll see ice crystals form.

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 Create a SNOWY SELF PORTRAIT that doubles as a tasty treat for animals who might stop by to admire and sample your work.
Materials:
Birdseed (such as sunflower seeds and cracked corn)
Fruits and vegetables (like apples, kale and carrots)
Food coloring
Pump bottles

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Start by prepping your art materials; fill the pump bottles with different hues of food-color-tinted water and cut up various fruits and vegetables. Then take the materials outside.
2. Next, start your masterpiece by lying back in the snow to make a body print. Gently rock your body to pack the print, then carefully get up (you may need a friend's help).
3. Create a portrait by filling in the shape with the seeds and vegetable pieces and adding details with the colored water.

Tips:
Younger kids may find it easier to work with fewer materials and to use cups or small pitchers (instead of their hands) to pour lines of seed. Remember to have the artists sign their initials somewhere, too! Source: familyfun.go.com

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ICE BLOCK DESIGNS
This is science, art, and outside winter play! Younger children can observe how salt melts ice while creating colorful designs in large blocks of ice.
Need: Large blocks of ice, Coarse salt, Food coloring,Eye droppers

• Freeze water in empty one gallon milk containers. Remove the cardboard when water is frozen.
• Place ice blocks on trays covered with several layers of newspaper.
• Sprinkle coarse salt on top of the ice blocks.
• Drip various colors of food coloring on top of the ice block--tunnels of color are created as the salt melts through the ice block.
• Put the colorful ice blocks outside. If cold enough- they should stay frozen for several days.
• Children can continue to examine the melting process during outdoor play. If possible-(and if they are interested) give kids their own block of ice.
• If you have a large group do this activity over a few days. Children will enjoy watching the changes that occur as the blocks melt away!
  Adapted from Marjorie E.in KinderArt.com

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SNOW ART
Give children squirt bottles filled with colored water and let them color the snow. Consider also using dish detergent bottles, filled with water and food coloring; they may work easier with mittens on.

Advice: Get a supply of old-used mittens as to not soil childrens' gloves.

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WINTER SUN CATCHER (Preschool and up)
Time: An hour (plus overnight to dry) 
 
Materials: 
Ribbon or yarn (at least 12 inches long)
Water
Aluminum pie plate, or other metal dish
Food coloring or crayon shavings
Flower petals, berries, leaves, or other materials

Directions:

• Make a loop with the ribbon and place it in the pie plate. Leave at least 5 inches of the looped end hanging over the edge
• Fill the plate with water.
• If you'd like your sun catcher to be colored, add a few drops of food coloring to the water and mix it around.
• Add the crayon shavings, berries, or other materials for your sun catcher to the water.
• Let the materials fall into place, or arrange them in a design. (Keep in mind that the materials may move around on their own.)
• Put the plate in the freezer, or if it's cold enough, leave it outside to freeze.
• Let the plate sit for at least one day. If it's outside, you may need to let it sit longer.
• When the water is completely frozen, carefully remove the ice from the tin.

Now your project is ready to catch some rays! Hang your sun catcher outside from a tree or windowsill for friends and neighbors to admire. You can also try using cupcake tins and shorter ribbon (6 inches)to make several small sun catchers.
Source: fun.familyeducation.com

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VIEWING SNOWFLAKES
What you'll need:
Viewing platform: black velvet, dark cloth, or black construction paper
Magnifying glass

• Snowflakes are delicate creatures and their fine crystalline shape can vanish at the touch of warmth.
• You'll need to freeze your viewing surface (keep it in the fridge or outside in a cold dry area).
• If the snow is falling, just hold your platform aloft to catch a few flakes and view with your magnifying glass.
• You may need to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose to avoid melting the flakes with a warm breath.
  Source: fun.familyeducation.com

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CATCHING SNOWFLAKES
Place a black sheet of paper into a freezer until cold. Take outdoors and use a magnifying glass to view snowflakes that land on the paper. 

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TRY MAKING YOUR OWN ICICLE!

Puncture a VERY SMALL hole into a hanging container, fill it with water and then leave it slowly dripping over-night. The next day you should have your own icicle.

 

 

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SNOW SHOES See if you can pick some up for a good deal-or rent them for a day. The kids will have a ball walking on the snow without them--and then walking with them. Fun to watch and fun to do!

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OLD MARKERS DRYING OUT?
Take them outside and color the snow!

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THINK ABOUT AN OUTSIDE WINTER PICNIC!
Consider this for one of those all day or half day programs.

• You need a clear winter day.
• Children provide packed lunches-- a hot one if they have an insulated bag. Program can provide warm drinks in thermoses.
• Pre-choose your picnic site.
• When you arrive, first play a warming game like leapfrog ... have your warm lunches ...followed by playing more active games!
• This would be a great time to play relay and planned games!
  Weather not cooperating on the planned day? Do the same but inside!!!

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DON'T FORGET ABOUT~

 • Looking for animal footprints...
 • Making snow angels...
 • Older kids puling the younger on sleds...
 • Taking thermoses of hot chocolate outside...
 • Winter time nature scavenger hunt...
 • Build houses, igloos and forts...
• Don't just make snowmen-Make snow-women, animals, animals and super heroes!

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Check out-- Winter Outside Snow Games

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THEMATIC BOOK LIST FOR  HANUKKAH 

By the Hanukkah Light
by Sheldon Oberman

Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat
by Naomi Howland

Light The Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas
by Margaret Moorman (Illustrator)

The Magic Dreidels: A Hanukkah Story
by Eric A. Kimmel
Runaway Dreidel!
by Leslea Newman

When Mindy Saved Hanukkah
by Eric Kimmel These books may be found at your local public or school library--also at Amazon.com

HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

• Jingle Bells, Homework Smells by Diane deGroat
• Santa's Snow Cat by Sue Stainton,
• The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya
• The Legend of the Poinsettia - A Christmas Story by Tomie dePaola
• The Night of Las Posadas - A Christmas Story by Tomie De Paola
• The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Emma Kragen
• Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacc
• A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe
• The Oldest Elf by James Stevenson

TWO HOLIDAY CRAFT BOOKS...

Seasonal Gifts and Festive Celebration: Recipes and Ideas for Hand-Made Holiday Gifts
Author: Sarah Ainley
Lorenz Books / Anness Publishing Inc.
Website: www.lorenzbooks.com

Holly-Jolly Crafts under $10
Model: 1574861255
Author: Ann Childs (Editor)

SNOW THEMES for Young Children

• Clear Moon, Snow Soon by Tony Johnston
• The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
• Snow Day! by Barbara M. Joosse
• Snow Is Falling by Franklyn M. Branley
• Millions of Snowflakes by Mary McKenna Siddals
• The Biggest Snowball Ever! by John Rogan
• Sadie and the Snowman by Allen Morgan
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• Geraldine's Big Snow by Holly Keller
• Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
• White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt
• Little Polar Bear and the Brave Little Hare by Hans de Beer
• Winter Rabbit by Patrick Yee
• The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel
• In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George
• Snow Day by Betsy Maestro
• Footprints in the Snow by Cynthia Benjamin

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FEBRUARY IS FRIENDSHIP MONTH. Celebrate the gift of friendship by reading with the kids. The following is a list of age appropriate books that you can share.

• The Gift of Nothing"--(age 3-6) by Patrick McDonnell
• Who Will be My Friends"-- (age 4-6) by Syd Hoff
• Things Not Seen--(age 12+) by Andrew Clements
• The Hundred Dresses--(age 6-10) by Eleanor Estes
• Friends--(age 5-8) by: Helme Heine
• How to Lose All Your Friends--(age 4-6) by Nancy L. Carlson
• Digby and Kate--(age 5-8) by Marsha Winborn
• My Friend Flicka--(age 8-12) by Mary O'Hara
• English Rose-- (age 4-8) by Madonna
• Little Blue and Little Yellow--(age 4-7) by Leo Lionni
• Poppleton and Friends--(age 4-7) by Cynthia Rylant
• Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl--(age 6-8) by Barbara Park
• Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship--(age 4-8) by Craig & Isabella Hatkoff
• I Like You--(age 8-12) by Sandol Stoddard Warburg
• Will I Have a Friend--(age 4-6) by Miriam Cohen
• Kaya and Lone Dog: A Friendship Story--(age 7-10) by: Janet Beeler Shaw
  Friendship compiled by Tonya at: http://www.tennsaca.com
  

VALENTINE DAY BOOKS FOR TODDLER and ELEMENTARY

A Sunday Stroll by Paul Borgese, Jane Arimoto (Illustrator)---Through the characters of LadyBug and Centipede, the author teaches your child about morals, friendship, patience, and helping others. Colorful illustrations compliment the story--- A Valentine for Ms. Vanilla by Fred Ehrlich ---On Valentine's Day the members of Ms. Vanilla's class participate in a party, write poems, open cards, and present a heart they all have signed to a special valentine.

Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox, Lydia Monks (Illustrator) --A humorous adaptation of the fairy tale Rapunzel. Witty rhymes accompany the colorful illustrations. As in the original story, the Prince calls to Rapunzel to throw down here golden locks in order to rescue her. But that is where the similarities end. This fractured fairy tale is sure to bring laughter to group reading time as Rapunzel's hearing faulters. The Prince asks for her locks, tresses, rope, twine, and ladder. Rapunzel responds with socks, dresses, a cantaloupe, a swine, and a bowl of pancake batter. Rapunzel's last mistake backfires - makes a hysterical ending for Valentine's Day.

Hearts, Cupids, and Red Roses: The Story of the Valentine Symbols by Edna Barth, Ursula Arndt (Illustrator)---Hearts, Cupids, and Red Roses describes the St. Valentine's Day holiday celebration from pagan festivals to present-day activities---Ever wonder where Valentine Symbols came from? Where do these customs come from, when did they begin, and why do we continue to observe them? This light-hearted holiday has ancient origins.--- Edna Barth explores these love symbols. The book is full of fascinating details about Valentine's Day. Also included are some not so known stories and helpful supplemental material.

How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart: My First Raggedy Ann by Jan Palmer, Johnny Gruelle (Illustrator)---One day Raggedy Ann takes a kite ride way up in the sky -- only to land in a bucket of paint! A friendly painter offers to fix her up like new, and it looks as though Marcella will have to part with her doll for a short time. But when Raggedy Ann comes back to Marcella, she's better than ever because of the painter's special gift. ---Raggedy Ann has been beloved by children for many decades. In this new version of a classic, retold for young children, she and the other dolls in the nursery come to life with humor and spirit. –

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard, Jacqueline Chwast (Illustrator)--
"Here is the book that Romeo would have given Juliet; Charlie Brown would have given Snoopy; and you can give to some very special friend" proclaims the back cover of this small, whimsical book. Written in 1965 by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, it still makes the perfect present for your best friend. Not just any run-of-the-mill best friend, though. This book is for the kind of friend who yells for you when you get lost in Grand Central Station or pretends to save you when you pretend to be drowning.

Love You the Purplest by Barbara M. Joosse, Mary Whyte (Illustrator)---A perfect book for Mom to read to her children on Valentine's day. Every child wants to be loved the best. The Mom in this book figures out a way to answer her sons where they feel loved the best without sibling rivalry. The mother uses colors to describe the love for her sons - each color describing part of their personality. The illustrations are colorful and visually demonstrate how the mother feels towards her children.

Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat (Illustrator)---When Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines to his classmates, his prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But there's always time for a change of heart on Valentine's Day. ---

You and Me by Martine Kindermans (Illustrator)
"All we need is you and me,
to be as happy as can be.
And no matter where we go,
I will always love you so."
Cute picture book that follows a goose and her gosling to places far and wide. Through heat and cold, across prairies and mountains, all is well as long as they have one another.

Valentine's Day Is by Gail Gibbons (Illustrator)--- Valentine’s Day is candy hearts, flowers, and chocolate truffles. It is Valentine cards galore. Most of all, it is a time to share with family and friends, and a time to give thanks for our loved ones. Gail Gibbons presents the history of this special holiday and shares what the day has come to mean in our present-day society.

Valentine Hearts: Holiday Poetry by Lee Bennett Hopkins, JoAnn Adinolfi (Illustrator)--A small collection of endearing and humorous Valentine poems. Poetic themes include friendships, childhood crushes, and a child's affection for her pet. It's easy to imagine these works used as a poem-a-day assignment, inscribed messages for homemade valentines, or inspiring young poets to write their own silly or love poems.

MORE VALENTINE BOOKS...

• Valentine Mice by Bethany Roberts
• My Love For You by Susan L. Roth
• Bunny My Honey by Anita Jeram
• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
• If You Love A Bear by Piers Harper
• Froggy's First Kiss by Jonathan London
• I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri
• Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse These books are available through Scholastic book club or check your local library -- most likely also on amazon.com

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 BOOKS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION as well as associated customs. Some of thebooks share information about the Chinese culture in general - great for elementary multicultural studies!

• Celebrating Chinese New Year
  by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)
• Chinese New Year for Kids
  by Cindy Roberts
• Dim Sum for Everyone
  by Grace Lin
• Dragon Dance - A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book
  by Joan Holub, Benrei Huang
• Fortune Cookie Fortunes
  by Grace Lin
• Grandfather Tang's Story
  by Ann Tompert
• Happy, Happy Chinese New Year
  by Demi Hitz
• Happy New Year
  by Demi Hitz
• Lanterns and Firecrackers - A Chinese New Year Story (Festival Time) by Jonny Zucker, Jan Barger Cohen
• Lion Dancer
  by Kate Waters, Martha Cooper (Illustrator)
• Moonbeams, Dumplings, and Dragon Boats
  by Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz, and The Children's Museum, Boston
• One Is a Drummer: A Book of Numbers
  by Roseanne Thong
• Round Is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes
  by Roseanne Thong
• Ruby's Wish
  by Shirin Yim Bridges
• Sam and the Lucky Money
  by Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Illustrator)
• The Dancing Dragon
  by Marcia K. Vaughan, Stanley Wong Hoo Foon (Illustrator)
• The Five Chinese Brothers
  by Claire Huchet Bishop
• The Runaway Rice Cake
  by Ying Chang Compestine, Tungwai Chau (Illustrator)
• This Next New Year
  by Janet S. Wong, Yangsook Choi (Illustrator)
• Tikki Tikki Tembo
  by Arlene Mosel
  Source: apples4theteacher.com

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FALL OR SPRING
A WALK IN THE WOODS...
Read the entire post; there is variety in the 19 activity ideas!
Also good for Science and Nature!

1. Create a wood eco system by placing soil in the bottom of an aquarium. Then place a layer of dead leaves on top of the soil. Place a dead, rotten log on top of the leaves. Watch what happens. Does anything begin to grow out of the soil or emerge from the long?

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2. Visit a forest preserve, nature center or state park and ask the park ranger or manager to meet with the students. Ask the ranger to discuss his/her job, and what the special satisfactions in the job are. You might also ask the ranger to lead the students through a walk in the woods. If you can't go on a field trip—invite the park ranger to your site.

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3. Make a Bulletin Board about “Woodland Creatures,” “Changing Seasons in the Woods,” or “Animal Tracks Found in the Woods.”

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4. Collect various leaves and bark samples and talk about their differences. Have the students feel the different barks and compare and describe each one.

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5.  Make a Nature Discovery Corner in your room. Have students bring in “their discoveries”.
Extension: children can write a short description of what they found.

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6. Make  plaster casts of animal tracks you have seen in the woods. They can be found on trails, near feeding sites, and water sources. Students can identify what the animal is. Then have them research on the animal, where it lives, what it eats, its size, and how many offspring it has. The students can explore what the animal's relationship is to other living things in the woods.

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7. Wood Walker Diaries: Ask the students to keep a journal of a wooded area that is close to the school or home. Have them visit the area regularly to note changes. They might include drawings or photographs of what they see.

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8. Create a wood glossary. Ask each student to define a “woods word” and decorate the classroom with the terms.

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9. During a walk in the woods, ask the students to find as many tree seeds as the can. The best time to do this is in the spring or fall. 

• Why do some trees drop their seeds in the spring and some in the fall? It is a dormancy issue.
• Those that drop in the spring do not require cold to germinate.
• Those that drop their seeds later in the summer or fall require a cold dormancy period in order for them to germinate.
• Some seeds to look for are acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts, and some maple seeds, and pine cones. 

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10. Set up an experiment with several different tree seeds. You will be determining which seeds need a cold treatment to germinate. You will need TWO SEEDS OF EACH TREE. Plant each seed in a different pot. Place half the pots in the windowsill and the other half in a refrigerator for 1-3 months. Then take the pots out of the refrigerator and water well. Compare with the ones that are on the windowsill. This process is called stratification where seeds are subjected to a specified amount of cold to overcome seed dormancy.

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11. In the spring, take the students for a walk in the woods and mark off a 3 feet by 3 feet area with string. Go back and visit the area periodically and observe the changes in the area and what you see growing.  You could select two or three different places, each having a different habitat such as a dead log, leaf litter, bare ground, area in the sun, an area in the shade, or a spot along a stream.

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12. Discover ways living creatures camouflage themselves in the woods. Discuss color, patterns, and shapes that you find in the woods and how they can protect creatures from harm. For instance, a walking stick (an insect) on a branch is hardly noticeable. A frog along a stream edge is hard to see. What others can you come up with? It’s like an 'I SPY' game. What do you think living creatures do in the winter to protect themselves?

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14. Talk about how seeds can move from, place to place. Some stick to our clothing or animals' fur, some fly like helicopter blades, and others spread through bird and animal droppings. Have the students find and record as many seeds as they can in their journal.

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15. Litter spoils the woods and can hurt the animals and visitors. As a special project have students pick up litter in the woods and then dispose of it properly.

• Weigh how much litter was collected and make a list of the things that were found.
• Contact media to do a story on the children's concern for their environment.

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16. On a walk in the woods spot some animal and bird homes. Look for nests, burrows in the ground, hiding places in trees, or drilled holes in a tree which usually means a woodpecker is nearby.

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17. Have a Scavenger Hunt for a walk in the woods. The students can look for seeds and acorns, various kinds of leaves, bones from dead animals or birds, gnawed or rubbed off bark, animal paths, nests or flattened grass where an animal might have been laying.

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18. Look for animal tracks. Look for tracks by muddy paths and puddles, near water or streams, and in the snow. See if the students can identify them.

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19. Look for different color and shapes of mushrooms. Don't touch them – rather have the students draw a picture in their journals. Source: University of Illinois Extension

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GARDENING THEME FOR SPRING, SUMMER, FALL...

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GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

By: Vanessa Greaves
Ten easy tips for an Earth-friendly holiday. You can celebrate the season of giving and do your bit to help out Mother Earth at the same time. Here's how.

 

1. Make Memories
Give experiences instead of 'stuff'.

• Try tickets to a show, a ball game, or a scenic train ride instead of dust-collecting knickknacks.
• Tailor the gift to the recipient: club or museum memberships, craft or hobby lessons, 'IOU' for a home-cooked meal, an afternoon of gardening help, free babysitting, and so on.

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2. Save Your Energy
Shopping downtown? Take public transportation. Bring your own shopping bags while you're at it.

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3. Right Light
Using LED Christmas lights instead of power-sucking regular lights will dramatically slash your energy bill. Put all of your lights on a timer so they shine out only when it's dark.

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4. Go Natural
String together plain popcorn and fresh cranberries into long, colorful swags to hang on the tree, along the mantelpiece, or in the windows. (This is a great activity for the kids!) After the holidays you can hang the strings outside for the birds to enjoy. Make these as a program activity. You can decorate your rooms before kids take them home!

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5. Go Local
Seek out regionally produced, one-of-a-kind gifts. Good sources include church fairs, craft shows, local boutiques, and flea markets.

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6. Re-gift
Here's your official permission to pass along that present you can't use but maybe Uncle Bob can.

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7. Reuse
Turn old holiday cards into gift tags and colorful paper chains.

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8. Recycle
Why spend money on commercial gift wrap? Calendar pages, kid's school paintings, the comics section of the newspaper--these make fun and fabulous wrapping paper alternatives. Choose paper or cloth ribbon, or colored twine instead of plastic ribbon.

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9. Reduce
Instead of adding bulk to the landfill, choose gifts that come with a minimum of product packaging, and try to find packaging that's 100 percent recyclable.

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10. Simplify
Stop the madness and remember what the holidays are really about. Family. Friends. The simple pleasures of a shared meal. Now make it happen.
Source: allrecipes.com

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SHELTER, OBSERVATORY AND FOOD FOR SMALL ANIMALS AND BIRDS...

• Turn a protected section of your program or school yard into a nature shelter. In the cold weather- birds, squirrels and other small wildlife are in constant search of food, fresh water and safe shelter.

• Set up a bird feeder, bird bath and bird house where you and the children will be able to quietly observe. They’ll enjoy watching different animals seek the food and water… and your bird house will be their when needed.
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DECORATE YOUR WINTER TREES OR SMALL SHRUBS!

CHEERIO CHAINS
Wrap tape on one end of a long length of yarn. Tie a knot with a Cheerio on it at the other end. Demonstrate how to string the chain by sliding a Cheerio (or any “O” shaped cereal) over the tape (needle) and dropping it to the bottom. Invite children to help you until the entire chain is strung. Drape these chains around outside tree for birds/animals to enjoy.
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ORANGE SLICES...
Poke a hole with a plastic straw at the top of each orange slice. Thread with raffia or ribbon and tie each slice to a branch.
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Take stale bread and have children cut shapes with cookie cutters. Invite them to spread peanut butter on the bread with a plastic knife and then sprinkle on birdseed. Poke a hole at the top with a plastic straw. Thread with raffia or yarn. Together decorate the outdoor bushes and low trees branches with these “yummy” decorations.

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RECYCLE AND OLD CHRISTMAS TREE INTO RUSTIC PHOTO ORNAMENTS  (No wood slices? Cut the tree trunk after Christmas this year...and pack away for next year!)
Materials:
Circular wood slices, about 1" thick, 2" wide and 3" tall (from wood trunk)
Color copies of favorite photographs
Eye hooks
Chenille tie or ribbon
Scissors
Decoupage medium or diluted white glue
Pen or rubber stamp

1. Before beginning, cut all circular wooden slices and make color copies of photographs.
2. Then, use scissors to cut photograph in a circular (or oval) shape to fit wooden slice. Cut photo a little smaller than the slice so that a small wooden border surrounds the photo.
3. Apply decoupage medium or glue to the back of the photograph. Adhere to wooden surface.
4. Next, coat the entire top surface -- including photograph -- with decoupage medium . Allow to dry.
5. Apply several more coats of decoupage medium, allowing medium to dry thoroughly between coats.
6. Stamp or write the year of the photography on the back of the wooden ornament.
7. Add tie through eye hook to hang the ornament.
Source: Debbie Stapley diynetwork.com

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Earth and Green Theme Menu

• Earth Theme: Art, Crafts and Games
• Earth Theme: Litter, Recycling and Coins
• Earth Theme: Nature and Science Activities
• Earth Themed Snacks and Variey of Ideas  (More for younger kids-some may work)
• Earth Themed Music Activities (For younger kids)
•  Seasonal Earth and Green Ideas!
• Earth Friendly Ideas for Middle and High School
• Garden Theme

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