Happy New Year! Winter Activities

Happy New Year!!!

At this moment in Massachusetts there is a roaring blizzard outdoors.  Snow, wind and cold prevail.  It snowed as far south as Florida this week, so outdoor winter activities in the snow may be useful even in the southern United States this year!  One of our favorite activities to do with young children is to make snow ice cream.  Use measuring cups and spoons and experiment with different amounts of snow, condensed milk, sugar (or not), and vanilla or other flavoring.  Record or make a chart of the amounts you use and the results!  Be sure to use fresh snow for this activity.  

Looking for animal tracks in the snow is an outdoor project that can involve recording, drawing and charting.  Tell stories about the animals whose tracks you’ve seen!  In Massachusetts the website Mass.gov has a section called Mass Wildlife Pocket Guide to MA animal tracks, or you can find a book of animal tracks at your local library.  If your little ones need to burn some energy, make paths in the snow and play tag, staying on the paths.  

There are many other fun activities than can be used as learning experiences as well.  Sledding, skiing, hiking and skating are all opportunities to be creative!  Once you’re home warm and snug with a cup of hot chocolate, invite your child to draw a picture of their outdoor adventure or have them dictate a story to you about it and then read their words back to them.  You can also recreate the winter wonderland indoors by filling a plastic tub or bowl with snow and bringing it inside for your child to play with. Your child can use twigs to make “trees” in their winter scene, and they can create habitats for small toy animals or use toy trucks to plow and drive in their snow.  

We hope that you stay warm, have fun, and enjoy this beautiful season!