Winter coats for the family = $300.00, snow boots for all = $150.00, hat, gloves, scarves = $100.00, the look on my son’s face, throwing snowballs and sliding down mounds of snow = priceless.
Although I love the frozen fingers, wind-blown cheeks and Rudolph red noses, there are times to enjoy the cold weather from inside a warm home. And, you and your children can have just as much fun (and learn something in the process!). The next time it snows, take time to enjoy the winter wonderland from the window. Create weather windows that mimic what your neighborhood looks like and hang them around the house. Using white paper (8 x 11), encourage your children draw a picture of what they might see looking out to a snow covered street. Perhaps it includes children sledding, building snowmen or a scenic picture of snow covered houses. Then, using brown construction paper cut three long strips (11 x 1) and three short strips (8 x1). Using 2 long and 2 short pieces, have them glue the strips on the edges of the paper. These will create the borders of their window. The last 2 strips (1 long and 1 short) should be crossed and glued in the middle of the paper to create a 4 paned window. A great book to read beforehand is The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel or The Snowman by Raymond Briggs’.
Another engaging indoor activity involves creating a snow like picture with glue and Ivory Snow. Mix equal parts of this laundry detergent and regular Elmer’s Glue in a cup. Using a paintbrush, decorate a black piece of construction paper to create a winter scene. When the “snow” dries, it forms a beautiful textured picture. Create a panoramic winter scene using several of these papers across a wall in your home.
Cold and snowy weather does not have to be boring or stifling. Embrace the beauty of living in a cold weather climate, even when it involves layers of clothing and wet floors. Your children will enjoy creating snowy scenes and turning your home into a winter wonderland of their own. Cuddle up with some hot chocolate and good books afterward and what you have is a recipe for a perfect family day.
Related posts:
Carol Berman said on February 17, 2013
Great easy, fun and creative ways to bring winter inside when you can’t go outside. I’m going to try them. Thanks!
Kerry Cordero said on February 18, 2013
This is a great idea. I’m always looking for something to do inside since I have a three year old. He loves the snow for about fifteen minutes and then we have to come in. Thx!!! Kerry