Build-a-Snowman

Build-a-Snowman

This is a simple craft idea that is fun and cute. M is really into using glue right now and this activity was lots of fun for him. I did all the cutting and he did all the gluing. He also decided where all the pieces would go. The nice thing about this craft is every snowman you make will be original. You can also talk about the different shapes you are using or what weather you need outside to build snowmen. This gives the activity an extra element of learning as well.

All you need is:

Black, white and orange construction paper

glue

scissors

Cut out pieces for the snowman: circles for eyes and buttons, triangle for carrot nose etc.

Let you child use the glue and pieces. Let them decide how they would like their snowman to look.

YAY for PLAY

“Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego.”
(Landreth, 2002)

As an adult it is easy to let all our responsibilities pile onto our shoulders. I find this to be truer now that I have children.  I can’t just think of myself - I have precious little lives to guide and care for. Children are wonderful gifts and they have a lovely way of reminding us what is important. They remind us to slow down, to be in the moment and to play.  This is a lesson I am learning each day. It’s hard to be child-like but when I do our relationship strengthens and I learn more about my children and myself. Let your children guide playtime for a change; you may be surprised where you end up. I bet it will free you for a short while from your burden of responsibilities. Plus, you are creating lasting memories you and your child will remember for a lifetime.

“Birds Fly. Fish Swim. Children Play.”
–Gary Landreth

Cave of Wonders

I believe that giving children open-ended play materials encourages them to imagine a world of wonders. Here we have created a “sparkle tunnel” as M calls it. He decided to make it cozy by bringing his favourite blanket inside. Our play jumped from sparkle tunnel to peek-a-boo then to a cozy place to rest. This lasted for more than an hour and all we used was a big box and a string of white lights. Good old easy fun in my opinion. Best of all it cost nothing – I just used a string of lights I had from last Christmas and an old box.

Here is how:

• Get a big box and poke holes in the top with a knife (this part should be done away from your children, for obvious reasons)
• Place individual lights inside each hole then plug into an outlet.
• Let imaginations soar!!!