It has been an exciting winter with all this snow. I think this year is trying to make up for the lack of snow we had last year. We are so happy that Mother Nature decided to give us the joy of snow.
Snow is such a great sensory experience, especially for toddlers. In class, we talk about when it is cold, it can snow. Sometimes we get a lot of snow and sometimes only a little. There is dry snow and wet snow.
We talk about all the things that we can do in the snow. We can make snowmen and snowwomen, sled, make igloos, throw snowballs, dig and shovel, and so much more.
Snow allows for so many experiences for toddlers. Everything from getting on “new clothes” (snowsuits and boots) to going outside to experience walking in the snow.
The children practiced walking in their snow boots, getting up out of the snow, walking in deep snow, and even some sledding. All of these things that seem second nature to us are an entirely different experience for the children.
Valentine’s Day
We spent the week reading and talking about Valentine’s Day. We learned where Valentine’s day comes from and about giving cards to all our friends in the class.
The children decorated hearts with bits of tissue paper. They used glue and paintbrushes to spread the glue for the tissue paper. Once most friends finished one, they wanted to do it again. Ms. Hailey then cut them more hearts so they could make more. The next day the children decorated their Valentine’s bags using paint and heart cutouts. They dipped the hearts into the paint and stamped the hearts onto the bags. Painting is always a favorite in the classroom!
Playdough
We made playdough in class and tried two different recipes so far. Both worked out great.
The chefs are the ones who make the successful playdough. They get to choose their own color playdough and take it home with them.
Through mixing and kneading the playdough, children develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to match hand movement with eye movement. They also gain strength and improve dexterity in their hands and fingers, critical areas of physical development for writing, drawing, and other purposes.