We had a crazy snow storm this week! Between two feet of snow and subzero temperatures, my kids have been out of school all week! Depending on where you live, there's a good chance that you're experiencing the same kind of crazy weather. If you're a feeling a little stir crazy and your kids are bored, here are some snow inspired projects to do with your kids!
Snow Viewing
When it's snowing, take your kids outside with a sheet of black paper and a magnifying glass. As the flakes land on the black paper, the kids can look closely at them and examine them under the magnifying glass. It's amazing how unique each snowflake is. Remind your children that each snowflake is unique just like each of them are different and unique! You may want to have the kid take pictures of their favorite magnified snowflakes as inspiration for future snowy art projects!
Salty Snow
Epsom salt looks glittery and snowy on all sorts of objects. If you have little kids, try this fun craft. You can use epsom salt covered styrofoam balls as Christmas tree ornaments, in bowls, or piled up on windowsills or in bay windows. You'll need:
* Styrofoam balls, any size you like or a variety of sizes (you can also use inexpensive bulk Christmas tree balls)
* Epsom salts
* Decoupage medium or white glue slightly thinned with water
* Paintbrush (for the glue)
Place a good amount of Epsom salts on a plate. Using the paintbrush, coat balls one at a time with decoupage medium and roll them in Epsom salts. Once dry, repeat the process and you'll have some very snowy looking balls! If you use varying sizes, you can then make snowmen.
If you have older kids, have them decorate candles, votive holders, and anything else that you think would look beautiful “snow covered”.
Glue Snowflakes
Make snowflakes for your windows with this craft. You'll need:
* White glue
* Wax paper
* Salt or glitter (optional)
* Snowflake design for inspiration
Lay the sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet or other hard surface that you can leave undisturbed for a few hours. Help your preschooler make snowflake shapes out of glue – squeeze the glue directly onto the wax paper. While the glue is wet, sprinkle on salt or glitter if you like. When the snowflakes dry, peel them off and hang them up in windows or on the tree. Use a little soft wax (such as beeswax) to stick them to windows.
Ice and Salt Sculptures
You'll need to start this project the night before by making ice blocks. Simply fill 1 quart yogurt tubs, whipped topping tubs, or other similar plastic or cardboard containers (milk cartons work great for this) with water and freeze.
* 1-quart plastic yogurt tub, whipped topping tub, or similar plastic or cardboard container (milk cartons work, too)
* Liquid food coloring
* Rock salt, such as driveway salt
* Plastic gloves or small scoop (to keep salt off hands)
* Camera (this craft melts!)
In the morning or whenever you're ready to do the craft, run hot water over the container and slip the ice block out. Place the ice in a pan or tub, large side up (if there is a larger side).
Let your preschooler sprinkle rock salt on the top of the ice block using gloves or a scoop. Then drop liquid food coloring on top where the salt chunks are. Vary the colors. As the salt melts the ice, it will create color streaks through the ice block, as well as create interesting shapes. You'll be amazed at how cool these turn out as will your kids. Make sure to take lots of pictures of the process and the finished product!
If you'd like some fun treats for your snow day, consider making this yummy Peppermint Hot Chocolate, this fun Reindeer Hot Chocolate (perfect to make before going outside and perfect to drink when you get back inside) or these Oreo Truffle Snowman Pops with your kiddos!
