Winter 2014 in Ohio has been one for the books. The snow which had alluded us for a couple of years decided to bring ridiculously frigid temperatures and set up shop. The schools around here have been out more than they've been in session this month. While on the surface this may seem like a bad thing, the truth is a great opportunity has presented itself. This is an opportunity to reinforce that education does not end with the school day. Try a few of these things with your children to make sure they are ready to conquer the second semester of the school year. Even if you don't have a kid around, you mighteenjoy some of tthese things yourself.
Enjoy your day(s)!
- Do some science experiments. Blow bubbles outside and watch what happens. Ask "what if" questions and find the answers., such as what if you swipe the wand rather than blow your breath to make the bubbles or blow a bubble inside and then take it outside
- Reinforce math skills. Practice multiplication by going on a virtual shopping trip or doubling a cookie recipe. For very small children, have them count candies and group them. ("Count 10 Skittles. Now, let's count out how many each of us would if we split them evenly. So, 5+5=10.)
- Learn a new craft. For all the mess on YouTube, there are some great instructional videos for the latest crafting crazes (rubber band bracelets or arm knitting, for example) as well as more classic knitting, crocheting, sewing techniques. There are even ways to upcycle old clothes ..to create "yarn".
- Learn some new songs or some old ones. Another thing YouTube is good for. You who are near my age loved Schoolhouse Rock so share those with your kids so the can know the function of conjunctions.
- Read some good poetry or folktales.
- Write something and share it without judgment. Decide the mood or pick a word and see how everyone interprets it.
- Talk about current affairs. Find the state flags and fun facts about the Super Bowl teams. What Winter Olympics sport would you like to try or have tried. What is the new event? What event should they add or discontinue? Some people think luge is too dangerous, do you?
- Make a family tree.
- Make a scrapbook.
- Make a painting or sculpture in the snow. See previous post.
- Bonus: Find all the typos in the post. Ms. Trina is not a fan of touchscreens so this tablet and I don't seem to be getting along. I like typing with my fingers on the home keys or handwriting (cursive). Nothing else keeps up with me.
Enjoy your day(s)!