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Learn to Love the Changing Seasons
by Dyane Gogan Turner,
Director of Early Care and Nutrition, Children's Hunger Alliance
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Originally published in the December, 2005 Columbus Parent Magazine.
Reprinted by permission.
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COLUMBUS - The joy of being a child, or being in a child's life, is experiencing things for the first
time. There is amazing wonder in exploration. Although many dread the winter months, each season is a new adventure
for a child. Find and explore winter's teachable moments together.
Growing up in south Florida, I missed out on Ohio's winter fun. You know, the grass is always greener on the
other side of the fence. In Ohio's case, the grass is covered with fallen leaves and snow. Although I couldn't
enjoy Ohio's winters as a child, I now revel in the seasons. Here are some tips to help you and your children learn
to love all of the changing seasons... even winter.
Season Education
Educate children about the colors, textures, traditions and reasons for the seasons. Extend the "classroom"
outside. I love to watch my infant observing his environment. When he was born, the neighborhood was a big, green
blob of waving things -- leaves. I know that his vision is limited. (I'm proud but realistic.) Now, he sees vibrant
oranges and bright reds. And, after a dry summer, the rain is a wonder to him. Explain the science and math of
the changing seasons. Read books to pass on the traditions and history. Prepare and enjoy foods of the seasons.
Indoor and outdoor winter activities
- Snowflakes: Put dark construction paper in the freezer. Take the paper outside and catch snowflakes
on it. Using a magnifying glass, ask your children about the designs.
- Snow: Capture snow in a jar, and bring the snow inside. How long does it take to melt? Why
does rain turn into snow?
- Clouds: Check out a library book on clouds. Learn about winter clouds.
- Games: Twister, Simon Says, Hokey Pokey, hide-and-seek or musical chairs. Create an indoor
hopscotch board with masking tape on cardboard or construction paper. Set up an indoor obstacle course.
- Pretend: Pretend you're an animal in winter (bear, squirrel, bunny, etc.) Pretend that you
and the children are on an arctic adventure.
Recipes
The winter months are a perfect time of year for soup. Try different recipes. Experiment with cultural recipes.
Children can help with the trip to the store, preparation, setting of the table and post-meal cleaning. Read Friendship
Soup or Sip, Sip, Soup, Soup: Caldo, Caldo, Caldo together.
Web Sites:
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Fit Source Web Directory
Includes physical-activity ideas, lesson plans, healthy recipes and many other downloadable tools |
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My Pyramid
See the new food pyramid. Includes physical activity ideas.
Fruit & Oat Snack Mix
2 cups oat cereal
2/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup other dried fruit
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.
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