Winter Break Fun

I know that the Winter Break all teachers love can try the souls of parents everywhere. As much as we love spending time with our children, a two week stretch in the dead of winter weather can leave us wondering "what can we do now?" Here are a few humble ideas.

String things! For the Christmas tree or for the birds outside, one can string popcorn and cranberries (fresh or dried) using a needle with a large eye and dental floss or sturdy thread. Don't be a hero. Use a needle threader. If you don't know how to use one, ask for a demo at the fabric store where you buy your needles. Even easier, string Cheerios or Froot Loops and you won't need a needle.

Cut paper snowflakes. I recommend doing this over a basin or large tray to help contain the scraps. Hang your snowflakes up on the windowpanes with clear tape.

Make ornaments or present toppers out of pipe cleaners and colorful beads.

Polish the silver and brass. Use small rags for small hands and a paste of baking soda and lemon juice.

Clean the windows with a spray bottle of a vinegar/water solution and newspapers.

Paper plate ice skating. This works best on wall-to-wall carpeting. Just place each foot on its own paper plate, put on some cheesy music and move the coffee table to the side.

Make paper chains. Any color of construction paper will do or use old magazines. A glue stick works nicely.

Cut up stuff. Children are so curious about what it is like to cut fabric. Perhaps they've taken a swipe at their own shirt. It is fun to cut material, so bring out some worn out clothing and let them have at it!

My favorite idea: Centerpieces. Go outdoors with a laundry basket and collect greenery, pine cones, rocks and moss. Give each child his/her own large tray on which to create a natural landscape. One can add ornaments or a pillar candle. The centerpieces can be re-created each day if one wishes and because they are portable they can be whisked out of the way to make way for the turkey or game of Chutes and Ladders!

We at the Philomath Montessori School wish you all a wonderful Winter Break and a very happy holiday season.

Best regards,
Doni