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At this time of year children become interested in the change of weather especially if ice is found in puddles and containers and they have to wear lots of layers of clothing. If we are lucky enough to get snow, then there is a direct opportunity to tap children’s enthusiasm for learning and fun. Below are some links that you might find helpful to use, however please pick and choose what is relevant for your setting and your children. What I need to grow and developWhat will children learn from this play and how you can take it further?wellbeing (including self, social, emotional and communication), Stories to read/listen to relating to snow and ice:BBC bitesize Early level literacy Snow penguin Youtube storiesHarry and the Snow King Snow The snowy Day The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack KeatsOne Snowy Night by Nick ButterworthSnow by Walter de la MereSnow Ghost by Tony MittenThe Snow Dancer by Addie BoswellWhy Does Ice Float by Ian OlioListen to the story using the sound waves. To take further listen and pick out familiar words after several times listening to the storySnow related words and vocabulary and talk about melting, freezing etcTo take further talk about size of snow man and “more” snowmen Most of the snowy days describe the magic of snow and how it changes the experiences outdoors. There are examples of rhyming stories and exciting vocabulary.To take further children and adults can talk about experiences & activities they have had and take time to recount what they did in the snowMovement and Co-ordinationSensory and fine motor development play:Shaving foam snow, Frozen snow, All year-round snow, Snow dough: a winter wonderland – Lockdown activities for kids – winter walks and activities flakesCatch a snowflake as they fallFrozen bubblesBlow bubbles outside in the cold icy air. They will be much harder to pop and last much longer.Fine motor development through play experiences develop the muscles and movement before children can start to write and develop pincer grips.To take further adults can play along the child and talk about the sensory experience. Children can also be encouraged to mark makeduring the play.Walk in the woods : looking for fresh snow encourages observation skills and well as physical exercise.To take further look at tracks in the snow, animal, human etc.Physical movement and body awarenessTo take further can the child catch a snowflake on other part of their body e.g. foot, head, tongue etc.Physical exercise and coordination skills are being developed during a fun activityTo take further count the bubbles, talk about small/large, estimate how many bubbles there are….more or less than 5? 10?Confidence, creativity and curiosityOutdoor activities:Make natural ice decorations 15+ fun things to do outdoors paint artFill squeezy bottles with water and food colouring and draw pictures in the snow or use old paint brushes and buckets to paint in the snow.Build a snowmanBuild it big or small, then add pebbles, twigs, leaves etc. maybe even a carrot nose? Then see how long it lasts. Develop an awareness of the connection of water changes to ice in cold temperatures. Use vocab like freezing, solid, liquid, melting.To take further be creative with natural materials and make patterns in the ice sculptures.Lots of physical and fun activities for outdoors helping develop gross motor skillsDeveloping mark making and representational skills. as well as hand/eye coordination.To take further use smaller brushes and paint to encourage small scale mark making and fine motor skillsTalk about the amount of snow, is there enough for a big snowman?- predicting quantity. To take further measure the snowman using non standard units. Is it taller than my knee, my little brother etc. Find something that is the same height. There are many opportunities when outdoors for “have a go” learning and as we all know snow and ice doesn’t last so this means children do not have the fear of mistakes. When snowmen are made and ice sculptures are created praise can be given for success and achievement - successful learners and confident individuals.1619252095508134350145126 There are many opportunities for maths and science when outdoors. Use mathematical language in conversation to compare size, volume. Talk about more or less, measure the depth and height. All children need to hear these terms in conversation before they understand the meaning of the words and being outside having fun is the perfect opportunity to do this. Use sticks to measure or footprints in the snow to see how long something is…. practical maths activities need to be done before concepts can be understood. ................
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