Discover the science, history and more behind the winter phenomena your kids love and spark a homeschooling adventure
Ah, it’s time to enjoy the fun of winter. Winter is a time of exquisite beauty and the perfect time to explore nature’s changing landscapes and the many wonders of the season.Turn your homeschool into a winter wonderland with these fun winter-themed activities. Let’s change Delight your kids and add a spark of light to your winter homeschool days.
Explore Snow Science
Snow is a fascinating and magical phenomenon and the beauty of snowy landscapes is one of the joys of winter. Frosty crystals seemingly swoop down from the sky to cover the earth and look like a winter wonderland, awe-inspiring. So what do your kids know about the complex science of snow?
Let’s find out. Read Mark his Cassino’s “The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder” and marvel at gorgeous photographs of real snowflakes.
Let’s dig in. Stir freshly fallen snow to make snow ice cream. Easy and very tasty. All you need is about 8-10 cups of clean snow, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a 10-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Place the snow in a large bowl, add the vanilla and milk and mix well. Serve on a plate and let the kids add a finishing touch of sprinkles, syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Prepare for tomorrow.
Delve into the history of Groundhog Day
Did you know that the first Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887?
Yes, this fun and quirky holiday has a long and rich history that stems from the Candlemas Day celebrations brought here by early German immigrants. Engage your child with the book Celebrating Groundhog Day: History, Traditions and Activities by Karen Bush Gibson.
Hmm, how often is hairy meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions correct? Encourage the children to dig deeper to find out if Phil’s weather forecast was correct more times than it was wrong, or vice versa.
Learn about hibernation
Here are some interesting facts. Dormouses (not really mice, FYI) are superhero hibernators and can hibernate for up to 11 months at a time. Wow that’s a long nap. Not surprisingly, the name dormouse comes from the French verb “dormir,” which means “to sleep.” The dormouse is a good example of a true hibernator. Do a little research with your child to determine the characteristics of a true hibernator.
A great resource for teaching children about hibernation is the book What is Hibernation? By John Crossingham.
read books and poems about winter
Cozy up on the couch and discover the many wonders of winter with my family’s favorite book. “Snowy Afternoon” by Alexandra Day, “Snowman” by Raymond Briggs.
End your day with a soothing lyrical note reading poems by Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Frost and more in Barbara Rogasky’s choice book Winter Poems.
feed the birds
Winter is the best time to feed the birds. For birds that do not migrate to warmer southern regions, such as northern cardinals, tufted tits, black rattles, and various woodpeckers, food sources such as insects, seeds, and fruits are scarce or non-existent, and new feeding stations are sought. I’m here.
Decorate your tree to attract birds to your garden. Cut several mini bagels in half, smear them with peanut butter, tuck each into a bowl of bird seed, add a twine loop, and hang them on a tree.
Host the Winter Olympics as a Family
Keep your family active and entertained this winter by hosting your own Winter Olympics.
Who will win the sled race? Pair up and head for the finish line as his sleigh-pulling duo.
Hang a few hula hoops on a clothesline and form teams to see who can make and throw snowballs from the designated hoops.
Did you know that the world’s tallest snowman was made in Austria and was about 125 feet tall? Is your family up for this challenge? Work as a team to build a snowman as tall as Dad, or as tall as one of his in your tree.
Means:
A Snow Tale: The Science of Winter Wonders by Mark Cassino
“Celebrating Groundhog Day: History, Traditions and Activities” by Karen Bush Gibson
“What is Hibernation?” John Crossingham
“Snow Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
“Snowflake Bentley: A Christmas Holiday Book” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Karl’s Snowy Afternoon by Alexandra Day
“Snowman” by Raymond Briggs
“Winter Poems” by Barbara Rogusky