Winter in PKA

We might not reach the lowest temperatures here in the south but we still get a few chilly days. We've been exploring winter themes and materials during these colder winter days.

Our winter sensory bin is full of white materials and animals that live in cold places like polar bears and moose. We also have wintry sensory bottles filled with icy blue materials of varying weight.

For manipulatives we've made a fun and engaging in-and-out game using tissue boxes, empty wipe containers and play snowflakes. Wipe containers with the pop top provide an excellent challenge for little hands as they figure out how to open and close the two lids.

It's important to try our best to stay healthy during the winter months, and sometimes we need to go to the doctor. With our play set of doctor scrubs and tools, the children can become familiarized with the different instruments and feel empowered when they are the ones doing the examining.

 As is so important at this age, we have been engaging in many sensory and art activities. We've painted blue over winter trees; we've made a new bulletin board by painting white and sprinkling glitter; we've made our own version of snowflakes by gluing recycled CD covers and Pringles lids; we've explored ice blocks in a sensory table with ocean animals; we've painted abstract snowman art; we've scooped, sprinkled and poured salt snow; and we've painted ice! Whew! That was a lot of winter activities.

Each of these activities strengthens little hand muscles and eye-hand coordination. Exposing children to different textures and temperatures builds brain cell connections and helps children acclimate to the world around them.