Activity: Snowman Art

Help your child create an original expression of wintertime art by making a snowman from liquid glue.

Materials:

• white liquid school glue
• wax paper
• colored paper or construction paper (small scraps will do)
• large paper clip
• scissors
• small "crazy" craft eyes and tiny buttons; or use hole punch for creating paper snowman eyes and buttons
• small twigs for arms
• ribbon, yarn, or string for neck scarf and for hanging

Directions:
Slowly pour glue into three overlapping circles to create the shape of a snowman. Slide 1/2 of paper clip into top, backside of snowman for hanging. Add paper hat, buttons, eyes, nose, scarf, etc. Allow glue to dry, which may take a couple of days. Lift off of wax paper, string and use as a door hanger, ornament, or necklace.

Talk about It: Ask your child to name the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Then ask your child to share which season a snowman represents. Continue by asking your child to think of a symbol for the other three seasons. Possible answers: spring- flowers or kites; summer- sun or swimming gear; fall- leaves or a school house. Finish by talking about other ways glue could be used to create other seasonal images.

Take it Further: Find a wintry day to stay cozy indoors and enjoy time with your child. Encourage your child to express how he/she truly feels about winter, snow, cold and spending time indoors on blustery days with someone special. Then use these tummy- warming foods to whip up a wintry day treat to enjoy together with a good Clifford book, coloring printable (available on this Web site) cartoon, or movie:

• hot chocolate with marshmallows
• cheese toast
• soup with crackers
• warm apple juice or cider with cinnamon sticks

With a Group: Have children identify commonly worn seasonal clothes and accessories by sharing pictures of people dressed for summer and winter. Discuss why people wear each type of clothing and accessory during each season. Divide group into two teams: summer and winter. Give each group a box with both summer and winter clothing and accessories. The goal will be for each group to dress a member of their team as quickly as they can in their assigned season's dress. Use these suggestions below to fill boxes with seasonal clothes and accessories:

• Summer- shorts, bathing suit, towel, fins, dive mask, hat, beach bag, fan, sunglasses, sandals, tank top, umbrella, beach ball, pail and shovel
• Winter- sweater, pants, socks, boots, toboggan, earmuffs, gloves, scarf, coat, sunglasses, goggles, and sunscreen