Here in Michigan, we are now onto week 3 of living inside of the Polar Vortex. Today marks the 9th snow day of the year for most of our students, temperatures dip to -20 degrees with the windchill, and we have set a record for the snowiest January in Michigan history. As frustrating and disruptive as the weather has been already, we have tried to let go of the things that are outside of our control and make the most of it. Since it is too cold to actually go OUTSIDE and enjoy the snow, we have found as many things to celebrate the weather on the INSIDE.
1. Snowman Paintings
Using paint always makes me a little nervous as it is often a catalyst for large messes, but after covering every surface in butcher paper, we were ready to paint!
First, students painted their background using blue and purple watercolors. We set them aside to try. While they were drying, we decorated our snowmen. Artists had the option to use a pre-made outline, or design one entirely on their own. Once the snowpeople were cut out, we used Sharpie markers to paint a horizon or background scene on our watercolor, glued the main characters on, and threw in a little glitter for good measure! They turned out beautifully :)
2. Paper Snowflakes and Mini-lesson
If you made it through elementary school, chances are you have made a paper snowflake, or a whole blizzard of them. The fact that you're not introducing new material doesn't take away from a child's excitement as they unfold the paper they have carefully snipped for 20 minutes to reveal an intricate snowflake. To extend the learning here, we shared some video clips to the students on both weather and snow.
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| Hanging up our creations in the hallway |
Here are a few good findings from the internet:
Every paper snowflake template imaginable
http://www.papersnowflakes.com/
BrainPOP: Free video about snowflakes
http://www.brainpop.com/science/weather/snowflakes/
Wax Resist Snowflake Paintings
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/lesson-plans-grades-3-5/62295-watercolor-painting-winter-snowflake-and-snow-globe/
Typically, we don't allow the children to eat unhealthy treats in the Learning Lab, but once in awhile we indulge. The inspiration for these cookies was passed along to me and we can't wait to try them on our "Fun Friday".
Ingredients:
1 tube sugar cookie dough
1 bag large marshmallows
2 containers white frosting (or you could make royal icing)
Assorted colored frosting in tubes
Steps:
1.Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface until it is 1/4 inch thick.
2. Using a glass or biscuit cutter, cut out round cookies about 3 inches in diameter. Bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet according to package instructions.
3. Once cookies have cooled, spread frosting over the entire surface.
4. Spray a microwave-safe plate with non-stick spray and rest marshmallows on top. Microwave marshmallows for 10-15 seconds. Watch closely, you don't want them to double in size!
5. Push marshmallow into frosting. Decorate with assorted frostings to create your perfect snowman. Yum!
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