| Parent Resources Page 2
- Fill spray bottles w/ food coloring, water--kids "spray paint' the snow.
- Freeze water mixed with food coloring in ice cube trays or Dixie cups. Throw frozen "jewels" outside into snow for kids to find.
- Maintain a bird bath, bird feeders--feeders that adhere to windows are great fun to observe. Spread Crisco on a large pinecone then press birdseed into it--hang on tree branch.
- Make a bird book--have school-age child use a digital camera to photograph birds and create a book of neighborhood birds.
- Collect or photograph insects. Use guides to identify and label bugs.
- Allow kids to take imaginative "props" outside--dress-up clothes, dolls, toy cars and trucks, stuffed or plastic animals etc.
- Give child an old paintbrush and a bucket of water and have them "paint" the house, shed, sidewalk or swing set.
- Utilize sandboxes, kites, wagons, bikes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk.
- Keep a "wonder bowl"--find a large, clear container to place on the counter to display "treasures" children find outdoors.
- Make a feely box or bag--place natural items in a container, such as bones, cones, feathers, rocks etc, and have child identify by touch.
- Purchase natural clay (available at Michael's). Make pinch, coil or slab pots. Make imprints in clay with shells, rocks, plants.
- Bark rubbings--hold paper against tree and rub with crayons.
- Press flowers, leaves--place between layers of waxed or news paper and place under heavy weight for several days. Make notecards or placemat--glue pressed plants onto heavy construction paper then cover with clear contact paper on both sides.
- Match Cards--glue items such as rocks, shells, ferns, sticks etc. onto two heavy cardboard squares for a tactile matching activity.
- Nature Mobile--hang shells, feathers, bark, leaves from a birch branch using twine.
- Sun Catchers--place colorful leaves and crayon shavings between layers of waxed paper. Place old cloth or towel over then iron until crayon is melted. Let cool. Trim edges. Hang in window.
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